NZ Indigenous Fashion Symposium

Join Kāhui Collective for the inaugural New Zealand Indigenous Fashion Symposium (NZIFS), a landmark one-day event celebrating Indigenous fashion, creativity, culture and innovation from Aotearoa and across the globe.

Held at The Cloud, Auckland, on Tuesday 18 August (10:00am–4:30pm), the symposium brings together 16 Indigenous fashion designers representing Aotearoa New Zealand, Alaska, Australia, Fiji, Rotuma, Taiwan and India for a full day of inspiring conversations, presentations and interactive workshops.

Throughout the day, hear directly from internationally acclaimed Indigenous designers as they explore the future of Indigenous fashion through panel discussions covering Indigenous fashion economies, cultural integrity and intellectual property, and opportunities for collaboration, trade and global growth. The programme also features presentations from leading organisations including Te Puia, Breast Cancer Cure and World of Wearable Art (WOW), highlighting the intersections of fashion, culture, creativity and community.

In the afternoon, attendees can take part in hands-on workshops led by designers and makers, offering unique opportunities to learn Indigenous textile techniques, cultural storytelling through fashion, sustainable design practices, printmaking, adornment, weaving, small business development and more. These practical sessions invite participants to engage directly with Indigenous makers and experience the knowledge, traditions and innovation that shape contemporary Indigenous fashion.

Your symposium ticket includes access to all panel discussions, presentations and workshops, along with refreshments and drinks. Attendees will also receive entry to the Runway to Retail After Function following the Kāhui Collective runway show during New Zealand Fashion Week on 20 August.

Alongside the symposium, visitors can explore the Kāhui Collective Retail Activation, where participating designers will showcase garments, accessories and products available to purchase or pre-order. The retail activation is open to the public from 18–20 August, creating further opportunities to connect with Indigenous designers and support their work.

Whether you're a fashion professional, creative practitioner, student or passionate supporter of Indigenous arts and culture, the New Zealand Indigenous Fashion Symposium offers a rare opportunity to engage with some of the world's leading Indigenous designers and be part of an inspiring conversation about fashion as a vehicle for culture, identity, innovation and global connection.