Only way is up for balloons with view

Andre Dromgool says Skyview balloons are one of very few outdoor audio-visual devices not affected by wet weather. Photo / Richard Robinson

A new high-tech marketing tool has hit New Zealand.

Skyview balloons suspend video screens in mid-air and can run display advertising or a live video feed on a 62-inch digital screen.

They can come in various shapes and sizes, such as cars, and rugby and soccer balls.

Andre Dromgool of Baton, which sells, rents and leases the balloons, said many companies, including Auckland City Council, had shown an interest in using the orbs during the Rugby World Cup.

The balloons are imported and owned by Innovative-Markets New Zealand, and can be hired for hours, days or even months at a time.

Innovative-Markets New Zealand owner Simon Butcher said another company had been operating the balloons in the United States for about five years, and had great success.

"I think [the balloons] are going to have a huge presence in New Zealand," he said.

Dromgool said the balloons were one of the few audio visual options not affected by rain, although high winds could be an issue.

"But it's got to be really gusty," he said.

Dromgool said a balloon was used at a Katchafire and Opensouls concert at Matakana two weeks ago, to display a live video feed of the performance.

"It went fantastically well," said Dromgool.

"The owners have a bar and food area about 300m away from the stage ... and they sold a lot more food, basically because you could see the concert [on the balloon] from the bar."