A stunning video that captures the beauty and stillness of Auckland, New Zealand is being shared across the world. Produced by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) while New Zealand is in lockdown to tackle COVID-19, “Papatūānuku is breathing” has resonated with New Zealanders and the global community – so much so that the video has been translated into French and Spanish by two inspired viewers.
The two-minute video was made by ATEED staff with a goal of creating a connection and a message that reflects the region’s uniquely Māori culture while using existing Auckland footage.
The voiceover was recorded at home by 11-year-old Manawanui Maniapoto Mills in Muriwai, on Auckland’s rugged west coast, and features haunting taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instrumental sounds) by Moana and the Moahunters.
This includes the putaatara (opening conch shell sound), the purerehua (wind sound) and the kōauau (Māori flute sound at the end).
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation provided the native bird sounds.
On YouTube alone, the video has already been viewed over 300,000 times across different platforms.