Twenty two Air New Zealand staff proudly modelled the Air New Zealand Collection by Zambesi, to top international and domestic media, VIPs and key Air New Zealand staff, at a glamorous catwalk event staged at Air New Zealand Fashion Week's Viaduct Harbour venue in Auckland.

Based on a natural colour scheme of teal, greenstone and schist, the Air New Zealand Collection by Zambesi is designed to be smart, stylish and distinctly New Zealand with Koru-inspired curves and an embroidered Maori design penned by Derek Lardelli. Four signature pieces including a shirt incorporating the Maori design, wrap, hat and paua-inspired scarf culminate to emphasise the uniform's uniquely New Zealand design.

For female cabin crew, a dress, Merino wrap, trousers and a military-styled hat have been introduced, giving woman the option to wear garments that flatter their own body shape. For men, a single breasted suit worn with a shirt and optional tie completes the cabin crew look.

"Zambesi has done an outstanding job in creating an elegant, contemporary yet quintessentially New Zealand uniform collection that encapsulates our heritage, our country's natural beauty and the warmth and integrity of our people. I'm confident our staff from all over the world will embrace the new uniform when they begin showcasing it across the globe from the end of March next year," says Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Rob Fyfe.

The new uniform marks the end of 18 months of collaboration between Air New Zealand staff and Zambesi to replace the incumbent uniforms created by Barbara Lee in 1992.

"A key component was achieving a balance between comfort, function and assured yet undeniably contemporary style," says Elisabeth Findlay of Zambesi.

"We also strived for a more simplified range, which could be personalised to create an individual look. Women for example can express their individuality by wearing the Merino wrap or scarf a number of ways."

"Staff also wanted a look that resonated with the airline's heritage and cultural touchstones, which explains the references to the Koru. The garments also had to be easy-care, comfortable and breathable to withstand the demands of frequent travel. I hope Air New Zealand staff will enjoy the new uniform and wear it with pride, integrity and distinction."

Merino wool sourced from more than eight New Zealand wool stations was used extensively to create many pieces of the new uniform including all suiting, the pilot's hat, women's top and wrap and men's tie.

"Where ever possible, we worked with New Zealand suppliers to help support our local industry. I understand that the quantity of Merino fibre produced for our new uniform was quite significant, which is pleasing to hear," says Mr Fyfe.

"Our support for the New Zealand industry and designers dates back to the 1970s when we engaged Vinka Lucas followed by Thornton Hall and most recently Barbara Lee to design our uniforms.

"It is important that we continue to showcase New Zealand designers and their talents to the 11 million passengers who travel with us every year and millions more who will see these uniforms in airports and Air New Zealand offices around the world."

The Air New Zealand Collection by Zambesi is the final touch to the airline's new look long-haul service, which was progressively introduced in August this year.

"It has been a significant year for Air New Zealand with new aircraft, new routes and the launch of our refitted long-haul service, offering world class lie-flat beds, in-flight entertainment for every passenger and a refreshed food and beverage menu inspired by distinct Kiwi flavours. Our new uniform completes our long-haul transformation and will enable us to deliver a distinctly New Zealand experience to our customers," says Mr Fyfe.

The new uniforms will be worn by cabin crew, pilots, airport and Travelcentre staff. The management group (In Flight Directors, Pursers, Airport Team Leaders) is differentiated from general staff by colour.

The full Air New Zealand Collection by Zambesi is outlined below.

ENDS

Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs.
Phone 00 64 (0)9 336 2761 or 00 6421 747 320

Air New Zealand Collection by Zambesi

General Staff and Management Group
Female	Male
Jacket Merino wool jacket with Koru-inspired curve on the front and back panels, pocket welt, and sleeves. General staff: Teal with schist neck trim Management group: Slate	Jacket Merino wool single-breasted jacket with Koru-inspired curves on the sleeves. General staff: Schist Management Group: Slate
Skirt Fully lined Merino wool skirt with fluted hemline and curved pocket welt. Designed to be worn comfortably just below the waist. General staff and cabin crew: Schist Management group: Slate	Trousers Classic fit trousers. General staff: Schist Management Group: Slate
Trousers Merino wool straight-legged trouser with curved pocket welt. General staff and cabin crew: Schist Management group: Slate	Shirt Signature piece. Long sleeve shirt with Maori design on the front panel. Sleeves can be rolled up to mid forearm. Available in mist and stone
Tunic Lightweight teal or schist belted tunic designed to be worn over trousers or skirts. Neck and sleeve detail have contrast colour so sleeves can be folded up.	Tie Optional General staff: Schist Management Group: Slate
Merino Top Merino ¾ sleeve top in schist with teal contrast colour around neck and sleeves. Optional toggled belt can be worn fastened at front or back.	Belt Brushed platinum with a paua insert.
Paua Scarf Worn either outside or tucked into the neck.	Coat (Cabin Crew only) Schist high collared coat with removable padded inner.
Dress Lightweight dress with belt can be worn individually. Available in teal with contrast colour on the interior of the neck and sleeves so it can be worn with the neck open and sleeve ends folded up. Features the curved pocket welt consistent throughout the range.	Apron (Cabin Crew only) Available in greenstone.
Merino Wrap (Cabin Crew only) Signature piece. Teal wrap has three arm holes, a fastening button and a Maori design at both ends of the wrap. Can be worn over tunic, merino top or dress and over the jacket for added warmth.
Hat (Cabin Crew only) Signature piece. Teal military style hat worn with hat badge.
Coat (Cabin Crew only) Schist high collared coat with removable padded inner.
Apron (Cabin Crew only) Available in greenstone.
Name Badge Magnetic badge for easy placement without damaging garments. Flags on the badge denote the languages spoken by the individual.
Air New Zealand Badge The Koru-inspired badge is consistent with badges worn by all other staff including pilots.

 

Pilot Group
Female	Male
Jacket Merino wool jacket with Koru-inspired curve on the front and back panels, pocket welt, and sleeves. Available in greenstone with platinum braiding denoting rank.	Jacket Single breasted Merino jacket in greenstone with platinum braiding denoting rank.
Trousers Greenstone Merino wool straight-legged trouser with side zip and curved pocket welt.	Trousers Greenstone Merino wool straight-legged trouser with side zip.
Shirt A short-sleeve stone-coloured shirt nipped-in at the waist, with pocket flaps, a pen holder and epaulette slides. Can be worn unbuttoned at the neck or with the greenstone tie or paua scarf.	Shirt Short sleeve shirt with pocket flaps, pen holder and epaulettes. Available in mist or stone.
Coat Greenstone coat with removable inner.	Coat Greenstone coat with removable inner.
Tie Optional greenstone tie.	Tie Mandatory greenstone tie.
Pilot Hat Mandatory greenstone pilot hat features embroidered fern detail on the front.	Pilot Hat Mandatory greenstone pilot hat features embroidered fern detail on the front.
Pilot Epaulettes Greenstone epaulette slides with platinum braid denoting rank.	Pilot Epaulettes Greenstone epaulette slides with platinum braid denoting rank.
Paua Scarf Worn either outside or tucked into the neck