Air New Zealand has revealed a new uniform collection designed by New Zealand-born, London-based fashion designer Emilia Wickstead. The updated attire, the airline’s first in over a decade, pays tribute to Aotearoa — the Māori name for New Zealand — blending cultural motifs with modern sustainability.
The new look, set for rollout in 2026, was developed in collaboration with Māori artist and tā moko specialist Te Rangitu Netana. Together, Wickstead and Netana created a suite of designs featuring traditional Māori patterns and hand-painted artwork, including kōwhaiwhai (curving motifs) and purapura whetū (star clusters), which embody Māori cultural symbols of unity, guidance, and new life.
Wickstead’s vision for national pride
“We set out to create more than a uniform,” said Wickstead in a statement. “It was essential to me that this collection tells a meaningful story about Aotearoa. I wanted to design garments that reflect our people, our place, and our spirit — clothing that empowers wearers and fills them with pride.”
The designs include a mix of trench coats, dresses, tailored shirts, and trousers, along with the traditional ‘ie faitaga’ — a Pacific Island men’s skirt. Key symbolic features include the Kākā feather, representing leadership and resilience, and the Matariki constellation, which holds deep cultural significance in New Zealand as a marker of the Māori New Year.
The uniform update is part of a broader two-year initiative by the airline to refresh its brand image while staying true to its roots. “This new uniform encapsulates who we are,” said Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran. “It brings together innovation, sustainability, and a deep connection to our people and place.”
The uniform, which will be worn by 6,000 Air New Zealand (NZ) employees globally, reflects the airline’s dedication to staff empowerment. From cabin crew to ground services, the garments aim to instil a sense of belonging and pride among all who wear them.
Huia feather and sustainability
A notable addition is the embroidered Huia feather on leadership garments. Once a revered symbol worn by Māori chiefs, the Huia feather on the new uniform signifies respect and honour. Departing leaders will be able to keep the embroidered feather as a memento of their service — a move Wickstead described as “deeply thoughtful and aligned with the kaupapa [values] of this design.”
Beyond aesthetics, sustainability has been embedded in the design process. The uniforms are made from environmentally friendly materials such as merino wool, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. These were selected to ensure both durability and reduced environmental impact.
Wickstead, who has previously dressed royalty and international celebrities, described the uniform design as one of the most meaningful projects of her career. “For me, good design should always evoke a sense of pride and occasion. I hope these uniforms give the same sense of joy to those who wear them as I felt designing them,” she said.
Onboard trials of the uniforms will begin in May 2025 before a full fleet-wide introduction in 2026. Air New Zealand joins several global carriers — including British Airways and Emirates — in unveiling refreshed uniforms, reflecting a broader trend in aviation to update staff attire in line with modern values and aesthetics.
