Air New Zealand has dropped a controversial ban on staff with tattoos after a man with traditional Maori markings was rejected for a job.
Air New Zealand chief Christopher Luxon announced the company would drop its ban on visible tattoos from September to let employees wear ta moko (Maori tattoos) and other non-offensive ink that could be seen while in uniform.
Ta moko holds a significant place in Maori culture and Air NZ faced an outcry this year after turning down staff over tattoos while using traditional Maori motifs heavily in its branding.
"It's clear that there is growing acceptance of tattoos in New Zealand, particularly as a means of cultural and individual expression," Luxon said.
"I can guarantee that no one will be turned down because of their tattoo as long as it's not offensive or inappropriate."
Mr Luxon said the move allows the company to embrace cultural diversity.
Sydney Heremaia says he was rejected by a potential employer in March because of his tattoo. Source: 1 news
"I’m extremely proud to be making this announcement. It reinforces our position at the forefront of the airline industry in embracing diversity and enabling employees to express individuality or cultural heritage.
"We felt it was important that this change apply equally to all Air New Zealanders. We want to liberate all our staff including uniform wearers such as cabin crew, pilots and airport customer service teams who will, for the first time, be able to have non-offensive tattoos visible when wearing their uniforms."
Sydney Heremaia, 36, in March told local media he had applied for a job with the company only to be rejected because his markings, which included a ta moko and Samoan tatau, "did not comply" with uniform rules.
"Ta moko is an identity marker, not offensive 'body art', and I am pleased that Air New Zealand will finally be leaving these attitudes in the past," Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said on Monday.
