Air New Zealand has brought Samoan culture and colours to the exterior of its Apia office in a newly painted mural by local artist Jessie-Rae Costello.

The local artist painted the mural on Sunday last weekend with the design featuring vibrant Samoan florals and bright colours, bringing a Pacific feel to the airline’s Samoan base.

In a statement released by the airline on Thursday, Air New Zealand Country Manager for Samoa, Karen Gatt says the mural showcases Air New Zealand’s connection and commitment to Samoa.

“We’re proud to work with amazing local talent like Jessie-Rae to demonstrate our strong ties to Samoa and its people. The mural looks incredible and breathes life and vibrance into our local office," Ms. Gatt said. 

 “In a nod to Aotearoa New Zealand and Air New Zealand’s identity, Jessie-Rae has hidden Tui – a bird native to Aotearoa – within the mural. We encourage locals to visit the mural to see if they can spot the Tui, famous for its iridescent blue-green sheen and white throat tufts.”

The mural comes as Air New Zealand completes the refurbishment of its Apia office, with a new exterior and visuals in its windows that showcase Samoan places and people.

Ms. Costello said it was a privilege to work on the mural and bring Air Zealand’s connection to Samoa to life through art.

 “It was an honour to be asked to create this artwork to showcase Samoan culture and colours on the building. I always find inspiration from the beauty in the nature that surrounds us here in Samoa and it was amazing to bring our culture to life in this mural.”

 The unveiling of the new mural in the airline's Apia office coincides with a new sale by Air New Zealand on fares between Apia and Auckland.

 The sale began on Thursday and ends next Wednesday 31 May 2023. It only applies to selected fares from 1 August 2023 to 28 February 2024 with the fares starting from SAT$580 a seat one-way.

Ms Gatt said the new fare was made to celebrate the country's independence day celebrations which start this weekend and continue next week. 

“To celebrate the upcoming Samoan Independence Day, we’re offering reduced rates on our Apia to Auckland route," said the Country Manager for Samoa. "With great fares, we expect seats will be snapped up fast, so recommend customers get in quick if they want to make the most of reduced fares."