The naked truth

The latest move by Air New Zealand does seem to prove that there are no boundaries in the pursuit of publicity - its staff have stripped off to their birthday suits for a new advert to promote the airline, using the apt slogan, ‘we've got nothing to hide...'

Bare with me here (sorry, couldn't resist that one) - I know it sounds ridiculous but could Air New Zealand be on to something here?

With the budget airlines tacking on added costs daily, from Ryanair's ‘wee fee' - paying to use the toilet on flights - to easyJet's added costs to check in luggage - Air New Zealand's choice to show they have ‘nothing to hide' seems like a winner.

All extras, such as beverages, baggage allowances and other services are already included in the price of its fares.

Pity the poor staff who had to take part in the making of the advert though - Chief Executive Rob Fyfe, along with seven of his brave airline staff, carried out their usual aircraft duties wearing nothing but body paint to make the ad.

Mr Fyfe was subsequently selected New Zealand's sexiest businessman.  

It will be screened in New Zealand to the soundtrack of ‘Under My Skin' by New Zealand songstress, Gin Wigmore. Sadly, those of us here in Blighty will miss out as the ad isn't being screened in the UK- but don't despair- check out the making of the advert on You Tube.

This is just the latest in a long line of stunts by airlines aimed at attracting more media coverage during the economic downturn.

Perhaps the most off the wall one is easyJet's announcement that it could start in-flight weddings. The Luton-based carrier is currently applying for permission from Luton Council for marriages to take place at 30,000 ft, with the service conducted by its pilots.

On a slightly less naked note, there are some signs of recovery in the New Zealand housing market, with demand for property rising...

Estate agent Harcourts said that the number of people returning to the market has increased dramatically, boosted by lower interest rates and more affordable homes.

The number of sales in Christchurch on the South Island appreciated by 75 per cent whilst, in the northern region of New Zealand, which includes Auckland, the rise was 72 per cent.

Harcourts have sold 44 per cent more homes in April, compared to the same month last year and Chief Executive Bryan Thomson believes this upward trend will continue.

"Kiwis have become sick and tired of all the negativity and fed up with putting their lives on hold, so they've decided to be positive, to stop stalling and to take action in the real estate market, said the optimistic Mr Thomson.

Picture by wikipedia