Ashley Bloomfield, Chris Hipkins star in new 'party light system' summer COVID-19 remix

Dr Ashley Bloomfield and Chris Hipkins are used to being the authority on all things COVID-19, but their latest announcement is a little different to their standard 1pm press conference.

The pair have starred in a new 'party light system' summer music video - produced by Unite Against COVID-19 and set to heavy electronic music - in an attempt to remind Kiwis that 'mask, scan, pass' is the formula to a successful summer.

The remix and accompanying video is jam-packed with advice on how to navigate summer safely and how best to protect others.

"Kia ora koutou katoa, this summer remember masks, scan QR codes, have your vaccine pass on hand, turn bluetooth on, isolate if you are sick, get a test, make a plan," the Director-General of Health says, speaking over a backdrop of air horns.

"Red light, green light, orange light, party light system," he continues. "Get ready for the summer ahead: mask, scan, pass."

Moments later, it's the COVID-19 Response Minister's time to shine.

"They need to get outside and spread their legs," he says - a repeat of his faux pas from a few months ago that won him quote of the year.

Some of the highlights of the minute-long music video.
Some of the highlights of the minute-long music video. Photo credit: Unite Against COVID-19

The remix is the second such song produced to remind Kiwis how to behave over the summer period.

Last year, Dr Bloomfield appeared on the big screen at Rhythm and Vines with his COVID-19 messaging around washing hands and staying safe blared to an audience of thousands as part of a remix played at the event.

Video of the remix and Bloomfield's 'performance' went viral online, with some festival goers saying it was the highlight of their night.