Kharl Wirepa is influential and making an impact on New Zealand's fashion scene. Photo / Ben Fraser
Kharl Wirepa is influential and making an impact on New Zealand's fashion scene. Photo / Ben Fraser
Two Rotorua high achievers have made the cut in the "25 most influential Kiwis 25 and under" list on Scout, a New Zealand entertainment and celebrity news website.
Oklahoma City Thunder basketball player and former Rotorua man Steven Adams, 22, came in at number eight on the list, with fashiondesigner Kharl-William Wirepa, 23, who was placed at 17.
Prime Minister John Key's son Max topped the list, with singer Lorde second.
Mr Wirepa said he was interviewed for the list earlier this year at New Zealand Fashion Week, but his designs were not the only reason he was chosen.
"For me, my charity involvement and my work in fashion since I was 15 years old contributed to my placing, alongside my showing at Fashion Week and how rapidly the label has grown in the last two years.
"I've only been designing for two years ... and have done a lot of other things, from encouraging the careers of models and people who want to be stylists and photographers, and also supporting the pageant industry, alongside charity works.
"Last year we took on a new charity and, with the Salvation Army every year, I host a charity fashion show using their product in store."
Mr Wirepa said he was enjoying life in Rotorua while being able to make an impact nationally.
"I do contribute to the community of the wider fashion industry and to the future of the New Zealand fashion industry, and I believe I've been supported and put on this list because I am seen as a key player for New Zealand fashion."
