Air New Zealand announced that it is considering various funding options including a potential capital raising of around $1 billion. However, government political considerations, with signals suggesting that no proposal should be made before the upcoming election, are delaying the process.

In July 2024, Air New Zealand removed its 2030 science-based carbon intensity reduction target and withdrew from the Science Based Targets initiative, signaling a step back from robust environmental sustainability commitments.

Air New Zealand's sustainability page highlights its commitment to a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace, supported by initiatives such as regular tracking of employee engagement, a robust supplier code of conduct emphasizing labor and human rights, and specific cultural initiatives including the 'Tohu Reo' pin and the Kia Rere app in partnership with the Māori Language Commission.

Air New Zealand published its 2023 Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement, detailing comprehensive measures to mitigate modern slavery risks across its operations and supply chains. Initiatives include enhanced supplier due diligence, expanded training for staff on human trafficking detection, active participation in government advisory groups on modern slavery legislation, and reinforced internal policies focused on labor rights and ethical procurement.

The union has criticized Air New Zealand for handling its recent round of cost-cutting measures in a way that has profoundly undermined worker trust, particularly amid contract negotiations and disparate treatment between wide-body and 787 crew members. The airline's approach, which may force further redundancies and preserve a controversial government loan facility, reflects poor labor relations and neglect of fair employment practices.

The 2023 Sustainability Report outlines Air New Zealand's progress on reducing carbon emissions through science-based targets and sustainable aviation fuels, while also emphasizing its commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion, support for sustainable tourism, and protection of biodiversity.

A 30-day strike by Air New Zealand cabin crew leaders resulted in an agreement that all crew will start at the Living Wage rate or above. The industrial action, which included a halt in training to spotlight longstanding wage disparities and demanding better working conditions, represents a significant achievement for labor rights within the airline.

Air New Zealand is set to lay off 1460 cabin crew in a rushed redundancy process. Union representatives have criticized the decision as poorly planned, noting that the airline had access to government wage subsidies, a significant loan, and cash reserves, which could have prevented such drastic cuts.

Air New Zealand entered a $900 million debt funding agreement with the New Zealand Government. The deal, which includes a suspension of a $123 million interim dividend and signals upcoming job cuts due to capacity reductions, aims to safeguard the national airline during the challenging COVID-19 period while ensuring essential transport services continue.

Air New Zealand has been accused of forcing thousands of workers to use up all their accrued leave during the COVID-19 lockdown, a move labeled as 'borderline legal' by labor representatives. The action, which came at a time of significant uncertainty and anxiety among the crew, has raised concerns over the company's commitment to fair labor practices.

Air New Zealand faces an industrial dispute as nearly 1000 maintenance engineers and logistics workers issue strike notices in response to management proposals for minimal pay increases and cuts to working conditions ahead of the busy Christmas travel season. The dispute, occurring amidst record profits, has drawn criticism for management's public deflection and heavy-handed approach toward union demands.