A second television commercial as part of Air New Zealand's new multi-million dollar Australian marketing campaign hits screens this week, with the airline's front-man, Peter FitzSimons tackling the sights and attractions of cosmopolitan New Zealand.
Air New Zealand commenced it's 'Everything you love about New Zealand' campaign last month with television and print advertising initially focusing on New Zealand's amazing natural beauty and famous outdoor activities.
The campaign has been created specifically for Australian audiences and utilises traditional trans-Tasman rivalry with FitzSimons in an iconic Aussie larrikin role.
Air New Zealand General Manager Australia, Michael Reed said the new commercial, which was shot in Auckland, offers the same trans-Tasman tongue-in-cheek humour which has worked so effectively thus far.
"We've had a great response to the campaign since we launched the first television commercial in September and our research shows it is performing well against the targets we set particularly in the areas of brand awareness and preference," he said.
"It's had excellent cut through with our target market and is already delivering improved consumer preference for Air New Zealand which we're seeing through sales increases directly linked to the campaign.
"The second commercial injects a bit more humour and rivalry into the mix, with a focus on the social and cultural aspect of the destination. It also uses Peter's strong association with rugby union in both countries."
The new commercial opens with Peter FitzSimons making a bold statement that if he can be shown one good thing about New Zealand he'll support the All Blacks.
Along the same lines as the first commercial he then tries to dampen the cosmopolitan attractions of New Zealand while unwittingly promoting them before being caught out by admitting the best thing is the trip home - on the national carrier. The end shot offers a rare glimpse of the former Wallaby player decked in an All Blacks beanie and scarf as he disembarks from the plane.
The commercial also continues to use Air New Zealand's trademark 'Koru' logo on the New Zealand landscape this time using maxi yachts to carve the 'Koru' mark in Auckland Harbour.
The 'Air New Zealand - Everything you love about New Zealand' campaign was created with leading ad agency Clemenger BBDO and the commercials were shot by Australian 2004 Academy Award Winner (Cinematography for Master & Commander) Russell Boyd and directed by James Holt who's recent work include commercials for Visa, Guinness and Nokia.
The new television commercial will feature on major stations nationally and can be viewed on the Air New Zealand website.
