Air New Zealand's head is defending splashing out on a new safety video, as airfares rise.

Kiwi NBA player Steven Adams features in the airline's first safety video in two years, alongside cameos by other notable Kiwis.

Chief executive Greg Foran says this is a worthwhile investment.

"It's an important part of the brand, it's a bit like the mangōpare on the tail or the uniforms - and we're doing a new one and you'll see them next year."

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