It's often said New Zealand peak in the year before the World Cup, but this year it looks as though they've got the timing exactly right, in the social media stakes at least. Forbes magazine on-line recently noted: 'Successful social media campaigns require creativity and a clear message and they need to make a splash at the right time.' The Kiwis have got their timing right with the Bledisloe this weekend and the World Cup around the corner. Here are some of the best offerings, writes Robby Nimmo
It's hard enough to get people to pay attention to in-flight safety videos before take-off, but by using the All Blacks to help demonstrate, Air New Zealand has people watching them in thousands of living rooms around the world. The 'Crazy About Rugby' videos show the All Blacks going through their paces on board, and are a bug hut (big hit) for their typical droll New Zealand sense of humour. Subtitles will help those struggling with the Kiwi accent as broad as Brad Thorn's shoulders.
Some say this NZ Sky Rugby Channel ad is derivative of a television ad featuring Roger Federer's 'William Tell' trick shot or a series of NRL clips that did the rounds. If the All Blacks really do have ball skills this incredible, the Wallabies are in for a rough ride.
Australians sometimes say New Zealanders are 'the Scottish of the South Pacific' when it comes to parting with hard-earned cash. So there's no need to explain why this website is attracting attention with the chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars in sharing the best of New Zealand with the world.