The MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards have become an exciting celebration of creativity, innovation and emerging talent.
Held annually in Gore, the awards have cemented their place as a key event on the New Zealand fashion calendar, attracting both emerging and established designers from across the country.
Since 1988, the awards have provided a platform for designers to present their work to influential industry figures and gain national recognition.
This year's judging panel has brought together an exceptional breadth of expertise, with returning judge Dan Ahwa, Creative Director of New Zealand Fashion Week and Contributing Fashion Editor-at-Large for Fashion Quarterly, joined by Dayne Johnston, Head of Design at Kowtow, and Sara Aspinall, Founder and Creative Director of Company of Strangers.
Together, they represent some of New Zealand’s most respected fashion creatives, offering a dynamic mix of experience across design, media, craftsmanship and fashion leadership.
The awards also announced Sharyn Casey as MC for the 2026 Awards. With over 20 years’ experience in radio, she has become one of New Zealand’s most recognisable media personalities and will bring energy, humour and warmth to the MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards Gala Evening.
"Once again, it's shaping up to be an incredible show thanks to our amazing team working behind the scenes,” said Tyla Routhan, Co-Chair of the MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards.
“We're honoured to welcome such a talented and highly recognisable judging panel and excited for our designers to showcase their creations to them. We're also lucky to have Sharyn Casey joining us as MC and know she will bring plenty of energy to this year's awards."
The School section winners will be announced at the Strawberry Sound Strictly Fashion Show on Friday, the 24th of July, followed by the MLT Hokonui Fashion Awards Gala Evening on Saturday, the 25th of July, where the Open section winners will be announced.
Tickets for this year's awards are going on sale from Friday, the 10th of July, on iTicket.
