With over half a million YouTube views for its latest quirky Christmas video, Air New Zealand reaps the rewards of a clever campaign in which it pokes a little endearing fun at its own for their “funny” accents. You gotta love the Kiwis.
Puggy banks and magic trucks
Air New Zealand has reaped the benefits of planting its tongue firmly in cheek with a little bit of fun at its country’s native Kiwi accent in this year’s festive season video.
Expressions such as “Puggy banks”, “earplanes” and “magic trucks” have good ol’ Santa and his loyal elves a tad bewildered by requests from New Zealanders in the clever advertisement titled A Very Merry Mistake.
Requests of a “new beard” and “bug screen TV” prompts one of Santa’s befuddled helpers to begin researching the options on a smartphone app before another Scottish elf bursts into Santa’s office in an attempt to stop the rot and find a solution. But it’s only when the cabin crew from Air NZ magically appear to explain the real meaning of the Christmas requests.
In a beautiful gesture, as part of the campaign some of the mistaken toys that the elves clobbered together such as an “earplane” will be given away by the Air New Zealand on social media this month.
“While it’s no secret the Kiwi accent has been misunderstood at times, it’s also a signature part of our service,” Air New Zealand’s Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod said.
“In fact, for many Kiwis, being welcomed onboard an Air New Zealand flight by crew after being offshore for some time makes them feel instantly back at home. We wanted to celebrate the festive season and the Kiwi accent in a humorous and uniquely Air New Zealand way.”