Air New Zealand's new uniforms 'disrespect Maori'

OFFENSIVE? The new Air New Zealand uniforms designed by Trelise Cooper.

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Air New Zealand's new uniforms are disrespectful to traditional Maori symbols, a Maori academic says.

Canterbury University Maori and Indigenous School head Rawiri Taonui said Maori symbols such as the koru on the Trelise Cooper-designed uniforms did not treat the cultural symbols with respect.

"It's way too busy and inelegant," he said.

"It's obviously been drawn by someone who doesn't appreciate the culture or understand the deeper symbolism."

Taonui said the Maori symbols on the uniforms each had different meanings and should not be randomly mixed together.

"When you look at traditional Maori sculpture ... each symbol is quite distinct," he said. "With [the uniform], they're sort of thrown together in seemingly no pattern."

He was happy for koru and other symbols to be used on clothing, provided it was done "with elegance".

The Air New Zealand uniforms did not do that.

"The motive's OK, but it's been put together by someone who didn't understand the meanings."

The misappropriation of cultural symbols was a common problem for Maori, Taonui said.

He said businesses should consult more thoroughly with Maori when they used symbols with special significance.

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said the uniforms were in an early concept stage and were being evaluated.

She said Air New Zealand regularly consulted with the Maori Language Commission for advice on language and cultural issues, as well as with Maori Arts New Zealand on imagery..

- © Fairfax NZ News