Zombie Researchers Crown One NZ's Satellite Network World's Most Zombie-Resilient

This week, One New Zealand has accepted a rather bizarre endorsement from the US-based Zombie Research Society. The cultural and academic organisation believes One NZ now has the ‘most zombie-resilient’ network in the world.

It’s all thanks to the launch of One NZ Satellite, which allows TXT messages to be sent via a network of satellites in space rather than relying on terrestrial cell towers.

To mark the occasion, One NZ has released a humorous post-apocalyptic piece of social content, fronted by actor Cliff Curtis.

The Zombie Research Society is a research group that studies disaster management through an apocalyptic lens, and while an undead uprising is unlikely, its endorsement does underscore that New Zealand is now better prepared for when the next disaster strikes.

Launched late last year, One NZ Satellite allows customers with an eligible One NZ phone and plan to send and receive TXTs when they are outside of traditional cell-tower coverage, wherever they can see the sky.

Matt Mogk, founder of the Zombie Research Society, said, “Due to its remote operation from space, rather than a terrestrial network of cell-towers on the ground, One NZ Satellite has more capacity to withstand damage and maintain connection in a disaster…or zombie apocalypse."

The creative is championed by an 80-second film shot in the Waitākere region. It follows New Zealand-born Hollywood actor Cliff Curtis, familiar with surviving an apocalypse from his role in Fear the Walking Dead, as he treks across a farm and through the bush, fighting off zombies with his mobile phone -- in more ways than one.

Production company The Sweetshop and director Tom Sainsbury brought the concept to life in collaboration with lead agency Special PR.

The hero film is accompanied by two 30-second executions, each targeting businesses in the agricultural and transportation sectors, which have employees that often find themselves in the middle of nowhere and without coverage.

One NZ head of brand and loyalty, Susannah Winger, said, “We’re proud to deliver a more resilient mobile network for our customers with One NZ Satellite. This is a service that allows Kiwi to stay connected, whether in the middle of nowhere or when faced with disaster -- which includes preparing for a zombie apocalypse!”

Special PR New Zealand managing director Kelly Grindle said, “While I hope the undead don’t start rising anytime soon, the campaign speaks to a deeper truth: resilience in communication matters. Whether you’re on the farm, off the grid or facing a zombie outbreak, One NZ has your back.”