Join Araraurangi (Air New Zealand) in the waka rererangi for a Matariki journey
Leading on from the Tiaki and the Guardians Safety Video launched earlier this year, Pou Tikanga, Pou Pūrākau (cultural leader, storyteller) Joe Harawira takes attendees through the story of Matariki.
Air New Zealand Senior Cultural Development Manager Jahmaine Cummings-Hodge is excited to take people on the journey using the Magic Leap headsets that integrate the real world into the virtual.
"Attendees will board the waka rererangi (canoe in the sky) to visit the Guardians Tanē Mahuta (forest), Tangaroa (sea), Papatūānuku (land), and Ranginui (sky) to experience the Matariki story, all without moving an inch.
"A full 3D virtual version of Joe has been created which appears in the experience at human scale. We have also replicated the carved waka in its entirety digitally using similar techniques, mimicking intricate carvings and textures."
The virtual version of Joe and the waka was created using iClone technology, combining facial motion capture, photogrammetry and scanning techniques. Magic Leap's technology then layers digital objects onto the real world so that light enters the eye as it would with a real object. This means users can see detail up close and mind-blowing scale from afar.
Cummings-Hodge says it's important for the airline to continue to support te ao Māori and champion the use of te reo Māori.
"As the national carrier, Air New Zealand has a responsibility to demonstrate an authentic and holistic support of Māori culture.
"We're proud to continue our te ao Māori journey and build on the great activity already underway. From the te reo option on check-in kiosks and inflight entertainment, through to the launch of the te reo Māori app for employees and the public, we want to help New Zealanders and the world learn more about Māori culture and support use of the language."
The Air New Zealand Matariki mixed reality experience will be live in Canterbury Museum 18-19 June and at Te Puia in Rotorua from 22 June.
Ends
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Twitter: @AirNZMedia
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 19,000 daily flights to more than 1,250 airports in 195 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.
For more information please visit Air New Zealand and Star Alliance and/or follow Star Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn or Instagram.
Star Alliance Press Office: Tel: +49 69 96375 183 or email: mediarelations@staralliance.com