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Hero image for Don't Leave Town Till You've Seen the Country

Don't Leave Town Till You've Seen the Country

Commercial (Full Length) – 1984

This classic ad was produced after the fourth Labour Government came into power in 1984, and immediately devalued New Zealand's currency by 20 percent to avoid a run on the dollar. The NZ Tourist Board wanted to encourage Kiwis to spend their money at home. The ad's catchphrase quickly caught on. An enthused Kiwi on his OE (Philip Laing) meets people overseas who all seem to know more about his country than him. Director Owen Hughes writes about making the advert in this backgrounder. Advertising agency Colenso was also behind another classic commercial — the Dear John cassette tape ad.

Hey, they say they've got over 350 islands in them Bay of Islands...
– A cab driver in New York (Harold Kissin) waxes lyrical about Northland

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for Owen Hughes

Owen Hughes

Director

Profile image for Harold Kissin

Harold Kissin

As: Taxi driver

Generic Profile image for Philip Laing

Philip Laing

As: Kiwi traveller

Generic Profile image for Nikki Lovrich

Nikki Lovrich

As: French waitress

Profile image for Keith Lambert

Keith Lambert

Cinematographer

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