Air New Zealand is hiring a chief ice cream taster

Will you be Air NZ's new chief ice cream taster?

Air New Zealand has announced a sweet gig for ice cream lovers.

Joining forces with Nelson-based Appleby Farms, the national carrier is seeking three Kiwis to fill the unpaid promotional role of chief ice cream tasters.

The chosen trio will be flown to Nelson for taste-testing for one day, providing the airline with essential feedback that will help it decide on its limited-edition flavour that will be served onboard from December.

“Ice cream is one of those simple pleasures that brings people together,” Air NZ chief commercial officer Jeremy O’Brien says.

“Partnering with Appleby Farms means we can share the very best of locally made ice cream with the world - adding fun, flavour and a little summer magic to every journey.”

Appleby Farms chief executive Peter Findlay said the partnership was a “perfect match”.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Air New Zealand to take a taste of Nelson to the skies. This partnership is about celebrating Kiwi craft and giving travellers around the world a genuine taste of Aotearoa,” Findlay said.

“We can’t wait to see which flavour New Zealanders think deserves to go global.”

While all ages can apply, it is not an offer of employment.

A footnote from the job ad reads: “Promotional activity only — participation in the Chief Ice Cream Taster tasting day is a one-off promotional activity and does not involve the performance of work or services. This is not an offer of employment with Air New Zealand or Appleby Farms."

Among its requirements, the Air NZ release stated applicants are expected to have a “lifelong love affair with ice cream” and “exceptional cone-centration skills and proven ability to stay chilled under pressure”.

Ice cream enthusiasts can apply via the Air NZ Careers page before September 21.

It’s not the first time a company operating in New Zealand has launched food-tasting promotions to assist with product feedback.

Last March, KFC advertised for a Wicked Wings taste-tester. Auckland foodie Nicola Chan secured the role out of 900 hopefuls, tasked with assessing the flavour, crunch, freshness and spice of the product across the city.