After more than a decade since its last significant workwear change, Kiwibank is embracing individuality, moving away from a traditional uniform and launching a reimagined workplace wardrobe that puts its people and their diverse and varied needs first.
Kiwibank Chief Executive, Steve Jurkovich said the workplace is where dress codes were first introduced to enforce discipline, conformity, and status.
“What’s deemed appropriate in the workplace has changed over the past few decades, and Kiwibank is leading the charge into a new age of workwear, creating a progressive wardrobe that accurately reflects the diversity of New Zealand today,” said Jurkovich.
Collaborating with five leading New Zealand designers and artists to curate the wardrobe, the 46-piece collection considers all body types, accessibility, gender-neutrality, as well as cultural and religious preferences. The new approach allows Kiwibank team members to mix and match items to curate their own unique looks, whilst still strongly representing the Kiwibank brand. It has been designed to evolve over time, adding in new garments and designs that reflect current cultural demands, as well as fashion trends and evolutions in fabrics.
Jurkovich said that giving Kiwibank team members choice in what they wear to work every day was key in the design process.
“We talk a lot about bringing your whole self to work and there is no better visual representation of that than what people wear, and how that reflects the many identities and cultures that make up New Zealand.”
Jurkovich also added that in order to deliver the best results for its customers, the company needs to ensure its team can thrive and perform without barriers. This new Kiwibank wardrobe enables them to do just that.
Whangarei Bank Manager, Clint Wharfe, was one of the first to try on the garments and said he feels empowered by the new workwear.
“I love the new Kiwibank Wardrobe. The range of colours show who we are at Kiwibank and will help us to stand out from the competition,” said Wharfe.
“I love that the new wardrobe has lots of different options that can be mixed and matched to allow us to show our personalities in a professional way. When you look good, you feel good and that comes across to customers.”
Kiwibank worked with five local New Zealand designers to design the wardrobe – Barkers, Jen Sievers, Kiri Nathan, Little Yellow Bird and Standard Issue
Kiri Nathan’s bespoke Kiwibank pieces drew on her Māori whakapapa (genealogy) and experience with raranga (Māori weaving) to create a selection of pieces that aim to help the wearer feel they can meet any work-related challenge with confidence.
“There is a certain āhua (character, nature) an individual radiates when they wear a garment that makes them feel like they are standing in their own power. Kia māia - be brave, bold, capable, and confident,” said Nathan.
The Kiwibank Wardrobe will be worn from mid-2023.
