As New Zealand reopens to the world, Araraurangi Air New Zealand has launched a new safety video, and this time it’s the story of the Tiaki Promise. A promise that encourages both New Zealanders and international visitors to care for “our place, our culture and our people.”
The beautiful story of the new safety video follows Tiaki, a young man who boards a waka rererangi (flying canoe) and sets off on an adventure across Aotearoa.
With the help of Air New Zealand and Julie (a character that embodies the rest of New Zealand), he visits four Māori guardians including Papatūānuku (the land), Tangaroa (sea), Tāne Mahuta (forest) and Ranginui (sky).
Along the way, he seeks advice from these guardians on how better to look after them.
Air New Zealand General Manager Brand and Marketing Jeremy O’Brien says as people start to return to Aotearoa, this safety video is an invitation to them to act as guardians while they’re here.
“We want tourism to build back better than it was before and part of that is to share with our visitors a sense of kaitiaki – to encourage them to act like guardians of our country.
“Our safety videos are world-renowned and through them, we have an opportunity to educate and inspire ourselves, our customers and Aotearoa on the importance of Tiaki and everything it stands for. It’s about being good hosts, and good visitors.
“I’d like to thank Pou Tikanga and storyteller, Joe Harawira, New Zealand Māori Tourism and the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute for guiding us, right from concept to the building of the waka, and the cultural formalities we followed throughout. The collaborative effort has helped us share this story and the principles of Tiaki authentically.”
The airline says it worked closely with the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute to design the waka and its carvings.
From there it was taken to the various filming locations and flown on wires to create realistic shadows and textures for post-production.
It was the cutting-edge LED stage screens, like those used in The Mandalorian TV series, that helped to bring the legends of Māori culture to life, and create a seamless shift from the real world to the fantastical.
The Tiaki Promise
In 2018, Air New Zealand, along with six other organisations, created the Tiaki Promise – and this safety video builds on the work already at play with the Promise.
Tiaki means to care and protect. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving the country.
While travelling in New Zealand I will:
- Care for land, sea and nature. Treading lightly and leaving no trace.
- Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all.
- Respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind.
Tiaki and the Guardian’s safety video will be rolled out across Air New Zealand’s international and domestic fleet from Monday, 9 May 2022.
For more information head to www.airnewzealand.com.au