New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) has officially partnered with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, committing to their ideologies on sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, connection, and cultural identity.
As part of this collaboration, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has gifted NZFW the name, Kahuria, inspired by 'Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri', signifying their tribal area of interest in central Tāmaki Makaurau. 'Kahu' translated means garment or cloak, and 'Kahuria' means to adorn.
"We are honoured to be gifted the name Kahuria and to be working in partnership with tangata whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to ensure we build a strong foundation of Tikanga Maori into the fabric of this year's event", said NZFW general manager Yasmin Farry.
"Our shared intention is for the long-term partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to be part of the future of NZFW: Kahuria, and we are grateful for their ongoing guidance and support of our kaupapa."
"As tangata whenua and host iwi of this kaupapa, we look forward to strengthening our relationship with the prestigious NZFW: Kahuria event and team, and I cannot wait to see the wonderful display of design talent," commented Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei chair, Marama Royal.
As the country's only international fashion industry event, NZFW offers a sustainable and inclusive platform for designers of Aotearoa. This year's event will also include te reo Māori signage, wayfinding, events, and panel discussions featuring more than ten Māori designers.
The fashion extravaganza will run from Tuesday, the 29th of August, to Saturday, the 2nd of September, at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland.
