Quantcast

Air New Zealand champions diversity with supplier initiative Ka Rere

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Air New Zealand champions diversity with supplier initiative Ka Rere
Policy
Webp f9s9r2rm8rv8o3uq1avimfo3f158
Richard Thomson Chief Financial Officer | Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand's supplier diversity initiative, Ka Rere, has seen its first cohort of Māori and Pasifika-owned businesses complete the program. The initiative aims to increase the representation of these communities in the airline's supply chain.

From 250 applicants, three businesses were selected: Beyond, a Pasifika-led sustainable body-care product maker; Tūāpae, a Māori-owned vineyard on Waiheke Island; and Kenai, a Māori-owned construction company. These businesses participated in a three-month program where they received mentorship and access to Air New Zealand's Procurement, Brand, Sustainability, Sales, and Communications teams.

Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, noted the mutual benefits of the program. "Air New Zealand is committed to supporting diversity... Collaborating with these extraordinary suppliers not only supports their ambitions but also enriches and strengthens Air New Zealand's operations with both new products and different perspectives," she said.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Participants received a $20,000 grant along with mentoring from various Air New Zealand teams. Charlene Fitisemanu of Beyond highlighted the transformative impact on her business. "Being part of the Ka Rere programme has been a game-changer for us... Now, with four of our products listed on the Airpoints Store... it feels surreal," she shared.

Vanessa Reynolds from Tūāpae emphasized how the program shaped their business strategy. "I have come out of the programme feeling more confident both in a business sense... Access to the Air New Zealand team's knowledge helped us develop new benchmarks," she stated.

The success of Ka Rere underscores Air New Zealand's commitment to creating an inclusive marketplace. The airline plans to continue investing in diverse suppliers through future iterations of this initiative.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025