Maya Croll-Wright, 19, has several years of experience in hospitality, strong motivation and an outgoing personality. Yet, she struggles to find a job. Why? She has tattoos, blue hair and describes herself as overweight, she tells Stuff.co.nz.
"I have had countless job interviews after applying for every job I can find. But as soon as they see me in person, it all goes downhill."
Croll-Wright has had about 20 interviews in the last two months for jobs in cafes, shops and restaurants around Christchurch. And everyone she has been rejected from.
Croll-Wright told stuff.co.nz that employers are enthusiastic on the phone, but when the interview came "they look me up and down". Some voiced that she was "not conservative enough", others asked whether she understood nutrition.
But is it legal for employer to discriminate against prospective employees because they have blue hair and tattoos?
Taylor Shaw partner and employment law specialist Kathryn Dalziel told the website that employers can discriminate on weight, colour of hair and visibility of tattoos.