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Air New Zealand has appointed celebrated New Zealand chef Josh Emett as its new culinary ambassador, with plans to further elevate the airline’s premium onboard dining experience using locally sourced ingredients and distinctly Kiwi flavours.
Josh is the only New Zealand chef to have earned Michelin stars across three different restaurants in London, New York and Los Angeles during his time working with Gordon Ramsay.
Focus on New Zealand produce
In the new role, Josh will work alongside Air New Zealand’s culinary teams to develop signature dishes for Premium Economy, Business Premier and Business Premier Luxe customers on long-haul services departing Auckland and selected North American flights.
The new menu items will begin rolling out from October 2026.
Josh says the opportunity to showcase New Zealand produce internationally was a major factor in taking on the role.
“This is about taking what New Zealand does best out into the world,” Josh says.
“I started with the ingredients I love, like New Zealand lamb and venison, and built from there with seasonal vegetables and flavours that travel well at altitude. The result is food that feels elegant, refined and distinctly Kiwi.”
He says creating food for airline service requires careful consideration of how altitude affects taste and texture.
“Lower air pressure, humidity and even background noise change how we experience flavour, so you have to think carefully about how dishes are built, from seasoning through to texture and balance.”
Kiwi flavours onboard
Menu items developed by Josh include seared venison with golden kūmara chutney, kawakawa-spiced beetroot and toasted pine nuts, alongside smoked kahawai mousse with red onion, celery pickle and toasted sourdough.
Dessert options include whipped vanilla mousse and meringue with kiwifruit compote, Anzac biscuit and basil syrup.
Josh says the dishes are designed to reflect New Zealand’s food identity.
“New Zealand ingredients are world class. Onboard an Air New Zealand aircraft is one of the first places people experience our country, so I want these dishes to reflect that – simple, delicious food that lets the produce speak and tells a story about where it comes from.”
Premium travel experience
Air New Zealand chief customer and digital officer Jeremy O’Brien says the partnership is intended to strengthen the airline’s premium customer offering while showcasing regional New Zealand produce.
“As New Zealand’s national airline, we’re proud to represent the very best of New Zealand every time someone steps onboard,” Jeremy says.
“Food is a massive part of that. It can shape how people feel about their journey, and it’s one of the moments we know our customers look forward to most.”
“In Josh, we’ve partnered with a chef who is not only world class, but a true ambassador for New Zealand food. This is about more than a menu. It’s about creating a uniquely Kiwi experience that our customers will remember long after the flight.”
