Friday 12 May, 2017

JK to show pride of Auckland to Lions fans

Rugby legend, mental health campaigner and proud Aucklander Sir John Kirwan is schooling up British and Irish Lions fans, and even Auckland locals, on the diverse experiences the region offers in a series of new campaigns.

In the first video released today, Sir John Kirwan highlights the vast array of tourism experiences Auckland offers, targeting the fans travelling to Auckland for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series which kicks off in Auckland with a game against the Blues at Eden Park on 7 June.

The video will be shared online through All Blacks.com, All Blacks Tours, Lions Rugby Tours, and Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development’s (ATEED) own social channels, which have a combined audience of 4.5 million.

This latest video builds on the success of a recent promotional video ATEED created, featuring All Blacks Charlie Faumuina, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Elliot Dixon promoting Auckland experiences. This video has already been viewed more than 150,000 times and received 2,600 likes with hundreds of positive comments from excited fans.

Kirwan is also working with ATEED on a new domestic marketing campaign which will focus on inspiring Aucklanders to get out and explore the region in spring, as part of the tourism marketing arms’, well-established ‘Visiting Friends and Relatives’ strategy. This campaign will be in market from September.

ATEED Head of Tourism Jason Hill says it’s fantastic to have secured such a well-respected and internationally recognised ambassador for Auckland.

“JK’s rugby pedigree, both in his time playing as an All Black and then his international coaching career, means he will resonate well with the visiting rugby fans.

“This, coupled with the inspirational work he’s done to raise awareness for depression in recent years, means he remains very popular with the New Zealand public and we feel fortunate to now be working with him to promote Auckland.”

Kirwan had his debut as an All Black in 1984, and was part of the Rugby World Cup winning team in 1987. He retired from the All Blacks in 1994 - his 63 tests having brought him 35 tries, which was then the New Zealand record.

He then spent time as a player-coach in Japan, had a stint as a Manager and Assistant Coach with the Blues in the Super 12 competition, before returning to Italy where, in 2002, he became the national team's coach. He later returned to Auckland and worked as head coach of the Blues franchise for three years, resigning in 2015.

“I’m excited to be working with ATEED on promoting Auckland,” says Kirwan. “Being born and raised here means this is an ideal fit with me. I’m incredibly passionate about Auckland.”

View video https://youtu.be/h-lQfHNzNCs

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