Media release

14 December 2016

Air New Zealand’s latest safety video takes viewers on a trip through Northland’s most spectacular sights

Air New Zealand has cast an all-star lineup of homegrown talent in its latest safety video, which highlights the tourism jewels in the Northland region of New Zealand.

Inspired by the classic Kiwi road trip, Summer of Safety follows the adventures of Shortland Street’s Jayden Daniels as he travels around Northland’s Bay of Islands and Hokianga encountering a host of friendly locals, famous faces and iconic attractions along the way.

Joining Jayden’s getaway is supermodel Rachel Hunter and actor Joe Naufahu – straight from a fiery stint on Game of Thrones. Stuntwoman Zoe Bell and canine sidekick Blossom the British Bulldog, IndyCar legend Scott Dixon and Olympic bronze-medallist Eliza McCartney also jump on board the light-hearted road trip, which was filmed at ten locations across Northland.

Air New Zealand General Manager of Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams says the video will put the Bay of Islands and the wider Northland region on the wish list for millions worldwide.

“One of our goals at Air New Zealand is to inspire visitors to travel beyond the traditional gateways to discover the warm welcome and breathtaking landscapes on offer in our regional destinations.

“Our safety videos have an impressive global following, collectively attracting more than 100 million views and gaining significant international media exposure. This latest edition is a great opportunity to not only deliver a safety message, but also to showcase the very best of the North to help drive economic benefit for the region.”

Los Angeles based supermodel Rachel Hunter jumped at the chance to come home and star alongside around a hundred locals who worked as extras on the production.

Ms Hunter says - “Filming in the sunny Bay of Islands brought back memories of my childhood – long summer days, family picnics at the beach and of course, the delicious hokey pokey ice cream.

“Air New Zealand’s safety videos are well known internationally and always have a great storyline. One of my favourite moments in this edition is the closing scene where LadyHawke and her band throw a sunset gig for locals at the Opononi Hotel.”

Game of Thrones Dothraki warrior Joe Naufahu says it was exciting to get the call-up for the airline’s safety video, and getting to spend time in Hokianga was a bonus.

“I join the road trip in Hokianga and travel down to check out New Zealand’s largest living Kauri tree Tane Mahuta in the Waipoua Forest, before cooling off with a swim at Opononi.

“With dolphins swimming around the set and awe inspiring sights like Tane Mahuta, Northland is certainly a special place to be - and a world away from Westeros.”

Air New Zealand hosted cast members and other stakeholders at a premiere event in the Bay of Islands town of Kerikeri last night where VIPs were treated to a preview of the safety video and an exclusive performance from LadyHawke.

The Bay of Island’s Marketing Group, which invested in the video project to drive awareness of Bay of Islands as a tourism destination, is confident the international attention Air New Zealand’s safety videos attract will help drive economic benefit for the region.

Bay of Islands Marketing Group Chair Charles Parker says - “Being able to showcase the best of our region to millions around the world is a huge opportunity. We look forward to welcoming even more Kiwi and international visitors to come and experience the North for themselves.”

Chief Executive Officer of Northland Inc Dr David Wilson says the video brings the region’s distinctive history and landscapes to life and is sure to boost visitation.

“Placing Bay of Islands and the wider Northland region on a global stage, we expect the video to be a hugely influential marketing tool, with far-reaching benefit for local communities and businesses.”

Air New Zealand’s new safety video can be viewed here and will be rolled out across its fleet from today.

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