Kiwi musicians, including Goldenhorse (pictured), The Electric Confectionaires and Shapeshifter, will entertain passengers at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airport domestic departure lounges over the next two weeks, celebrating Air New Zealand's move to 100% NZ music. The performances will mark the introduction of Kiwi music videos onboard Air New Zealand's fleet of 14 domestic 737 aircraft and new sound systems playing Kiwi music in gate lounges and airbridges.Kiwi musicians, including Goldenhorse (pictured), The Electric Confectionaires and Shapeshifter, will entertain passengers at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airport domestic departure lounges over the next two weeks, celebrating Air New Zealand's move to 100% NZ music. The performances will mark the introduction of Kiwi music videos onboard Air New Zealand's fleet of 14 domestic 737 aircraft and new sound systems playing Kiwi music in gate lounges and airbridges.Air New Zealand passengers will be counting the beat to live gigs from a line-up of iconic and up-and-coming New Zealand musicians such as Dave Dobbyn, Tiki, Ladi6 and Parks, Opshop and PDiggs this Thursday and Friday at Auckland and Christchurch domestic airports. The artists will be performing intimate concerts in the departure gates, with the spotlight then turning to Wellington on Friday 21 December.

Bruce Parton, Air New Zealand Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines, says Air New Zealand is committed to showcasing New Zealand creativity both domestically and internationally.

"We've made a long-term commitment to New Zealand music that we hope will ultimately help the music industry to grow. By playing 100% Kiwi music on our domestic jets, we are exposing New Zealand music to a new audience including overseas visitors to our country."

Cath Andersen, CEO of the New Zealand Music Commission, says "It's fantastic to see our national carrier become a true flagship for New Zealand culture through our music".

"By throwing its weight behind our local music industry, Air New Zealand is ensuring that many more great New Zealand songs are heard by fellow Kiwis and international visitors alike."

The music videos will be played onboard during boarding and prior to departure. Air New Zealand has also installed speaker systems in the departure lounges and air bridges at Auckland and Christchurch domestic terminals with plans to expand further. The video and audio play lists feature up to 50 tracks which will be refreshed and added to over time.

12/12/07