Air New Zealand : All Blacks’ Captain signs on as Air New Zealand ambassador

The announcement has been made as Read attends the three day Air New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship in Wellington which involves 20 Rippa Rugby teams from primary schools around the country.

Read has worked with the airline previously, including starring in its 2015 safety video Men in Black Safety Defenders, taking part in promotional shoots and interacting with young Rippa Rugby players at Poneke Rugby Club in Wellington yesterday.

'I'm proud to partner with our unique Kiwi airline and be involved with a company that has some special brand values which really resonate with me. I look forward to working more closely with Air New Zealand in the coming years,' says Read.

Air New Zealand has been a sponsor of the All Blacks for more than two decades and also counts Head Coach Steve Hansen and former All Blacks' Captain Richie McCaw as ambassadors for its brand.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the airline is proud to work with outstanding New Zealand athletes such as Kieran Read.

'We are dedicated to supporting our national rugby team led by Kieran and flying the All Blacks to take on the world, particularly this year as they prepare for the 2016 Investec Rugby Championship and End of Year Tour which will include a historic match against the Irish in Chicago. We are putting on a special Fan Flight to Chicago to get rugby enthusiasts to the match.

'We are also proud to support community rugby by sponsoring the Air New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship and helping develop the next generation of All Blacks legends and it's been great to see Kieran cheering on these young rugby players,' says Mr Luxon.

The Air New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship in Wellington wraps up today with the grand final taking place this afternoon.

Ends

Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 21 747 320