Talent takes off: Air New Zealand announces first Dream Seats recipients

Launched in July, Dream Seats is Air New Zealand's commitment to help New Zealanders with a dream in mind to take the next step toward reaching their goals. The call for Kiwi with big dreams sparked a phenomenal response with over 8000 applications received from across the country.

More than 100 successful recipients will receive flights to support their dream, while a further lucky few will also receive personalised mentoring from a line-up of Kiwi greats. Mentors include two-time Olympic gold medallist Dame Valerie Adams, golfing legend Ryan Fox, league superstar Shaun Johnson, celebrity chef Josh Emett, financial educator Simran Kaur, and comedian Tom Sainsbury. Each was tasked with the near-impossible job of selecting just two dreamers from thousands of inspiring applicants. 

"I was blown away by the calibre of entrants," says Ryan Fox. "The talent in our country is unreal. It made picking just two impossible, which is why I've ended up mentoring three!" 

Among those three is golfer Keenan Membery, whose dream is to become the world's number one disabled golfer and a leading ambassador for disability golf in New Zealand. 

"Being mentored by one of my idols and selected for a Dream Seat will hopefully be the start of a journey that will not only make a huge difference in my life but anybody with a disability. I know there are many others like me out there that are struggling with a disability and even if I can inspire one person and change their life then I will be happy."

Dame Valerie Adams says she was also spoilt for choice. "There were so many athletes chasing big dreams, like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. I know what it feels like to have a goal that seems bigger than you – but with the right support, anything is possible. That's why I'm so passionate about mentoring." 

One of her mentees, Kendra Scally-Tui, is a standout sprinter from Mt Albert Grammar who holds multiple national age-group records. She has her sights set on winning both the 100m and 200m races at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Los Angeles next year. 

"Being chosen for a Dream Seat means more than I can put into words. Affording travel to competitions in New Zealand and overseas has always been a challenge. This support means I can compete in Los Angeles at the U20 World Athletics Championships – a dream come true. Representing my country on the world stage and competing against the best, while also being mentored by Dame Valerie Adams, makes it even more special."

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran says the calibre and passion of Dream Seats applicants has been nothing short of inspiring. 

"We already know that New Zealand has no shortage of incredible talent, and this has absolutely been confirmed by the sheer magnitude of amazing applications that have come through Dream Seats. From aspiring Olympians to future diplomats, our people are doing remarkable things, and we're delighted to play a small part in helping them get to where they need to be." 

With more winners still to be revealed, Foran says this is only the beginning. 

"As New Zealand's national carrier, it's our privilege and responsibility to back the people of Aotearoa. Living at the bottom of the world has never stopped Kiwi from dreaming big, and now, more than ever, it's our role to help those dreams take flight. 

Whether it's track and field in Los Angeles, a stage in Sydney, or a summit in Christchurch, we're proud to stand behind the people who are going places. Because when New Zealanders take flight, the pride of the nation goes with them." 

Meet a few of our Dreamers 

Georgia Fyfe 
Georgia's dream is to represent Aotearoa on the world stage as a diplomat at the United Nations. She has secured an internship representing New Zealand at the UN headquarters in New York – the next step toward that vision. The first in her whānau to attend university, Georgia studied International Relations and Law at Victoria University of Wellington. She has volunteered across student organisations and worked as a law clerk at an immigration firm, supporting people from all over the world. Her Dream Seats journey is about more than flights – it's about flying toward a future where New Zealand voices are heard in the places that shape global change. 

Kate Ricketts
Kate is the founder of ISpy Nits, a science-led, glow-in-the-dark powder that helps parents identify and remove head lice eggs, turning a common parenting nightmare into something simple, effective, and even a little fun. Her Dream Seats journey takes her to the USA, where she'll meet with the Lice Removal Network and lice research academics at Florida Atlantic University to explore distribution opportunities. It's a bold step in taking Kiwi innovation global – with the goal of bringing back the world's best knowledge to help kids here and everywhere. 

James Steyn
James Steyn's dream is to represent Aotearoa on the world stage in pole vaulting, beginning with the Commonwealth Games next year. On the way he hopes to break the New Zealand record of 5.51m, having already cleared 5.50m. Beyond that, his goal is to coach rangatahi to go even further.

James has been training for pole vault for half his life. In recent years he has travelled the world, learning from some of the best coaches in this technically demanding sport. His hard work is beginning to pay off, and he is ready to fly.

Cleo Fitzgerald
At just 11 years old, Cleo Fitzgerald is already making her mark on the New Zealand music scene. In 2025, she won the Junior Overall title at the Golden Guitar Awards in Gore, her very first time entering the competition. As part of her prize, Cleo has been invited to perform in the New Zealand showcase at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Cleo's Dream Seat will help her get there.

Dream Seats is still open, and Air New Zealand is encouraging more Kiwi with big ambitions to step forward. Successful applicants will join a growing community of dreamers taking their talents to new heights and showing the world just how far Kiwi can fly.

Apply today www.dreamseats.co.nz