Air New Zealand’s Bold New Uniforms Are Anything But Uniform

Air New Zealand has just unveiled its new employee uniforms, over six years after first announcing them. I’ve gotta say, these were worth the wait, as they’re pretty dazzling, if you ask me.

Air New Zealand unveils new uniform collection

Air New Zealand has just released its new uniform collection, which will be worn by 6,000 Air New Zealand employees around the globe. This project was first announced before the start of the pandemic, so it has been a long time coming.

It’s described as “a collection that embodies the airline’s profound sense of pride in Aotearoa and strong cultural heritage.” The collection is designed by Emilia Wickstead, with hand painted prints from tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana.

When I first saw a picture of the entire collection, I thought “oh, these look cool.”

But then when you look at the individual pieces, you really appreciate how much thought went into these uniforms…

Like, how cool are these pinstriped suits for pilots, with a kiwi feather print lining, intended to symbolize leadership and prestige?

Or the le Faitaga, to be worn by Pasifika employees?

Or the wraparound trench, with a purple pinstripe?

Or just the general level of detail in all of these uniforms?

I think these uniforms are really, really well done. New Zealand is a country with such a rich culture, and I think these uniforms do a great job reflecting that.

Here’s how Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran describes the uniforms:

“For us, this is more than just a uniform. It is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values. Air New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. We have a tradition of being bold, showcasing what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. Our new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a deep sense of pride and belonging.”

Here’s how designer Emilia Wickstead describes the uniforms:

“Designing the Air New Zealand uniform has been an incredibly personal project for me. At the heart of it was a deep respect for the heritage and the unique identity of New Zealand’s people and land. It was essential to me that this uniform tells a meaningful story about Aotearoa. I wanted to create a uniform that empowers individuals and inspires pride in all who wear it and see it. For me, good design should always evoke a sense of pride and occasion, and I believe this uniform will do just that.”

Here’s how artiest Te Rangitu Netana describes the uniforms:

“Each print is a story, deeply rooted in the traditions and values of Aotearoa,” says Netana. “The patterns on this uniform are a reflection of the land, the sea, and the connections that bind us all as Kiwi. As a Māori artist on the world stage, I feel a deep responsibility in ensuring our culture is represented in a way that is authentic and meaningful. I’m proud that these designs have found a place in Air New Zealand’s uniform, bringing te ao Māori to designs that show up all over the world.”

When will these new uniforms launch?

Air New Zealand expects to start trialing the new uniforms as of May 2025, with only a small subset of the company’s 6,000 employees wearing the uniforms.

Following a period of testing and feedback from uniform wearers at the airline, the new uniform will be rolled out across Air New Zealand’s network as of some point in 2026. So as you can tell, patience will still be required.

When you consider that it has been well over six years since the uniforms were announced, that means it’ll be over seven years from the announcement until they’re actually worn by flight attendants. Goodness, this sounds like a Lufthansa project.