Got a dream? Air New Zealand launches national search for New Zealand's big dreamers

Air New Zealand is backing the passion, drive, and ambition of New Zealanders with the launch of Dream Seats, a nationwide search designed to help Kiwi take the next step toward their dream.  

Launching today, Dream Seats will kick off with an initial commitment of giving over 100 New Zealanders the opportunity to move closer to achieving their dreams, by giving them flights to support their journey. Within Aotearoa or around the world, Air New Zealand aims to bring big ambitions closer to reality.   

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran says dreaming big is part of Kiwi DNA and the airline wants to help some of these dreams take off.   

"At Air New Zealand, we've always believed in the potential of New Zealanders to make a positive impact both at home in Aotearoa and globally. Dream Seats is an extension of that belief, a way for us to support those who are already striving and just need that extra lift to take their dream further.  

"Whether it's sport, business, science or the arts, Aotearoa is full of remarkable people doing incredible things. We're proud to play a small part in helping more of them go further. This is not a one-off campaign, it's part of our enduring commitment to champion Kiwi success, here at home and on the global stage."  

To help bring those dreams to life, high-profile Kiwi have joined the search including:  

·         Ryan Fox, NZ golfing legend and two-time PGA Tour winner

·         Dame Valerie Adams, two-time Olympic gold medalist  

·         Shaun Johnson, professional rugby league player and podcast host  

·         Josh Emett, chef, and entrepreneur  

·         Simran Kaur, financial educator, and podcast host  

·         Tom Sainsbury, comedian, writer, and performer  

Each ambassador will personally award two Dream Seats to standout applicants and provide mentoring to support their journey forward.   

"I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London and a dream of making it in the food world," says Josh Emett. "I worked in some of the toughest kitchens and eventually earned a place in Gordon Ramsay's team. I know how powerful it is when someone backs your potential and now, I want to do the same for another Kiwi. I'll be looking for someone who's already put in the work and just needs that extra push to go further."   

Air New Zealand is also proud to have the support of NBA star Steven Adams, whose impact on and off the court continues to inspire New Zealanders to dream big.

Applications are now open at dreamseats.co.nz, where New Zealanders can share their story and explain how a Dream Seat could help them build momentum toward something bigger.  

"This isn't about granting wishes," adds Foran. "It's about backing New Zealanders who are already doing the hard work and helping them take the next step, not just in their journey, but in their lives."  

Air New Zealand is encouraging Kiwi from Cape Rēinga to Bluff to put themselves forward. Because every great journey starts with a single step, and this could be yours.  

Ambassador Quotes:

"Representing New Zealand on the world stage has been one of the great honours of my life, whether it's at the Olympics, on the PGA Tour, or walking up the first fairway at Augusta. It took years of hard work, a lot of travel, and time away from my family to get there. I had an incredible support system, and I still do, and that makes all the difference. That's why Dream Seats means a lot to me." Ryan Fox

"Some of the biggest moments in my career have come overseas, representing the Kiwis and testing myself against the best. But it all started here at home, playing for the Warriors, grinding through the early days, and having people who believed in me before the spotlight found me. Travel has opened doors for me, but it was the support behind the scenes that got me on the plane. That's what Dream Seats is all about. I want to help someone who's already doing the work and just needs that boost to get where they're meant to be." Shaun Johnson 

"Sports has brought me to countless places around the globe, from grand Olympic stadiums to local tracks, and everything in between. Travel was an integral part of my journey. It involved early morning flights, long layovers, missed celebrations, and time spent away from home. Yet, it also opened doors to new opportunities. Sometimes, a single flight has the power to transform everything."  Dame Valerie Adams