For the first time in its 21-year history, New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) is expanding beyond Auckland, announcing a new partnership with Ōtautahi Christchurch.
From November 7–9, 2025, the South Island city will host the inaugural Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival presented by NZFW – a bespoke edition of the country’s biggest fashion event. The three-day festival will feature a large-scale spring/summer runway show with a mix of iconic and emerging designers, alongside a spotlight on Ōtautahi’s own design talent.
The programme will also include pop-up retail shows across the city, a “Beyond the Runway” speaker series, styling sessions, and a designer lunch, with live-streamed content available for local and international audiences.
Christchurch-based fashion influencer Mary Outram says the move has been a long time coming.
“There’s something so cool about fashion coming to the South Island. Christchurch has this understated but bold energy… I can’t wait to see the city come alive with NZFW energy!”
NZFW owner Feroz Ali calls the partnership a “bold new chapter” for both the event and the industry.
“Christchurch is a city that knows how to reinvent, push boundaries, and celebrate its creative community with quiet confidence. This is fashion with purpose, rooted in place and people.”
The new Christchurch edition forms part of a three-year partnership with ChristchurchNZ, running each November as part of the city’s On Show spring campaign. While Auckland will continue to host NZFW Kahuria in August with its designer-led, industry-focused format, Christchurch will offer a more consumer-oriented, high-end fashion experience, highlighting local designers, cultural storytelling, and public engagement.
Karena Finnie, ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events, says the timing – just before Cup and Show Week – is no accident.
“With NZFW’s history of supporting fashion and creative growth, bringing an event south creates significant opportunities for local designers and brands. It also strengthens our city’s cultural and events portfolio while connecting with key sectors like Food, Fibre & Agritech.”
Local label Untouched World is among the first to welcome the move. Founder and CEO Peri Drysdale says the city is ready to embrace Fashion Week.
“For fashion to be truly sustainable, transparency isn’t just a bonus, it’s essential. There’s something special about having the same farmer who supplies your merino wool popping into your store as a regular customer. We’re thrilled to see our regional network step into the spotlight — because where your clothes come from matters.”
With its mix of runway, retail, and cultural experiences, the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival will test the appetite for fashion in the South Island, with organisers confident the event will grow across its three-year run.
IMAGERY CREDITS: Rad Lab https://radlab.co.nz/