The internationally renowned tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai, and Te Arawa) is set to have his designs showcased on a global stage, with thousands of Air New Zealand employees soon to wear uniforms featuring his distinctive artwork. In a groundbreaking collaboration, Te Rangitu has worked alongside esteemed designer Emilia Wickstead to create prints for the airline’s highly anticipated new uniform.
With a career spanning 35 years, Te Rangitu is widely celebrated for his mastery of Māori tattoo artistry. Originally from Kaikohe in the Far North of Aotearoa, he relocated to the UK, where he has continued to share his craft and the richness of Māori culture with the world. His ability to seamlessly blend artistic excellence with cultural storytelling made him an ideal choice for this unique design project.
Te Rangitu and Wickstead, both Kiwis residing in the UK, had long admired each other’s work. Their mutual respect and shared experience of living far from home helped forge a natural and deeply connected creative partnership. This collaboration has resulted in designs that are rich in meaning and cultural significance.
Each print, meticulously hand-drawn by Te Rangitu, tells a powerful story of Aotearoa’s indigenous heritage, history, and culture. The designs align with Air New Zealand’s values, ensuring that employees wearing the new uniform feel a sense of pride, connection, and inspiration, no matter where they are in the world.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the airline’s commitment to showcasing New Zealand’s unique heritage and culture.
“We are thrilled to partner with Te Rangitu on this new chapter of Air New Zealand’s identity. The partnership between Te Rangitu and Emilia Wickstead perfectly embodies our commitment to reflecting the beauty and heritage of Aotearoa.
“The design of this uniform is not only a celebration of our people and culture but a symbol of empowerment for everyone who wears it. We can’t wait to reveal the new uniform to the world in just a few short weeks.”
Te Rangitu Netana provided insight into the significance of the prints, noting the deep references to Aotearoa’s environment and cultural foundations.
“Although we can’t share too much yet, there are many references within the print design to our Taiao (environment), including our maunga (mountains), awa (rivers), ngāi kīrehe (fauna and ecology), and the narratives of our foundations. We wanted to combine style, class, and elegance with the strength and subtlety of empowering details, reflecting a sense of pride, humility, and innovation. When all of the interrelated elements come together, I hope people can appreciate the subtle meanings.”
For Wickstead, the collaboration with Te Rangitu was a deeply personal and important part of the design process.
“I first met Te Rangitu five years ago, and bringing him into this project was deeply important to me. His artistry and profound connection to te ao Māori have enriched every design element with cultural richness and storytelling. Together, we have crafted a narrative that celebrates heritage, craftsmanship, and a shared sense of belonging—values that are deeply meaningful to both Air New Zealand and my own design philosophy. This collaboration has been an inspiring and rewarding journey, reflecting the beauty, strength, and spirit of Aotearoa.”
The designs were carefully curated to align with tikanga (Māori customs and values), ensuring an authentic and culturally respectful representation of Aotearoa. Te Rangitu’s guidance was instrumental throughout the design process, ensuring that both cultural integrity and heritage were upheld.
As one of the most sought-after tā moko artists globally, Te Rangitu’s contribution to Air New Zealand’s new uniform marks another milestone in his mission to elevate Māori artistry on the world stage.
About Te Rangitu Netana – Print Artist
Te Rangitu Netana is an internationally acclaimed tā moko practitioner, artist, and advocate for Māori culture. Of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai, and Te Arawa descent, he has spent over 35 years perfecting his craft. In 2015, he moved to the UK, where he continues to promote Māori culture through his tattoo studio and artistic design. His art is known for its deep spiritual and cultural significance, drawing on the individual character and life stories of those he works with.
The new Air New Zealand uniform, designed by Emilia Wickstead and featuring unique prints hand-drawn by Te Rangitu Netana, will be officially unveiled to the public on 11 April 2025.
