Tiki Āhua provides platform for emerging and established artists at Te Puia

A fashion evening in Rotorua has showcased both emerging and established designers.

Tiki Āhua was held at Te Puia on Saturday night and almost 500 people were at the showcase which merged traditional and contemporary Māori design.

In its second year, the theme was Kura Mōwai, Sacred Waters and featured more than 30 designers.

Te Puia general manager sales and marketing, Kiri Atkinson-Crean said the event highlighted the appeal of Māori-inspired fashion.

"This event continues to exceed expectations and shows the innovative way we are carrying out our mandated responsibility to ensure those traditions are preserved."

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Atkinson-Crean said the highlight of the evening was seeing the diversity of design talents and styles and being able to create a platform to showcase that.

The evening provided a space for emerging designers from local schools as well as more established designers like Rotorua's Adrienne Whitewood and social media star William Waiirua.

Creative artistic director Turanga Merito said he was proud of the way the event had come together.

"The most exciting thing about Tiki Āhua as an event is the combination of all things fashion mixed with a touch of Māoritanga and the magic of Te Puia.

"This is one of the only chances to showcase Māori adornment and clothes in a modern context – the way we merge traditional and modern is something no one else in the world is doing."

Social media influencer William Waiirua launched his street wear collection and eyewear at the event. He said Tiki Āhua had played a key role in his launch into the fashion world.

"I'm thankful for all the support we've been given from Te Puia and the opportunities that have come our way."

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick was the event was "quintessentially Rotorua".

It finished with music from L.A.B and Jackson Owens. Before his performance, Owens received a tā moko from artists on site. It was crossed to live throughout the night so the audience could see the progress.

Looking ahead, Atkinson-Crean said next year's event was likely to run for two days.

"Next year we will aim to have Tiki Āhua as part of Matariki celebrations here. I would like to think we can grow it by a day next year and start to grow the event further.

"It's about building the design community and celebrating it."