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'It's Kiwi': New safety video from Air New Zealand pays homage to RUN-DMC

It’s Kiwi Safety features a cast of 600, including rappers, entertainers and community members
It's Kiwi
Just a few of the 600 cast members from the new Air New Zealand safety video, "It's Kiwi." Photo Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s new homegrown safety video features popular rappers, actors and community groups.

The safety video is backed by the soundtrack “It’s Kiwi” a remake of the popular RUN-DMC song “It’s Tricky” and “In the Neighbourhood” by Sisters Underground, produced by Josh Fountain of Auckland’s Golden Age Studios.

It’s Kiwi Safety uses a cast of 600, making it the largest scale safety video Air New Zealand has ever produce. The video stars well-known Kiwi actor Julian Dennison, local musicians Kings, Theia and Randa, and talent from 30 community groups across the country, including the Rewa All Stars dance crew from Auckland, surf lifesavers from Dunedin, ice curlers from Maniototo in Central Otago and the Mosgiel Brass Band. 

The safety video was filmed at various New Zealand locations in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Balclutha, Hokitika and Naseby in Central Otago.  It also features a number of Air New Zealand crew members, including cabin crew, pilots, engineers, loaders and airline staff from Dunedin Airport.

Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand general manager of global brand and content marketing, says this new safety video celebrates New Zealanders in a fun and energetic take on the airline’s famous safety videos.

It's Kiwi
Kiwi actor Julian Dennison (r) and rapper Randa star in a new safety video from Air New Zealand. Photo Air New Zealand

“It’s Kiwi Safety is all about celebrating great Kiwi talent, the diverse groups which make up New Zealand, as well as a number of fantastic locations. We know this video will make people proud to be New Zealanders — but will also showcase our unique Kiwi culture to the world,” Williams said in a new release. “We’ve never had so many people in one safety video before or filmed in so many locations. 

It's Kiwi
Singer, songwriter Theia appears in the new Air New Zealand video, "It's Kiwi." Video Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s safety videos have collectively generated more than 157 million views online to date along with significant international media exposure. It’s Kiwi Safety is the 18th safety video where the airline has taken a creative approach.

To celebrate its latest safety video Air New Zealand has also released its November Kia Ora inflight magazine with six different covers to showcase a number of the safety video’s stars. This is the first time in the magazine’s history the monthly publication has been released with six different covers. Air New Zealand offers direct flights from Vancouver, so future travellers will want to pay attention.

sthomas@vancourier.com

@sthomas10