Homesick Kiwis Can Now Call a Hotline

With Travel Insurance Direct homesick New Zealanders can now call a hotline (+64-9930-3377), where they are greeted with a joyful New Zealand accent and can hear the familiar sounds of their homeland, writes Jordi Lippe-McGraw for Condé Nast Traveler.

“No doubt you’re having a choice, tumeke [‘too much’ in Māori] time overseas.  But you’ve called us today for a reason: You’re a wee bit homesick,” says the automated voice.

Callers then are “guided through a series of nine options of various sounds meant to evoke fond memories of their homeland,” according to the article.

Examples are the cheering crowd at an All Blacks rugby game, a traditional Māori song or waiata or ketchup being squeezed out of a Watties tomato-shaped bottle.

“New Zealand isn’t the only spot catering to their homesick natives”, writes Lippe-McGraw. Australia has a similar service – also launched by Travel Insurance Direct.

Article Source: Condé Nast Traveler, Jordi Lippe-McGraw, September 14, 2016

Image Source: Pixabay