Since 42 per cent of Fuller360's marine crew are menstruators and many spend their working day stationed at a DoC protection island, the company said offering free period products was "a no brainer".
Fullers360 Crew Development Manager, Natasha Colville, said it would also take away the worry one can feel while at work.
"There are days when you're on the ferry for your shift without any access to a nearby pharmacy or supermarket; or you may be stationed at a DoC protected island and there's nowhere at all to get what you need," she said.
"It's amazing to see the business acknowledge the need for period product accessibility, this will make a massive difference to anyone who uses these products".
In addition, the company has partnered with New Zealand social enterprise Dignity, who will donate one period product to someone without access, for every period product Fullers360 purchases for their employees and passengers.
Established in 2016, Dignity aligns with businesses and uses a 'buy one give one' model that provides products to staff and sends an equivalent amount to 203 schools, youth and community organisations who cannot afford period products.
Dignity General Manager Anika Speedy says they are thrilled to be part of a transport and tourism first for New Zealand.
"Period stigma and a lack of access to period products has a negative impact on the education, work and social opportunities available to people across Aotearoa," she said.
The issue has only worsened since Covid-19.
"Dignity and other providers have seen a huge increase in demand for period products as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 90 per cent of community groups surveyed by Dignity in 2021 reported cost was the main barrier to accessing period products."
By providing products onboard and in office bathrooms, Horne said they hope to play a part in closing the period equity gap in Aotearoa.
