Air New Zealand's once again under political fire, this time from opposite sides of the House.

New Zealand First primary industry spokesperson. Mark Patterson says the airline's promotion of a meat-free burger to business class passengers is tone-deaf to the rural community.

READ MORE: Tasting the Impossible Burger

He's not suggesting the airline should replace the vegetarian option with meat.

"Should be using that platform as a national carrier to showcasing the best of our produce, including our red meat and including our fruit and vegetables."

And National's Nathan Guy is on the same page.

The former Minister for Primary Industries has tweeted this country produces the most delicious steaks and lamb on the planet.

He says the national carrier should be pushing our premium products and helping sell New Zealand to the world.

Disappointing to see Air NZ promoting a GE substitute meat burger on its flights to the USA. We produce the most delicious steaks & lamb on the planet - GMO & hormone free. The national carrier should be pushing our premium products and helping sell NZ to the world. — Nathan Guy (@NathanGuyOtaki) July 3, 2018



Patterson thinks it's entirely appropriate for him to comment on the airline's decisions, even after Shane Jones was slapped on the wrist by Jacinda Ardern following his comments on its management.

"That's our role to speak out. They need to justify themselves as 53 per cent public owned, and we are here to be the voice of the public."