365Telugu.com online news,National,20th June 2025:In a vibrant celebration of the Māori New Year, the New Zealand High Commission, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Education New Zealand (ENZ), hosted a cultural and fashion showcase titled RE/NEW: A Time to Shine on June 19. This unique event beautifully fused Māori traditions with Indian craftsmanship, promoting creativity, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration.
The evening featured a captivating performance by Māori cultural group Ngāti Koraha, followed by a collaborative fashion show that brought together twelve young designers from five institutions — NIFT and Pearl Academy in India, and Auckland University of Technology, Massey University, and Whitecliffe College from New Zealand. These students worked together for two months, blending Māori design sensibilities with Indian textiles and techniques to reflect Matariki’s core values of remembrance, renewal, and community.
A distinguished jury — including celebrated Indian designers Namrata Joshipura and Nikhil Mehra, and renowned fashion editors Nandini Bhalla and Virender Bhardwaj — selected Ella Rhodes (Auckland University of Technology) and Stuti Gupta (Pearl Academy) as the winning team. Samsara Jasper (Whitecliffe College) and Vanya Aggarwal (NIFT) were named runners-up.
Speaking at the event, New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Patrick Rata said,
“Marking Matariki in India is truly special. The themes of connection, reflection, and renewal transcend cultures. This evening celebrates the creative spirit and the enduring bond between our countries.”
ఇది కూడా చదవండి…వేవ్ ఫార్చూన్ స్మార్ట్వాచ్తో కాంటాక్ట్లెస్ చెల్లింపుల విప్లవం – యాక్సిస్ బ్యాంక్, బోట్, మాస్టర్కార్డ్ సంయుక్తంగా ఆవిష్కరణ..
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FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi added,
“We are honoured to support this initiative that unites two cultures through fashion, inspires young designers, and promotes sustainable design thinking.”
Matariki marks the rising of the Pleiades star cluster, signaling the Māori New Year and offering a moment to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and prepare for the future — a philosophy that aligns with many Indian festivals and traditions.
RE/NEW: A Time to Shine was part of New Zealand’s Cultural Diplomacy International Programme, emphasizing the role of creative industries in bridging cultures and strengthening bilateral ties.
About Education New Zealand (ENZ):
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency promoting New Zealand’s world-class, future-focused education globally. Ranked among the top three worldwide in 2019 for future-ready education, ENZ encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and global citizenship among students. Learn more at: Study With New Zealand