Zespri and Dame Lisa Carrington encourage Kiwis to find their own “flow” in new campaign
Zespri has launched a powerful new campaign titled “Flow”, fronted by world champion canoe sprinter, nine-time Olympic medallist and iconic New Zealand athlete, Dame Lisa Carrington.
The cinematic short film, directed by Amber Jones through Fish&Clips + Fanclub, celebrates the athlete’s connection to nature, resilience, and rhythm – values that mirror Zespri’s own commitment to growing kiwifruit in harmony with the land. The film marks the beginning of a four-year global partnership between Carrington and Zespri, positioning her as the kiwifruit brand’s first-ever global ambassador.
Zespri has announced a four-year global partnership with Dame Lisa. The partnership highlights Zespri’s commitment to health, quality, and excellence -values Dame Lisa has exemplified throughout her record-breaking kayaking career – with a focus on inspiring individuals to stay focused on their health and wellbeing, through the goodness of Zespri Kiwifruit.
To launch the partnership, Zespri has released a cinematic short film inspired by the concept of “Flow” – a state of alignment between purpose, nature’s rhythm, and performance. It offers a rare glimpse into how Dame Lisa draws on nature, discipline, and resilience to fuel herself both on and off the water, while reflecting Zespri’s philosophy of growing kiwifruit in harmony with nature’s flow.
The collaboration unites two Kiwi icons deeply connected to the Bay of Plenty, the birthplace of Dame Lisa and the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, which produces around 80% of the country’s kiwifruit1. The collaboration will spotlight Dame Lisa and Zespri’s shared passion for helping others thrive through good nutrition, healthy habits, and building a legacy of positive impact that goes beyond individual achievements.
More than just a shared origin, the partnership represents a union of purpose and drive. As one of the most decorated athletes in canoe sprint history, Dame Lisa remains focused on upcoming major international competitions, grounded in the flow that guides her training and mindset. At the same time, Zespri is committed to working with nature’s flow to make more nutritious kiwifruit accessible worldwide. By expanding its global footprint, now reaching over 100 million households2, Zespri aims to help people thrive through better nutrition and natural goodness.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Dame Lisa Carrington,” says Jiunn Shih, Zespri Chief Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability Officer. “Her discipline, consistency, and drive for progress perfectly mirror our approach to growing and marketing great-tasting, high-quality Zespri Kiwifruit. Together, we look forward to connecting with a broader audience of sports and wellness enthusiasts, as well as inspiring people everywhere to prioritise good health and nutrition as they find their own flow.”
Says Dame Lisa: “I’m incredibly proud to partner with Zespri. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to champion New Zealand kiwifruit on a global stage. Good nutrition is a key part of my performance, just as it’s central to Zespri’s mission. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
The 90-second cinematic film offers an intimate look at how Dame Lisa finds her flow, beyond her athletic achievements, revealing the quiet strengths and habits that power her from within. Her journey is a reminder that sustainable success is built on small, consistent choices: good food, good habits, and energy that carries us forward. Together, Zespri and Dame Lisa hope to inspire people to discover their own flow and build everyday habits that fuel a life of nutrition, purpose, and progress.
The film explores how Dame Lisa and Zespri each harness nature’s flow. For Dame Lisa, flow is both literal and personal – she moves with nature, finding her rhythm through intentional, consistent training. Similarly, Zespri draws on nature’s rhythm and New Zealand’s fertile soils to grow nutrient-dense kiwifruit with care, dedication, and purpose, a philosophy that has helped it become the number one fruit brand across its 15 core markets³.
The launch will also feature a campaign microsite with the full cinematic film, episodic videos, and a series of blog articles deep diving into Dame Lisa’s values and what nutrition means to her.
Client: Zespri International
Head of Global Brand Development: Nikos Patiniotakis
Global Brand Development Manager: Tracy Ho
Strategic Comms Specialist: Nina Yusman
Grower Relations: Brad Ririnui & Sylvia Warren
Talent: Dame Lisa Carrington
Agent: Sprocket / Emma Matuschka
Grower: Sterling Ratema “Puke”
Coach boat: Gary Walker
Production Co: Fish&Clips + Fanclub
Director/Photographer: Amber Jones
Producer & Stills EP: Fleur Swarbrick
EP Motion: Sam Attenborough
Managing Director & EP: James Moore
Script writer: Ian Sweeney
Director’s Assistant.: Ollie van Lent
DOP: Devan Narsai
1AC: Ethan James
2AC: Jonas Tawharu
Stills Digi Assist & BTS: Will Scown
Production Manager: Nicky Simes
1AD pre-shoot: Jonny Moffatt
Gaffer/Grip: Karl Saunders
Best Boy prep: Jono Drew
Drone: Echo Valley, Simon Murtagh, Ben Howard
WR stylist: Kristen Seth
HMU: Kyra Rousselle
PR announcement Stills: Karen Ishiguro
PR announcement HMU: Virginia Carde
Post Production: MandyVFX
Offline Editor Longform: Nathan Pickles
Offline Edits Cutdowns: Tim Mauger
Grade: Matic Prusnik
Grade: Mike Carpenter
Online: Anita Ward
Audio: Franklin Road Music & Sound
Music Composition: Tom Young