22 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS <strong>October</strong>/<strong>November</strong> <strong>2016</strong> Inaugural Maori-focused fashion show in Rotorua Rotorua’s steam pools and geysers <strong>of</strong>fered an authentic framework for an inaugural fashion extravaganza predicted to rival one <strong>of</strong> the country’s best-known events. By VIV POSSELT Under the title Tiki Ăhua, and themed Kă Mura: Set Alight, the September 24 event was held at Rotorua’s famed Te Puia, set within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley. Te Puia is the acknowledged heart <strong>of</strong> traditional Maori arts, crafts and culture. Home to the world-famous Pohutu geyser, its mud pools, hot springs and silica formations have long breathed life into treasures and traditions <strong>of</strong> the past. It is here that Maori wood carving, weaving and carving have been shared with visitors for more than 170 years – and here, last month, that Tiki Ăhua opened a new chapter <strong>of</strong> participation. Inspired by the Maori sisters <strong>of</strong> fire, Te Pȗpȗ and Te Hoata, the event brought together fashion designers, artists and performers before a 500-strong audience. The 22 designers from Rotorua and beyond presented a wide range <strong>of</strong> streetwear, daywear, adornment, eveningwear and avant-garde. Traditional Maori arts were presented in a completely new way, with pounamu and bone carvings on the runway and live tă moko tattooing taking place throughout the evening. Entertainment was provided by top-selling NZ artist Che Fu, guitarist and singer/songwriter Seth Haapu, X-Factor runner-up Whenua Patuwai, and hip-hop dance group, Street Candee. Te Puia general manager sales and marketing, Kiri Atkinson-Crean said the event had exceeded all expectations. Tickets had sold out three weeks ahead, validating longterm plans to bed in a five-year vision for Tiki Ăhua to grow from a one-night spectacle into a week-long festival <strong>of</strong> art, design, dance and culture. “Rotorua is famous for its traditional Maori arts and crafts,” she said. “In fact, Te Puia/NZMACI [New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute] has a mandated responsibility to ensure those traditions are preserved. “But we also want to support and highlight our contemporary artists and designers, and give them an opportunity to shine. Tiki Ăhua has certainly done that.” New Zealand First Rotorua Office Fletcher Tabuteau List MP Office Hours: 10am - 3pm Drop in or call for an appointment 07 347 4045 Level 6, Hinemoa Tower 1154 Hinemoa St, Rotorua PO Box 1561, Rotorua, 3042 Interest is being shown by the world <strong>of</strong> commerce in incorporating Leilani and Anastasia Rickard’s Natura Aura designs into corporate logos. Some <strong>of</strong> the unique rainwear and hosiery shown by Natura Aura at the event. Artistic director Turanga Merito described the event as an “epic journey … an incredibly large magic puzzle brought together which has been rewarding and emotional.” Among those featured was Henare Jewellery designer Nerida Johnstone. She found the event reinforced existing business contacts and helped build new ones. “I’m extremely excited and overwhelmed, and it’s been amazing to have been involved.” Ranui Samuels from Rise Supply Co described Tiki Ăhua as “awesome” and said it marked the beginning <strong>of</strong> great things. “Fashion is an essential part <strong>of</strong> who we are as Maori. We are now reaching that design into daywear, eveningwear and couture, and extending further than traditional art and craft.” Also on board for the evening was the grandmother/granddaughter duo making up the Rotorua-based design team, Natura Aura. Anastasia and Leilani Rickard featured in the July/ August issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Plenty</strong> <strong>Business</strong> <strong>News</strong>, hot on the heels <strong>of</strong> having won the Established Designer Award in the Miromoda Indigenous Maori Fashion Apparel Competition. They had also showcased their work at J Model Management’s Autumn Fashion Show in Paris in 2015, and just a couple <strong>of</strong> months ago, exhibited their range at the New Zealand Fashion Week. Some <strong>of</strong> that selection was featured at Tiki Ăhua. Natura Aura is making a name for itself with its unique fusion <strong>of</strong> fashion and science, where microscopic images <strong>of</strong> harakeke translate into striking designs onto fabric. The range is now marketed at various North Island stockists, and plans are in progress for runway shows to be The raw and eclectic edge <strong>of</strong> Henare Jewellery’s Nerida Johnstone, along with Masami clothing, was popular on the runway. Rise Supply co-creator Ranui Samuels’ Papua New Guinea upbringing shone through in his collection, with tribal markings and military-styled streetwear. held at popular tourist spots. <strong>Business</strong>es are also showing interest in incorporating their designs into corporate logos. Anastasia said she and her grandmother had found Tiki Ăhua to be a “memorable and enjoyable” experience. “We’re now looking forward to next year and the next Tiki Ăhua.” The success <strong>of</strong> Tiki Ăhua prompted comment from Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, who was a guest on the night. Suggesting it could become Photos Graeme Murray/ Te Puia. to Rotorua what the original World <strong>of</strong> Wearable Arts event was to Nelson, she said: “This is a proudly Rotorua and Te Arawa event, and it couldn’t be held anywhere else by here in the Te Whakarewarewa Valley. “It has surprised and delighted the audience … it’s a bit cheeky and very slick and I don’t think it was what anyone was expecting. It’s just incredible.” www.nzfirst.org.nz
<strong>Bay</strong> <strong>of</strong> plenty First BAY OF PLENTY on BUSINESS the NEWS <strong>October</strong>/<strong>November</strong> scene <strong>2016</strong> 23 Abracacabra Café hosts a Rotorua Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce BA5. 1 1 Pam Jenkins and Anne Norton, Xquizit Limousines. 2 Michael Staite and Marama Meikle. 2 3 3 Marinus Koppe, Print & Apparel Solutions; Trevor Maxwell, Rotorua District Council. 4 Justin Kala Genest, Abracadabra Café; Ian and Kathy Hawker, Hawker Investments. 4 5 6 5 Jon Dimock, Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education; Paul Verney, Eves Realty; John Joyce, Elite <strong>Business</strong> Systems. 6 Karen Heard, Suzie Evans and Lorrin Robinson, Motor Trade Finance. 7 7 Nadia Christensen and Marilyn Christian, Mcdowell Real Estate. 8 Ge<strong>of</strong>f Taylor, <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Plenty</strong> <strong>Business</strong> <strong>News</strong>; Justine Knowles, NZME. 8 9 9 Senor Joseph and Vijo Jose, Quadgroup Cleaning Services. 10 Dina Wickers and Sarah, Scion. 10
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