Air New Zealand’s safety videos sure know how to make a statement and the Kiwi carrier’s new 2020 safety video released today is no different, cleverly highlighting the impact of New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis.
It follows the story of a young girl who transports a lost takahē to his new home with help from Air New Zealand and the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The clip, which you can check out for yourself below, builds on Air New Zealand’s eight-year partnership with DOC.
Under the partnership, the airline has transported more than 3,200 threatened species to safe havens, funded pest traps across 38,000 hectares of the country, and supported marine science and research within New Zealand’s marine reserves.
Rising star Lily Roebuck is supported in the role of Janey by DOC Threatened Species Ambassador Nicola Toki, DOC ranger Jerry Henry-Finch, Air New Zealand crew members Danielle Griffioen, Henry McIntyre, Shelly Pretorius and Jordan Young, children of Air New Zealand employees, and a CGI takahē named Mr T.
New Zealand’s landscapes are also a feature of the video, with the Murchison Mountains in Fiordland, Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Waikato all making an appearance.
Air New Zealand’s General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams said the newest video was “a charming story with a serious message behind it”.
“While it’s lighthearted on the surface, it conveys a really important message – our native birds need our help. Our safety videos have collectively generated more than 180 million views over the past decade, so what better medium to shine a spotlight on New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis”.
Air New Zealand’s General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi William
Department of Conservation Threatened Species Ambassador Nicola Toki said right now is a globally significant time when it comes to New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis.
“The reality is, a huge number of our species are on the fast track to extinction,” she said.
“We’ve already lost 50 species of birds since humans arrived in New Zealand, and each year up to 25 million native birds are killed by introduced predators”.
“Protecting our native taonga is a massive challenge, but one all Kiwis and businesses can be part of, by doing things like purchasing backyard traps and getting behind their local community groups”.
A Journey to Safety will be rolled out across Air New Zealand’s international and domestic fleet from today.