Air New Zealand on Monday said it was ending a ban on staff having visible tattoos after facing criticism that the policy discriminated against Māori employees.
Some New Zealanders with Māori heritage have tattoos on their arms or face to represent their genealogy previous uniform rules restricted them from applying for certain positions such as flight attendant roles.
Culture and rights advocates groups said the policy was discriminatory and noted Air New Zealand already draws on the Māori language in marketing campaigns and logos on its planes.