Air New Zealand seeks back of Kiwis' heads for new marketing medium

Air New Zealand is set to significantly improve the domestic check-in experience at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch domestic airports – and the airline is launching a new advertising medium to help tell the country about it.

In a unique move, the airline is seeking bald Kiwi heads to carry a head-back message communicating that changes are coming soon to the Air New Zealand domestic check-in experience.

Air New Zealand will soon introduce a simplified check-in experience to get travellers through the airport faster, commencing with Auckland domestic airport in late October, followed by Christchurch and Wellington domestic airports.

Air New Zealand’s General Manager Marketing Steve Bayliss says, “Check-in queues have become a fact of life that travellers begrudgingly accept. You end up staring at the back of people’s heads, waiting for the line to move forward.

“So how better to tell our customers that Air New Zealand is going to do something about it at our three main domestic airports, than through messaging they can read while they’re standing in a queue themselves?

“We’re launching a promotion to find guys and girls who want to put their hands up to be ‘cranial billboards’ in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch – people who are willing to give us the back of their heads for two weeks to help tell our customers about the great new airport developments coming soon.”

Those selected will be shaved on the spot and the back of their heads branded with a temporary tattoo that will be visible for approximately two weeks.

The temporary message will alert people to the changes and direct them to learn more at www.changingthewayyoufly.co.nz. Each ‘Cranial Billboard’ winner will receive $1,000 cash for their efforts.

All Cranial Billboard casting calls are open to the public as well as those registering for selection as a Cranial Billboard. In addition to a free BBQ and refreshments, top Kiwi band Elemeno P will entertain the crowd in all three centres, with C4 star and comedian Dai Henwood as MC for the Christchurch casting call, and TV3’s Brooke Howard Smith as MC at the Wellington and Auckland events.

Casting calls will be held at:

· Victoria Square, Christchurch, Tuesday 16 September, 12-2pm
· Frank Kitts Park, Wellington, Wednesday 17 September, 12-2pm
· Aotea Square, Auckland, Thursday 18 September, 12-2pm

Interested applicants can find out more about the Cranial Billboards casting calls at www.changingthewayyoufly.co.nz.