Launch of Ka Rere – Air New Zealand's Diverse Supplier Accelerator Programme
Ka Rere is a 12-week diverse supplier accelerator programme focused on increasing Air New Zealand's engagement with local Māori-owned and Pasifika-owned businesses as well as businesses who operate as social enterprises.
Over the 12 weeks, the airline will work with three diverse businesses to prepare them for future tenders with Air New Zealand.
The programme provides an opportunity for participants to access a range of skills, knowledge, and experience within Air New Zealand to support their growth ambitions and build their capabilities.
Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says that the Ka Rere programme is a way for the airline to help Kiwi businesses that are typically underrepresented in its supply chain.
"Air New Zealand plays a critical role in New Zealand's economy, connecting New Zealanders to each other and New Zealand to the world every day. Supporting smaller and diverse New Zealand suppliers is another way we can contribute to the country's prosperity" Ms. Hannifin says.
Air New Zealand has an extensive supply chain made up of nearly 5,000 suppliers.
These suppliers range from the likes of those who supply aircraft parts, complete construction projects, clean lounges, sell products on the AirpointsTM Store, to small New Zealand businesses providing snacks and drinks onboard.
Hannifin says there are many advantages to increasing the diversity of the airline's supplier base.
"Like many companies over the past couple of years, Air New Zealand has experienced significant difficulties in its supply chain following the impact of COVID-19. Inclusive procurement processes will widen our pool of suppliers, as well as supporting greater innovation, diversification, and resilience.
There are also broader social benefits, such as supporting economic opportunities for smaller, diverse businesses that help their communities thrive"
Air New Zealand is seeking applications for the inaugural 12-week diverse supplier accelerator programme from Māori, Pasifika or social enterprise businesses that have not previously had a contract with Air New Zealand.
Of particular interest are applicants with goods or services designed to make a positive and sustainable impact on Aotearoa.
Air New Zealand is working with intermediaries Amotai, Whāriki, and the Ākina Foundation throughout the Ka Rere programme to ensure that it delivers meaningful results for the businesses involved.
ENDS
Notes for editors
- In FY24, Air New Zealand committed to:
- Double its annual spend with diverse suppliers to $24 million and
- Double its total number of diverse suppliers to at least 50 by 30 June 2024
- The Ka Rere Diverse Supplier Accelerator Programme will offer support and resources during the 12-week mentoring opportunity including:
- Developing a tailored mentoring strategy identifying how best to use the time together to support the business and build their capability to potentially supply Air New Zealand on a contract basis in the future
- Mentorship and support from across Air New Zealand to support them with achieving the strategy above
- $20,000 cash grant to invest in and upscale their business
- Three local diverse businesses who have not previously been contracted suppliers to Air New Zealand will be selected for the mentoring programme
- Entries will be open for applications from 15 January 2024 to 12 February 2024, 5pm.
- Diverse businesses can apply for the 12-week mentoring opportunity by filling out the online form at airnewzealand.co.nz/supplier-diversity
- Diverse businesses/suppliers are currently defined by Air New Zealand as:
- Māori-owned and Pasifika-owned Businesses – businesses with at least 50% ownership by Māori and/or Pasifika people
- Social enterprises – purpose-driven businesses that trade to deliver positive social and environmental outcomes. That means they generate most of their revenue from trade that deliver on a social or environmental mission and reinvest profits back into their mission.
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has 104 operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 7.3 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. Pre-Covid, the airline flew more than 17 million passengers every year, with 3,400 flights per week. Air New Zealand was recently named the World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety. Last year, Air New Zealand won Best Corporate Reputation in New Zealand – 8th year in a row.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the US, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
Air New Zealand is proud to be a member of Star Alliance. The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,500 daily flights to 1,321 airports in 193 countries.