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A Maori academic says Air New Zealand's proposed new cabin crew uniform is offensive to Maori.
The Trelise Cooper design has already raised eyebrows with its candy floss pink colour scheme and multiple Maori symbols.
Canterbury University's head of Maori and Indigenous studies, Rawiri Taonui, says Maori motifs are usually separate from each other or used in an ordered pattern. He says it's clear the uniform has been designed by someone who doesn't understand the symbolism of the motifs they have used.
Associate Professor Taonui says the new cabin crew uniform is way too busy and while there is room to update and modernise, the pattern appears to have been thrown together like a poster in a child's room. He says he has no problem with the pink colour scheme used in the dresses but he says the use of Maori motifs in a random way is offensive.
However, Ngapuhi tribal leader David Rankin has condemned Taonui for showing "gross disrespect" in criticising the new Air New Zealand uniform designs.
"Mr Taonui has come out attacking the designs because they are culturally wrong. He clearly has no concept of the role and function of these designs in our culture", says Rankin.
"I see this as grandstanding by Mr Taonui. Air New Zealand has been in consultation with the Maori Language Commission and other Maori who are experts in this area. It is a shame Mr Taonui did not consult his elders before this outburst. He has displayed a concerning lack of knowledge on the basics of our culture".
Rankin has offered to meet with Taonui in order to explain to him the tikanga adopted by Air New Zealand but so far has received no reply.
"If he wants to talk about this matter, then I am here for him", says Rankin, "but we don't want any more embarrassments like this attack from Mr Taonui again".
Taonui, a former nightclub security guard, is regarded by Rankin as a newcomer to the culture.
"We welcome all Maori who want to learn about their past, but they need to be humble", says Rankin.
And one of the country's leading Maori clothing designers is welcoming the fresh take on Maori design used in the proposed new cabin uniform.
Kia Kaha Designer Charmaine Love says the uniforms don't break any protocol and she's not offended by the koru pattern at all. She says the use of Maori design, or any for that matter, is up to the designer's personal taste.
Love says it's lovely to see a modern take on Maori kowhaiwhai.
What do you think of Air New Zealand's proposed uniform? Have your say on our messageboard
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentcuba said on 2010-02-01 @ 20:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
Can I suggest that perhaps most of us don't decide which airline we are going to fly simply because we like the colour or style of uniform they wear? Pink is only one colour in this palette but quite frankly, who cares? As long as they get me where I am going quickly, cost effectively and treat me well then they can wear polka dots and feathers. Air NZ are about people not colour. Why do we waste so much energy on this when there are bigger things going on in the world...
nichols said on 2010-02-01 @ 15:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
I don't know about culturaly offensive but the uniforms are offensive in just about every other way. I can't actually see any maori stuff on them just something that looks like a cross between vomit and a bad car smash.
mousework said on 2010-01-29 @ 23:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
Not only are these uniforms UGLY, they also make use of some beautiful, culturally meaningful motifs in a haphazard and disharmonious way. I'm sure these motifs could be more appropriately used on elegant pieces of attire by incorporating them in the style of symmetrical borders which would better reflect the culture and beauty of Aotearoa.
piwakawaka said on 2010-01-29 @ 20:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Just the thought of a long haul flight with cabin crew in pink doesn't bear thinking about. Pattern is great, represents NZ but PINK.......Air NZ won't be first choice!
rupertnz said on 2010-01-29 @ 19:19 NZDT: Report abusive post
Maybe if we put an "H" in it then certain people in NZ would be happy!!!!