Showcasing the beauty of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, a video produced by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) is being shared across the world.
So far Papatūānuku is breathing has received more than 397,000 views on Facebook and 7,600 shares within only five days of being released. The video is also being translated into other languages by viewers, demonstrating its large reach.
Created by ATEED staff, the two-minute video reflects the Auckland region’s unique Māori culture while using existing Auckland footage. It also features a voiceover from 11 year old Manawanui Maniapoto Mills recorded at home in Muriwai and is complemented by haunting taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instrumental sounds) by Moana and the Moahunters.
The sounds include a putaatara (opening conch shell sound), the purerehua (wind sound), the kōauau (Māori flute sound) and native bird sounds were provided by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.
Viewed over half a million times, across multiple platforms, the scenic video has generated more engagements on ATEED’s Vistit Auckland Facebook page than ever before. It is also their highest performing video on the Visit Auckland Youtube channel.
ATEED’s general manager destination, Steve Armitage, says the video was created for people to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and stillness of the Auckland region.
“While people are unable to visit our region at the moment, all of Auckland’s wonderful experiences will be waiting for the world when the time is right.
“We hope the video is encouraging for Kiwis entering their third week of lockdown. The message is positive and calming, presenting through an entirely different lens the sacrifice people are making to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We hope this video provides a real boost to our communities and beyond.”
Inspired by showcase videos from around the world that have been created during the cover-19 crisis, ATEED wanted to create a video that was special to Auckland.
“We are proud of the positive feedback that we have received about our video. That will provide us with inspiration as we move more purposefully alongside our tourism industry towards recovery,” says Armitage.
“We are grateful to all those who collaborated with us on this very special project and gifted us the use of their material.”
Auckland mayor Phil Goff says the video showcases the best of Auckland’s beautiful natural environment.
“As we all play our part in the fight against COVID-19 by staying home and staying local, Papatūānuku is breathing is a heartening glimpse of what we have to look forward to when the lockdown is lifted and a showcase of what our city has to offer,” says Goff.
