Founded in 2001 by Dame Pieter Stewart, New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) proudly forms the backbone of the New Zealand fashion industry, enabling local designers to promote and profile their brand, and sell both nationally and internationally. In 2021 the event was acquired by Aligroup Ltd (Feroz Ali).

NZFW connects emerging and established fashion designers with buyers, media, and consumers on a global scale, offering a world-class, sustainable and inclusive event to champion, nurture, and grow designers in Aotearoa. 

The reimagining of NZFW prioritises responding to, empowering, and collaborating with the ever-changing and dynamic fashion landscape, working in collaboration with the industry to achieve great outcomes. A vital part of the event is the commitment to championing a circular fashion ecosystem in Aotearoa, with innovation and creativity at its forefront. 

After a successful return to the fashion calendar in 2023 following a three-year hiatus, New Zealand Fashion Week is back again in 2024 from 20 - 24 August at the Auckland Viaduct Events Centre.

A Gift - Kahuria.

As part of this reimagining, NZFW has established a partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, who, alongside their continuing cultural guidance and support, gifted the name, Kahuria to NZFW in 2023.

Kahuria is inspired from ‘Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri’, a figurative term Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei uses to signify their tribal area of interest in central Tāmaki Makaurau. Meaning ‘the dog skin cloak of Tuperiri’ who is the revered ancestor of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei; this iwi narrative also aligns with the themes of beauty, innovation and unity.

‘Kahu’ translated means garment or cloak, and ‘Kahuria’ means to adorn. NZFW personifies Kahuria by enabling designers to share their designs with the world.