It’s game on for safety, with Houston basketball star and Kiwi icon Steven Adams teaming up with Air New Zealand for its latest safety video, now airing on inflight entertainment screens around the world.
Air New Zealand’s 23rd safety video, Every Point Counts, features a star-studded cast of Kiwi talent. With Adams taking the lead role, the video also features cameos from other notable Kiwis, including: international TikTok star Theo Shakes; a special cameo from Steven’s sister and Olympic track & field legend, Valerie Adams; comedian Tom Sainsbury taking on double duty as both coach and referee; and sports broadcaster Andrew Mulligan on commentary.
In the video, Adams takes on a group of Kiwi kids in a friendly basketball game, with tension growing as it comes down to the wire on the court.
Adams says it was an honor to star in Air New Zealand’s safety video, and he enjoyed the opportunity to do it alongside some very special whānau (meaning “family” in New Zealand’s native language, Māori).
“It was awesome to be part of a project that involved young people and the community,” said Adams. “It was fun to have Val in the video too. As a younger brother, at first, I was like ‘man get out of my video!’ but it’s cool to do a family collab – it was a special moment.”
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran says the airline is always on the ball when it comes to safety and its latest video aims to be both informative and entertaining.