Air New Zealand New Uniform: Designer, Features & 2025 Reveal

Air New Zealand has always believed its uniforms should do more than simply identify staff. When the airline unveiled its first major redesign in 14 years on April 10, 2025, it chose to make a statement about New Zealand’s identity on the world stage. The new look, crafted by internationally renowned New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead and featuring bespoke Māori artistry, will eventually be worn by the airline’s 6,000 staff across its global network.

Designer: Emilia Wickstead · Artist: Te Rangitu Netana · Launch Year: 2025 · Key Feature: Bespoke hand-painted prints · Looks Available: Over 20

This key facts table summarizes the essential details about the new uniform design, designer, and rollout plans.

Who designed the new Air New Zealand uniform?

Emilia Wickstead brings an international pedigree to the project. Raised in Auckland’s suburbs and inspired by her mother’s fashion business, she has built a client roster that includes royalty and celebrities while remaining rooted in her New Zealand heritage (Air New Zealand Official). The airline announced her selection in June 2024, describing it as a deliberate choice to work with a designer who could represent New Zealand globally (Air New Zealand Careers).

Emilia Wickstead’s role

Wickstead approached the project with what she called a “deep respect for the heritage and the unique identity of New Zealand’s people and land.” Her vision centered on creating garments that would empower the people wearing them while serving as ambassadors for Aotearoa’s cultural story (Emilia Wickstead Official). The collaboration brought together her fashion expertise with Te Rangitu Netana’s Māori artistic tradition.

Artist Te Rangitu Netana’s contribution

Te Rangitu Netana contributed bespoke hand-painted prints that form the visual heart of the new design. His tā moko artistry brings authentic Māori cultural elements to what the airline describes as a “bold celebration of Aotearoa artistry and creativity” (Globetrender). The prints incorporate symbols including kōwhai flowers, purapura whetū (star seeds), and native feathers.

What feature of its new uniform is revealed in Air New Zealand?

The uniform introduces fabric that is lighter and more flexible than its predecessor, addressing practical concerns from staff who wear these garments during long shifts. With over 20 different looks available, the design aims to serve the diverse roles across Air New Zealand’s operations while maintaining a cohesive visual identity (Karry On).

Lighter and flexible fabric

The fabric upgrade responds to feedback from cabin crew and ground staff who need to move freely throughout their workday. Air New Zealand’s announcement highlighted that the new materials would help uniforms “survive in any environment” while remaining comfortable across extended wear periods.

Over 20 different looks

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the uniform system includes numerous configurations. Ground staff wear distinct colors from cabin crew, with specific hues assigned to different roles to ensure instant recognition by passengers while maintaining the overall design coherence. The mix-and-match philosophy allows individual staff members some choice within the role-based framework.

What makes Air New Zealand’s new uniform anything but uniform?

The campaign name “Anything But Uniform” signals Air New Zealand’s ambition to transform staff clothing into a statement of cultural pride. The bold prints—far from the conservative designs typical of airline uniforms—draw directly from New Zealand’s natural and cultural landscape (PR Newswire).

Bold prints celebrating Aotearoa

Key garments like “The Fine Print” dress feature the kōwhai flower print, while “The Collective Thread” shirt displays the purapura whetū pattern representing star seeds in Māori cosmology. These designs move beyond mere decoration to embed meaning into every aspect of the uniform (Air New Zealand Official).

Adaptable design for roles

The system includes specific garments for different staff groups: pilots wear bold pinstriped suits with kiwi feather print lining symbolizing leadership, while Pasifika staff have access to the Ie Faitaga garment during trials, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to inclusivity (Air New Zealand Newsroom).

Air New Zealand uniforms over the years

The 2011 uniform designed by Trelise Cooper marked the last major update before the 2025 redesign. The airline first announced plans to refresh the uniform in 2018, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced delays to the project (PR Week). Air New Zealand has a longstanding tradition of distinctive uniforms that stand out in the airline industry.

Evolution of designs

Previous Air New Zealand uniforms have been noted for being bold, creative, and instantly recognizable—a tradition the new design continues. Each iteration has reflected the airline’s desire to use staff appearance as a form of brand expression, but the 2025 version represents the most culturally explicit statement yet.

From 2021 concepts to 2025 launch

The journey from initial concepts to public launch spans several years. Early design work began around 2021, with the process accelerating after the pandemic disruptions. The campaign period ran from March 28 through April 23, 2025, culminating in the April 10 unveiling followed by an official press release on April 11.

Air New Zealand flight attendant uniform details

Cabin crew uniforms incorporate the purapura whetū pattern on their signature shirts, differentiating them from ground staff who wear separate color-coded attire. The practical features extend to durability requirements that allow uniforms to withstand the rigors of frequent wear and cleaning while maintaining their distinctive appearance.

Ground staff vs cabin crew colors

Green indicates ground staff roles, while cabin crew wear purple-toned variations within the broader design system. This color coding helps passengers quickly identify the appropriate staff member for assistance while reinforcing the uniform’s overall aesthetic unity.

Practical features for staff

The lighter fabric construction addresses comfort concerns raised during previous uniform periods. Wearer trials beginning in May 2025 will gather feedback from various roles to ensure the final rollout meets practical needs across different working environments—from check-in counters to aircraft cabins.

Related reading: Air New Zealand contact numbers

Frequently asked questions