Air New Zealand's New Uniforms Celebrate Māori Heritage and Culture

Image: A group of Air New Zealand crew in the airline's new uniforms (Photo Credit: Courtesy Air New Zealand)

by Jessica Puckett
Last updated: 2:40 PM ET, Thu April 10, 2025

Air New Zealand is launching new uniforms for all of its crew around the world, and the new designs incorporate elements of Māori heritage.

The design details—including custom prints that draw from Māori traditions and bold colors—are meant to showcase the culture of Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand.

The striking new uniforms were conceptualized by New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead and feature custom hand-painted prints created by Te Rangitu Netana, an artist who focuses on tā moko, the traditional Māori practice of tattooing. “The patterns on this uniform are a reflection of the land, the sea, and the connections that bind us all as Kiwi,” Netana said.

One key garment in the new collection is a shirt called “The Collective Thread,” that can be worn by any crew member and is adorned in purapura whetū patterns inspired by the stars Māori people once used for navigation. The collection’s dress sports a kōwhai print that was inspired by the Māori story Ngatoro-i-Rangi and is meant to symbolize protection, responsibility, and belonging.

Notably, the collection includes a traditional Ie Faitaga, which is a Māori wraparound garment usually worn by men that is similar to a Scottish kilt. The new Ie Faitaga will be trialed by the airline’s Pasifika crew members.

“For us, this is more than just a uniform; it is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values,” said the airline’s CEO Greg Foran. “Air New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. As an airline, we are all about being bold, celebrating what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. This new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for–a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of pride and belonging.”

In addition to their intricate appearance, the uniforms were designed to “prioritize functionality,” the airline said. After an initial test period in May 2025, the uniforms will roll out to the airline’s network in 2026 and be donned by more than 6,000 of Air New Zealand’s crew around the world, including pilots, flight attendants, and ground personnel.

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