Year 3
Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design
“He Māori ahau – I am Māori” is not just a statement, it is an unapologetic declaration of identity and resistance in a time when this kind of resilience is needed. My graduate collection aims to showcase the depth and richness of Māori culture and its values, each piece a reflection of our pride, our stories and the spirit of our tupuna.
Today, more than ever, Māori find ourselves navigating a political vlandscape where our experience and lives are marginalized and scrutinized under the new three-party Coalition government. This collection is not just an expression of creativity but a form of protest, calling to attention the challenges and discrimination we face while empowering us to em- brace our heritage fully.
The current coalition government’s policies have reignited struggles for equita- ble rights and resources, leaving Māori communities in a precarious position. Decisions impacting land, language, and socio-economic welfare disproportionately affect our people, and it’s our responsibility to respond and resist. I want to use this platform as a way to visually disrupt mainstream narratives and highlight the struggles we face in a new way, by highlighting the beauty and fierceness of our culture. This collection honours our roots, asserts our presence, and stands as a bold testament to being unapolo- getically Māori in a world that often seeks to diminish our voices.
Toitū te Tiriti.
