Air NZ defends rejection of Maori tattooed job applicant

Air New Zealand has defended its decision to reject a job applicant who had a Maori tattoo on her arm, claiming it could frighten passengers.

The job interview with Claire Nathan was terminated as soon as she mentioned that she has the traditional Maori ta moko tattoo on her lower arm, which depicts her heritage and children.

The Human Rights Commission says a person of Maori descent must not be denied employment, entry to premises, or declined service because they wear moko visibly.

The airlines told Nathan that tattoos, which couldn't be covered up by the airlines' uniform, were unacceptable. However, Nathan termed the decision as double standards, as they have used tattooed All Blacks and singer Gin Wigmore in its advertising, while koru - a stylized NZ fern - are used in its logo, reports News.com.

Defending its stand, the airlines said that its passengers are from varied cultures and many of those consider tattoos frightening or intimidating, while other airlines like the Emirates, Etihad, British Airways and Delta don't permit visible tattoos.

The airline has claimed that it has established a new customer experience team, which would review the airline's standards, systems and processes, including grooming standards and the issue of visible tattoos.

Meanwhile Prime Minister John Key, who is also the country's tourism minister, called Air NZ's take on tattoos surprising. He said tattoos are common these days.