Accor has officially opened the Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel, which is now part of the largest hotel operator's portfolio in New Zealand.
A unique fusion of cultural design, superior architecture, and premium hospitality, this is the first five-star hotel located at the Auckland Airport.
New Zealand fashion designer Kiri Nathan, of Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hine iwi, recently designed signature pieces for the new Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel.
The pieces include women's front office uniforms such as capes, jackets, and blouses inspired by the hotel.
Inspired by her paternal grandmother, Inez, Nathan still uses her old Singer sewing machine and has worked up the ranks in the fashion world since starting her brand thirteen years ago.
Her designs have been worn and styled by personalities like Barack Obama, Meghan Markle, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey.
Nathan incorporates Māori culture and tradition into contemporary designs, believing her authentic lens sets her apart. Her handwoven garments and Pounamu jewellery use ancient techniques such as hand-carving and weaving.
As a single mother at 18, she wanted to secure a better future for herself and her son, so she studied visual arts and majored in fashion. She also led a career as a flight attendant and in-flight manager.
In 2008, Nathan won the Supreme Award at Style Pasifika, which gave her and her husband the confidence to start their label. Since then, she has become a significant figure in New Zealand fashion and has founded Kāhui Collective, a community that supports Māori fashion designers in their businesses and creative endeavours.
In recognition of her contribution to Māori and the fashion industry, she was also awarded membership of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020.
In 2023, Kiri became the first Māori designer to open New Zealand Fashion Week, showcasing the history of Māori garments. Her work has been influential in promoting indigenous inspiration in modern fashion worldwide.
