Air New Zealand's new safety video: Airline pitches New Zealand as world's eighth wonder

Air New Zealand has teamed up with Tourism New Zealand to launch a new, very domestic orientated safety video.

Called Aotearoa, the 8th Wonder of the World, the video is intended to help support the domestic tourism industry. It shows representatives from various parts of the country arguing why their region should be a world wonder, as well as the usual safety briefing.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said the video has been made with the effects of a tourism industry ravaged by Covid-19 in mind.

"Around 30 per cent of people flying on our domestic network are usually visitors from overseas. In the absence of international visitors, the safety video is a unique way to stimulate further local demand, benefiting local tourism operators, the New Zealand economy and Air New Zealand employees," said Geraghty.

Tourism New Zealand Director Commercial René de Monchy said it is "another way we are encouraging Kiwis to do something new, by showcasing the amazing range of experiences on offer in Aotearoa".

The airline does say that the video has "a lot smaller budget this year".

The safety videos have been a bit hit-and-miss over the years. The It's Kiwi Safety rap video starring a host of Kiwis including Julian Dennison and Kings came in for a particularly bruising beating. "Rapping" by Israel Dagg alongside Stan Walker in the 1995 Men in Black video also divided opinion, as did Cuba Gooding Jr and Katie Holmes looking down on New Zealand from the heavens.

However, the Lord of the Rings safety briefing and Rachel Hunter's trip around Northland were more warmly greeted.