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Air New Zealand’s nationwide Dream Seats search has uncovered extraordinary homegrown talent, from aspiring Olympians to future stars of the stage and budding entrepreneurs.
Launched in July, Dream Seats is Air New Zealand’s commitment to help New Zealanders with a dream in mind take the next step toward achieving their goals. The call sparked a phenomenal response, with more than 8000 applications received from across the country.
More than 100 successful recipients will receive flights to support their dream, while a select group will also benefit from personalised mentoring by well-known New Zealanders.
Mentors include two-time Olympic gold medallist Dame Valerie Adams, golfer Ryan Fox, rugby league player Shaun Johnson, chef Josh Emett, financial educator Simran Kaur and comedian Tom Sainsbury.
“I was blown away by the calibre of entrants,” says Ryan. “The talent in our country is unreal. It made picking just two impossible, which is why I’ve ended up mentoring three.”
Among his mentees is golfer Keenan Membery, whose dream is to become the world’s number one disabled golfer and a leading advocate 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 makes a huge difference in my life and for others with a disability,” says Keenan.
Dame Valerie says she also found it difficult to choose. “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 is Kendra Scally-Tui, a sprinter from Mt Albert Grammar who holds multiple national age-group records. She has her sights set on winning 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,” says Kendra. “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, while being mentored by Dame Valerie Adams, makes it even more special.”
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran says the calibre and passion of applicants has been inspiring.
“We already know New Zealand has no shortage of incredible talent, and this has been confirmed by the sheer magnitude of applications that came 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.”
Greg says more winners will be revealed. “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 it’s our role to help those dreams take flight.”
Meet a few of the dreamers
Georgia Fyfe
Georgia’s dream is to represent New Zealand on the world stage as a diplomat at the United Nations. She has secured an internship at 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 and has volunteered and worked in roles supporting people from around the world.
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. Her Dream Seats journey takes her to the USA, where she will meet with the Lice Removal Network and lice research academics at Florida Atlantic University to explore distribution opportunities.
James Steyn
James’s dream is to represent New Zealand in pole vaulting at the Commonwealth Games. He has already cleared 5.50m, close to the national record of 5.51m, and aims to go further while also coaching young athletes.
Cleo Fitzgerald
At just 11, Cleo is making her mark on New Zealand’s music scene. In 2025 she won the Junior Overall title at the Golden Guitar Awards in Gore. She has been invited to perform at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, with her Dream Seat helping her get there.
Dream Seats is still open, and Air New Zealand is encouraging more Kiwi with big ambitions to apply.
