Avcol Orchestra features in new All Blacks campaign
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
When producers for a new All Blacks television campaign were looking for something special, they turned to Avondale College – and our talented orchestra rose to the occasion.
Eighteen orchestra students and Ms Linda Filimoehala, conductor of the Avondale College Symphony Orchestra, spent four hours filming on the College rugby field on a chilly Saturday night as part of Our Home, Our Team, a new promotional advert created by New Zealand Rugby and Sky. The one-minute campaign premiered ahead of the first All Blacks v France Test of the 2026 season and is now featured on the All Blacks website.
The opportunity came after the production team approached Avondale College seeking musicians for a unique scene. Director of Music Ms Vanessa Hewitt immediately recognised it as an incredible opportunity for students and jumped at the chance to be involved.
It was also a fitting role for Ms Filimoehala, who is currently developing her conducting career through the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's mentorship programme.
The filming created a dramatic atmosphere. Students, dressed in Adidas tracksuits, performed to the campaign's pre-recorded orchestral soundtrack in near darkness, illuminated by carefully placed lamps. A drone carrying a light flew overhead while smoke machines added a cinematic effect across the field.
One of the most striking creative elements involved projections cast directly onto the instruments. Images celebrating New Zealand and the All Blacks appeared across drums, cymbals and other instruments, creating stunning visual moments. In one scene, projections were displayed on the bass drum, blending music, movement and imagery in a powerful way.
Despite the late-night shoot and multiple takes, our students were outstanding throughout. They embraced the experience with enthusiasm and professionalism, showing patience, focus and energy across four hours of filming.
There was also a fitting symbolism in the occasion. With Avondale College's colours proudly black and white, our students found themselves helping bring to life a campaign celebrating New Zealand's most iconic team in black. As the orchestra performed beneath the lights, surrounded by images of Aotearoa and the All Blacks, it was a moment where school pride and national pride came together.
Narrated by acclaimed actor Temuera Morrison, Our Home, Our Team celebrates the traditions and emotions that unite New Zealanders on game day. The advert moves between scenes from homes, communities and stadiums across the country, reflecting the campaign's central message: "Every nation has a rhythm – a pulse that lives beneath the surface. You hear it in the power of the haka, in voices rising from city streets and rural heartlands. Different rituals, same devotion."
For our orchestra students, seeing their performance become part of this nationwide story was an unforgettable experience. From performing under the lights on the College rugby field to appearing in a campaign celebrating what brings New Zealanders together, it was a unique opportunity and a moment they will remember for years to come.
Watch the full 60 second ad on the All Blacks homepage here: 'Our Home, Our Team' celebrates the game day feeling that unites New Zealand
or view the 30 second version below:
