The New Zealand tourist board is seeking to reconnect with friends around the world to share a reflection on what is important in life, as early signs of recovery begin to emerge for the island nation.

Despite borders remaining closed to international visitors for now, the team behind New Zealand’s tourism efforts felt it was an appropriate time to share a message of reflection, hope and aroha [love] as they begin to recover and look forward to welcoming visitors again in the future when safe to do so.

A new video, above, reinforces deeply important values embedded in the New Zealand way of life from its unique Māori culture.

Values such as kaitiakitanga [protecting and caring for people and place], manaaki manuhiri [welcoming and looking after all visitors] and whanaungatanga [treating others like family] are implicit in the storytelling.

“A forced pause can be cause for reflection on what’s most important to all of us,” said Tourism New Zealand director marketing, Brodie Reid.

“With barely a place on earth untouched by the global pandemic, its far-reaching negative impact is devastating and undeniable.

“Yet in times of crisis, there lies opportunity. A time to pause, reflect and repurpose both ourselves and the world we live in.

“As old ways break down under pressure, new ways can break through or we can simply be reminded of what has always mattered.

“For us, these values are not a new belief system or a new way of living,” said Reid.

“But it feels like they are more important than ever right now.”