Air New Zealand Celebrates 85 Years with Marlon Williams and Real Employees

FCB Aotearoa's latest campaign for Air New Zealand celebrates the people, communities, and businesses the airline connects, featuring real Air New Zealand employees, including flight attendant Anne-Maree Tait and her daughter, and ground crew legend Jamie Kean, who has been with the airline for nearly 50 years.

Directed by Tom Gould and produced by The Sweetshop, the film centres on a newly recorded rendition of Pōkarekare Ana by celebrated Kiwi musician Marlon Williams, capturing moments from across the country that reflect the warmth, pride and spirit of New Zealanders.

Marlon said being involved carried a sense of deep responsibility and cultural pride.

“I’ve spent countless hours flying on all sorts of different airlines in all sorts of places, and I can genuinely say that getting on an Air New Zealand flight after a long tour is to be halfway home already," he said.

"The song Pōkarekare Ana has long been my favourite waiata ever to come out of this country. I grew up on the Dame Kiri Te Kanawa version of the song in the 90s version of the ad, and it has stayed with me ever since. I’m proud to be part of a continuum that celebrates our journeys in the world and champions the incredible tradition of music made in this place."

Air New Zealand chief customer and digital officer Jeremy O'Brien added that the campaign is a heartfelt expression of the airline's role in the fabric of New Zealand life.

“This campaign brings to life what Air New Zealand is all about," Jeremy said.

"Every day, our people play a part in connecting friends, whānau, businesses and communities, whether across the country or across the world. In our 85th year, we are reminded of the generations of Kiwis who have trusted us to carry them and of the responsibility we hold as the national carrier.

"We wanted to tell that story in a way that feels true to who we are as an airline and as a country.

“Our purpose is to lift Aotearoa and its people, and that purpose is carried out by our own people, who bring skill, care and mana to their work. This campaign is a celebration of that spirit. It shows that we are of New Zealand, for New Zealand, and that everything we do is grounded in serving the people who inspire us.”