Snoop Dogg stars with cheeky New Zealand puppet

The puppet is Rico, the furry mascot of Air New Zealand who appears in cheeky internet ads promoting the airline.

Rico has just released his debut single, Hello Sunshine, featuring Snoop and a troupe of scantily-clad dancers.

In one scene, Snoop also wears an All Blacks Adidas rugby shirt. New Zealand hosts the rugby world cup later in the year.

In the video, which can be found on YouTube, Rico flies into LA – courtesy of Air New Zealand, of course – to record the single at Snoop's studio in the backyard of the star's Hollywood mansion, which happens to be filled with bikini-clad babes.

Being led through the property by a pretty blonde, Rico ogles one of the young women's backsides and comments, 'It certainly is a nice backyard.'

Snoop, speaking about the surprising collaboration, said he enjoyed the experience.

He said, 'Meet this guy and you'll understand why I wanted to work with him. He's funny.

'He's a little bit edgy and a little bit naughty, which is a nice change for an industry that is known for having some of the dullest marketing known to mankind.'

A statement issued by Air New Zealand quotes Rico returning the compliment, saying, 'Working with Snoop is a dream come true.'