As a long-standing partner to the healthcare and aged care sectors, Arrow Uniforms is committed to understanding the evolving needs of carers, nurses, and support teams across Aotearoa. That's why we recently attended the 2025 Aged Care Association Conference – not just to showcase what we do, but to listen, learn, and lead the conversation around what comes next in workwear for this vital industry. Why We Showed Up At Arrow, we believe uniforms do more than identify a team – they support performance, protect staff, and represent the values of an organisation. In the aged care space, where compassion and professionalism must go hand in hand, the right uniform can make a genuine difference. Attending this year's conference offered valuable insight into the challenges and innovations shaping aged care, from staff wellbeing and workforce shortages to infection control and sustainability. Top Three Takeaways from the Conference 1. Comfort & Fit Are Non-Negotiable Across the board, there were discussions around the growing need for uniforms that feel as good as they look. Long shifts and physically demanding work make comfort essential, not a luxury. That's why stretch fabrics and breathable materials are no longer just a "nice to have". They're expected. Aged care professionals want clothes that work for people who care – uniforms made from the same kind of flexible, comfort-driven fabrics we enjoy in our leisure time, but with the durability and professionalism required in the workplace. Today's uniforms are a world away from rigid, unforgiving garments of the past. They move with you, adapt to changing temperatures, and support carers in doing what they do best: caring for others. 2. Infection Control Remains Top of Mind Post-pandemic, infection prevention is no longer a back-office concern – it's core to frontline operations. Uniforms made with antimicrobial finishes and easy-care fabrics were hot topics, highlighting the growing demand for hygienic, safe workwear than can withstand frequent industrial laundering.Another growing concern? Care teams want reassurance that uniforms can be washed safely at home. Confidence in the ability to launder garments thoroughly – and even iron them if needed – is now a key part of infection control conversations. Garments must withstand frequent washing without losing shape of performance, making durability and domestic washability a must. 3. Sustainability Is an Expectation, Not a Bonus Sustainable practices aren't a future goal – they're a present day expectation. Many attendees spoke about the pressure to align with environmentally responsible suppliers and partners. At Arrow, we're proud to be ahead of the curve with: Recycled fibres, including garments made from repurposed PET bottles Eco-conscious dyeing processes that minimise water and chemical use AROUND, our end-of-use uniform recycling programme, designed to keep textiles out of landfill and in circulation More than ever, providers are looking for partners who share their values. Sustainability is no longer a competitive advantage – it's a baseline requirement. Where Arrow Fits In: Innovation Rooted in Empathy We walked away from the conference reaffirmed in our mission: to delivery uniforms solutions that support those who care for others. Our response includes: Fabrics that move with you – lightweight, stretch-infused scrubs and polos Antimicrobial options – designed for clinical safety and hygiene Sustainable choices – including garments made from recycled PET bottles Simplified rollout – via our myArrow™ platform and managed fit-outs Whether it's reducing wardrobe complexity or helping aged care teams feel proud in what they wear, we're here to make uniforms work harder and smarter. Looking Ahead The aged care industry is facing change, but also opportunity. Providers that embrace innovation in their operations, including their uniforms, will be better placed to support their teams and communities. Arrow is ready to partner with you on that journey. From modernised fits to sustainable fabric technology, our solutions are made with care – for carers. Ready to Refresh Your Uniform Programme? If you're reviewing your uniform strategy or looking for better options for your aged care team, get in touch with Arrow for a tailored consultation. Let's create clothes that work for people who care!

Serving Brand Consistency at Every Level Restaurant Brands is one of New Zealand's largest and most recognisable hospitality operators. With household names like KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Carl's Jr. under their belt, they know that great service starts long before the food reaches the counter – it starts with the team. Uniforms play a pivotal role in how Restaurant Brands delivers consistency, confidence, and clarity across multiple brands and locations. While Arrow isn't their full-time supplier, we recently partnered with them on a project that reflected their strong internal brand culture: custom apparel for the national leadership conference. A Moment That Brought the Brand Together When Restaurant Brands briefed us on the project, they needed branded outerwear that made an impact and they needed it quickly. Our team worked closely with theirs to design and deliver custom softshell jackets on a six-week turnaround, ensuring every detail aligned with their brand vision. "Just wanted to say thank you for your help with this. The conference was a great success and, as always, the merch played a big part in the experience. We had a great turnout, and the bags, jackets, and shirts were really well received, with very positive feedback across the board. Thanks again for your support and experience in delivering this to our managers." — Restaurant Brands Procurement Manager More than just event merch, the jackets were designed for all-day comfort and everyday usability – a smart, stylish piece managers could wear beyond the event. The response? Overwhelmingly positive. It was a clear example of how the right apparel can bring people together, build unity, and reflect pride in the brand. The Power of Branded Touchpoints In large organisations like Restaurant Brands, every detail matters – especially the visual ones. From front-of-house staff to senior leadership, apparel becomes a tangible expression of company values. This collaboration showed how even a single uniform moment can reinforce culture and cohesion: Designed for visual consistency and comfort Delivered on a tight timeline with full branding integration Worn by teams across multiple franchises, showing unity at scale Why Uniform Strategy Matters in Fast-Paced Industries Hospitality is one of the most dynamic, fast-moving industries out there. Teams need uniforms that are functional, durable, and brand-aligned – garments that work under pressure, fit well, and still look sharp at the end of a busy shift. At its core, our work with Restaurant Brands highlights what great uniform partnerships are all about: timing, trust, and brand alignment. Whether it's for a one-off event or full-scale rollout, Arrow is proud to support teams who lead with purpose and professionalism. Because when every detail matters, we deliver Clothes That Work® – for moments that count. Check out our latest video showcasing the custom jackets!

A great chef jacket does more than look the part — it protects, performs, and keeps you cool under pressure. With over 50,000 jackets produced, Arrow Uniforms has earned the trust of chefs across New Zealand by combining durable fabrics, smart features, and timeless design. From double-breasted protection to breathable comfort, our jackets are built for service that never slows down.