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Home / New Zealand

Christmas video goes viral

NZ Herald
21 Dec, 2015 11:58 PM3 mins to read

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When 6-year-old Archie was worried about Santa not knowing he had moved countries his father set about making sure he wouldn't miss out.

When 6-year-old Archie was worried about Santa not knowing he had moved countries his father set about making sure he wouldn't miss out.

A touch of Christmas magic is proving a viral hit for Air New Zealand.

A young boy's wish to help Santa find his new home in the South Island has racked up more than a million views across the globe on social media.

The latest heart-warming advertising campaign, a "Very Kiwi Christmas", features 6-year-old Archie, who has just shifted from Australia to Queensberry, about an hour north of Wanaka. His mum reassures him "Daddy might come up with something".

"Something" is a spectacular lights display in a freshly ploughed paddock on the banks of the Clutha River.

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Using technical and cabin crew from Air New Zealand, hundreds of tiny electric bulbs are laid on a freshly ploughed paddock with an enormous message, "Santa stop here", and an arrow pointing to the house.

From a ridge-top vantage point a shocked Archie is treated to a display beyond his wildest dreams.

Since being released last Wednesday, the video has attracted more than 3000 comments, 30,000 shares and 34,000 likes on Facebook, attracting a new comment, share or like on the airline's Facebook page every minute.

Those from the boy's home town of Broome have shared and posted it on Facebook in their thousands. And it's even had support from the farming family's new Otago neighbours.

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"Wow guys, that certainly put 'Queensberry' on the map!! These guys are our newest neighbours and we love them!! Such a fantastic ad. I cried!! Well done!!! Archie your [sic] a star! And Sam -- you were perfect in front of the camera!! Xxxx See you soon for drinks!" posted Jennie Hall.

It's his first Christmas at his new home and as the big day draws near he's worried he'll miss out on a visit from Santa.

As he wraps presents, his father, Nick, asks him how sad he will be if Santa did not make it this Christmas.

"I'd probably cry for about 12 days," says the little chap.

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Air New Zealand's head of global brand development, Jodi Williams, says the video has been created for the Australian market to encourage expats and Australian holidaymakers to experience the beauty of New Zealand in summer.

"Christmas for us at Air New Zealand is all about spreading a little bit of magic and joy over the holidays. This 'Meanwhile in New Zealand' episode feels extra special for Australians, by featuring a family which has returned from living in Western Australia."

Archie's mum, Sam Davidson, said her son's new-found fame had him "buzzing".

"Archie is very excited," she says. "We didn't know what to expect but the response has been overwhelming and Archie is stoked about all of the attention.

"Our phones started going crazy the day the video was released and they haven't stopped since. We've received lots of messages from friends and family, including many in Broome as well as from people we haven't heard from for a while, which is nice at this time of year.

"It's been pretty magical for Archie in the lead-up to Christmas and he is now pretty confident Santa is going to find him this year."

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Archie said it was "cool" to be an internet star and has since been recognised by one person on the street.

As for what Archie will be getting for Christmas, he has asked for a goldfish, but of course only Santa knows.

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