Air New Zealand has announced the first recipients of its Dream Seats programme, which helps New Zealanders chase big ambitions – from sports and music to business and diplomacy.
Launched in July, the programme drew over 8,000 applications nationwide. More than 100 winners will receive flights to support their goals, and a select few will also get mentoring from well-known New Zealanders including two-time Olympic gold medallist Dame Valerie Adams, golfer Ryan Fox, rugby league star Shaun Johnson, chef Josh Emett, financial educator Simran Kaur, and comedian Tom Sainsbury.
Each mentor was tasked with picking two recipients – a challenge that proved harder than expected.
“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!”
One of Fox’s mentees is golfer Keenan Membery, who aims 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 also struggled to narrow down her picks.
“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.”
Among her mentees is Kendra Scally-Tui, a standout sprinter from Mt Albert Grammar who holds several national age-group records. She is aiming for gold in the 100m and 200m 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 response to Dream Seats shows just how many New Zealanders are pushing themselves to achieve remarkable things.
“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,” says Foran. “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.”
Foran says more winners will be announced soon.
“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.”
Meet a few of the Dreamers:
Georgia Fyfe – Set to represent New Zealand at the UN headquarters in New York as part of an internship. The first in her whānau to attend university, Georgia studied International Relations and Law at Victoria University of Wellington and has been active in student organisations and immigration law.
Kate Ricketts – Founder of ISpy Nits, a glow-in-the-dark powder that helps parents find and remove head lice eggs. Her Dream Seat will take her to the US to meet with the Lice Removal Network and researchers to explore distribution opportunities.
James Steyn – Pole vaulter aiming to break the New Zealand record and qualify for the Commonwealth Games next year, with plans to coach the next generation.
Cleo Fitzgerald – At just 11 years old, Cleo won the Junior Overall title at the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards. She will perform at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in Australia with the help of her Dream Seat.
Applications for Dream Seats remain open, with more winners to be announced later this year.
