Air New Zealand has revealed a series of sleek new uniforms created by New Zealand-born designer Emilia Wickstead. The new wardrobe, set to be worn by around 6,000 staff members on their worldwide adventures, feature bespoke hand-painted prints from tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana, who is best known for developing the Māori tattoo into an internationally recognized art form over the past three decades.
Air New Zealand’s uniforms have long symbolized the country’s culture. However, the new collection embodies the airline’s strong heritage and profound sense of pride in Aotearoa through bold print, color, and exquisite design. Key pieces in the collection include the fine print dress, showcasing Wickstead’s mastery of her craft and featuring the intricate and meaningful kōwhai print. The collective thread shirt is another striking design, featuring purapura whetū patterns designed to be worn by any cabin crew or ground staff.
Air New Zealand’s chief executive Greg Foran said, “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.”
Wickstead, whose work has been featured in titles such as Tatler and British Vogue and worn by style icons like Catherine, Princess of Wales, said “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.”
An onboard trial is set to commence in May 2025 before the new uniform is rolled out across Air New Zealand’s network from 2026.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
