Air New Zealand has been accused of lack of respect for indigenous language for trying to register as a logo the phrase ‘Kia ora’ which represents a greeting for the Maori population.
The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand argued that the intention of the airline was to protect only the "particular stylized forms" of the greeting, protecting the name of the in-flight magazine.
The Maori, on the other hand, believe that their language is a national treasure and that the recording of the sentence would constitute an embezzlement of culture and despicable action because it is for profit.
The executive president of the Maori council has declared that if the airline does not proceed to the withdrawal of the trademark, the Maori will begin a national boycott.