Air New Zealand has announced it will end its ban on visible tattoos for staff, a move the airline says will allow employees to express cultural and individual diversity. The policy change, effective from 1 September, will apply to all workers including cabin crew, pilots, and airport customer service teams.
The decision comes after criticism that the previous restrictions were hypocritical, given the airline's use of Maori culture in its marketing. Some New Zealanders with Maori heritage wear tattoos, known as moko, to signify their genealogy and identity. The airline said research found one in five adult New Zealanders has at least one tattoo, with over 35% of under-30s tattooed.
Chief Executive Christopher Luxon said the firm wanted to embrace diversity and allow employees to express individuality or cultural heritage. The airline will treat tattoos like speech, banning only those deemed offensive, such as hateful or violent imagery. A Tattoo Review Panel will handle unclear cases.
The policy shift follows five months of research with customers and staff, and comes after high-profile cases of individuals refused roles due to visible tattoos. Air New Zealand said there is growing acceptance of tattoos as a form of personal expression.
