Whitecliffe Wellington fashion students design the official shirt for South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting

When New Zealand’s Minister of Defence, Hon Judith Collins KC, approached Whitecliffe with an intriguing idea, our fashion students saw a chance to make a real impact. The task? To design the official shirt for this year’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) in Auckland—a shirt that would embody New Zealand’s role in the Pacific and the rich values that bind the region together.

The challenge wasn’t just about fashion but culture and purpose. The design needed to capture the essence of Relationships (Whanaungatanga), Hospitality (Manaakitanga), and Guardianship (Kaitiakitanga)—values that resonate deeply across Pacific communities. For each Whitecliffe student involved, this was an invitation to tell a story beyond fabric and stitches.

The Winning Team: A Collaboration born from heart and vision!

After careful thought and creative exploration, three Whitecliffe fashion students—Molly McGregor, Ezra Harper, and Sophie Morrison—emerged with the winning design. Their collaboration was more than a design process; it was a shared journey to create something that honours the Pacific’s warmth, spirit, and unity. The result was a shirt that debuted this week at the SPDMM. Defence Ministers from across the Pacific, including Australia, Chile, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, gathered to discuss urgent regional issues such as climate change, disaster response, and maritime security.

Whitecliffe’s Pride in Our Students’ Success

Feroz Ali, Whitecliffe Chairman, captured the impact of this project perfectly:

“I am thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our fashion students in the SPDMM Shirt Competition. This opportunity allowed them to not only showcase their creativity and design skills but also to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the South Pacific. The winning design, created by Molly McGregor, Ezra Harper, and Sophie Morrison, beautifully embodies the values of Relationships, Hospitality, and Guardianship that are integral to our community. We commend all participants for their dedication and talent, and we eagerly anticipate how their innovative spirit will continue to shape the future of fashion.”

A creative experience that made an impact!

The experience was a powerful reminder of what fashion can achieve. Each student in the competition explored the deep connections between culture, community, and design, creating pieces that expressed personal style, respect, and connection. It was an unforgettable chance for the students to use their craft to communicate values that transcend borders.

A big thanks to Hon Judith Collins KC!

This experience was made possible by the vision of Hon Judith Collins KC, who saw the potential in bringing young creatives into this international event. Her support allowed our students to engage with meaningful themes and showcase their work globally, reminding us all that fashion can bridge cultural divides.

With each project, they continue to shape a future where creativity, culture, and sustainability come together to redefine what fashion can be.

Inspired by this project? Learn more about Whitecliffe’s fashion programmes and see how you can turn your creativity into a career!