Air New Zealand's change of tune over its staff wearing tattoos is being seen as a result of years of battling.

The airline has decided to allow employees to show tattoos, including ta moko and others deemed non-offensive.

Te Whare Wānanga Associate Professor, Mera Lee Penehira, told Kate Hawkesby people have been denied employment for years over the issue.

She says there's been immense pressure for Air New Zealand to reconsider its position.