Air New Zealand has withdrawn its bid to trademark the logo for its in-flight magazine Kia Ora, following talks with Māori leaders.

The airline came under fire from Māori intellectual property rights experts earlier this month for filing the application.

Chief executive Christopher Luxon says after speaking with iwi leaders the airline will no longer actively pursue the trademark, and will urge the government to review the rules for trademarking words from the Māori language.

"The current trademark situation does not reflect the sometimes differing and legitimate views of both the Māori and legal communities."

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu chief executive Arihia Bennett commended Air New Zealand for seeking the views of Māori leaders.

She says the iwi was also urging the government to better protect Māori intellectual property.

-RNZ.