Air New Zealand Announces Chef Josh Emett as Newest Culinary Ambassador

Air New Zealand has announced that celebrated New Zealand Chef Josh Emett has been appointed as the airlines new Culinary Ambassador.  Chef Emett is the only New Zealand chef to have collected Michelin stars across three different restaurants.

Air New Zealand's New Culinary Ambassador, Chef Josh Emett - Courtesy Air New Zealand

On Sunday (May 17, 2026), Air New Zealand announced that celebrated New Zealander, Chef Josh Emett, one of the country’s most recognized chefs and restaurateurs, has been appointed their new Culinary Ambassador.  Chef Emett is the only New Zealand chef to have collected Michelin stars across three different restaurants in London, New York,

and Los Angeles in his time with Gordon Ramsay.  In his new role, Emett will focus on showcasing New Zealand produce, hospitality and elevated cuisine across the Air New Zealand premium dining experience.

In Sunday’s announcement, Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Jeremy O'Brien, said,

“As New Zealand's national airline, we’re proud to represent the very best of New Zealand every time someone steps onboard.  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.”  

Also commenting on his new role as Air New Zealand’s Culinary Ambassador, Chef Emett, said,

“This is about taking what New Zealand does best out into the world.  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.  There’s a lot to consider when creating dishes that are to be enjoyed in the skies. 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.

“You’ll see bolder flavours in the dishes, whether it's the richness of a Pinot braised chicken or the intensity of a miso dressing.  It’s about making sure every dish delivers, even at 35,000ft.  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.”

Chef Emett is known for his classic and refined cookery and combining these techniques with ingredients that define New Zealand's food culture.  As part of the new partnership, he will design a selection of signature dishes to feature alongside Air New Zealand’s existing onboard menu across Premium Economy, Business Premier and Business Premier Luxe, on all long-haul flights out of Auckland and select flights from North America.

Starting October 2026, customers traveling in Air New Zealand’s premium cabins will have the opportunity to indulge in Emett’s new menu items while at 35,000 feet, with every dish showcasing the ingredients that make New Zealand food so special.  Dishes will include lamb rump, smoked aubergine, spring peas, harissa, labneh and rosemary, seared Fiordland wild venison, golden kumara chutney, kawakawa spiced beetroot, toasted pinenuts, and alpine salmon, saffron and chilli creamed sweetcorn, green beans, pickled karengo. 

A Selection of Air New Zealand Premium Guest Dishes by the Airline's New Culinary Ambassador, Chef Josh Emett - Courtesy Air New Zealand

The menus will also include familiar flavors with a Kiwi twist, including a whipped vanilla mousse and meringue with kiwifruit compote, Anzac biscuit and basil syrup, bringing a taste of home into the dessert experience.  The new menu items will begin rolling out onboard from October 2026, with more details to be shared in the coming months.

Source: Air New Zealand