Main image: Standard Issue workroom team leader Akenesi Dimanamana.
Fashion Revolution Aotearoa New Zealand is presenting Meet the Maker, a bold public campaign running alongside New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) from 25-30 August 2025.
The campaign celebrates and acknowledges the skilled people who bring our local fashion industry to life.
In an industry where garment makers are too often overlooked, Meet the Maker will profile the faces, hands, and stories behind beloved local brands. The campaign will run across digital billboards in Auckland’s CBD, Auckland Central Library and online channels, featuring portraits of makers from participating New Zealand fashion labels.
“I came straight from design school into my dream job. Being part of a collaborative team has taught me so much, but it’s the daily interactions with customers that stay with me – real conversations with people who connect with what we create. It’s a constant reminder of why I love what I do.” Mandatory workroom manager Manisha Zarapkar. Photography Claire Fraser
“This campaign is about visibility,” says Amy Conlon, Assistant Country Coordinator for Fashion Revolution NZ. “When you see the people who cut, sew, and finish your garments, you begin to value the skill, time, and care that goes into every piece. These makers are an essential part of our local fashion ecosystem, yet they rarely get the recognition they deserve.”
The initiative is proudly supported by Whitecliffe College, a leader in fashion, art, design and sustainability education. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a fairer, more transparent, and more sustainable local fashion industry. Many of the makers are alumni to Whitecliffe Fashion and Sustainability Design programmes.
“I love knowing that in our small team, every garment our customers receive has been carefully crafted by the same set of hands.” Sarah McIntyre, Ahipao machine operator and production specialist. Photography Elisa Quinteros
“At Whitecliffe, our students start their sustainable fashion design careers with learning that fashion is not just about design – it’s about people. Supporting Meet the Maker is our way of honouring the many skilled hands and ethical hearts behind Aotearoa’s fashion industry. We’re proud to stand alongside this movement, celebrating transparency, craftsmanship, and the future of values-driven fashion,” Dr. Fay Amaral, CEO at Whitecliffe.
Alongside celebrating makers, Meet the Maker reinforces Fashion Revolution NZ’s mission to promote local brands and alternatives to fast fashion, encouraging conscious consumption, ethical production, and industry collaboration.
“I take great pride in designing and hand making well-crafted custom made garments that will be kept for generations. For me it’s a personal relationship with fashion and the environment. This is not a trend, this is a responsibility.”
Jacqueline Roper, designer/ creator/ patternmaker / machinist for Jacqueline Anne
The Meet the Maker campaign is also endorsed by Mindful Fashion. “Buying from a NZ designer supports local jobs, from the creatives, to the makers and businesses that keep our industry thriving”, says Jacinta FitzGerald, Chief Executive at Mindful Fashion NZ.
According to a report prepared by Sapere Research Group for Auckland City Council (2023), 3,106 tonnes of clothing in Auckland alone are wasted before being sold or worn. These wasted items of fashion clothing come from imports.
‘’It’s time to break up with fast fashion and support local brands,” says Conlon.
