Air NZ video divides nation
It’s that time of year again – a new Air New Zealand safety video, so you better change that toothbrush of yours.
The 18th epic safety briefing since 2009, It’s Kiwi Safety is the national carrier’s biggest one yet, with a cast of more than 600.
Julian Dennison stars with local musicians Kings, Theia and Randa – and, as usual, the latest video is dividing the nation.
One of the main criticisms – what’s Kiwi about the use of the Run-DMC track It’s Tricky?
‘‘It’s got ‘USA’ written all over it or am I deluded?’’ writes one commentator on Stuff’s Facebook page. ‘‘How can culturally appropriating an African American music genre, hip hop, be kiwi as?’’ asks ‘Skep Tickle’.
‘ElJorge’ goes one step further: ‘‘I hope RunDMC sue them for this abomination!’’
The use of rap music, in particular, is proving divisive.
‘‘Smart, fast paced, snappy, great as a music video but as a safety video? Terrible! Persons with a good grasp of English will be able to follow it, but what about those people who English is their 2nd language? A safety video needs to be clear, concise and to the point, unfortunately this video is not any of those,’’ writes ‘Heres2cents’.
While the song may not be originally Kiwi, Air New Zealand says it has been adapted for the local audience.
‘‘The soundtrack It’s Kiwi has entirely bespoke lyrics. Performed by Kiwi artists Kings and Randa, and also features In the
Neighbourhood by New Zealand duo Sisters Underground performed by New Zealand artist Theia. The track was produced by Josh Fountain of Auckland’s Golden Age Studios.’’
‘Bobbi01’ writes: ‘‘Whilst these videos are entertaining to view the first time, for a frequent flier they are agony!’’
But it is not all one-way traffic. At one stage more than 2500 people had voted in a Stuff poll with 43 per cent branding it ‘‘one of the best’’, 29 per cent thought it was ‘‘OK’’ and 28 per cent calling it ‘‘terrible’’.