Kiri Nathan presents; Te Kuneroa o kākahu Māori (The evolution of Māori clothing)
Photo credit: David K Shields
AUGUST 25-30 2025
SHED 10 EXHIBITION SPACE
Te Kuneroa o kākahu Māori (The evolution of Māori clothing)
Immerse yourself in Te Kuneroa o Kākahu Māori — a striking static exhibition at New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria 2025, mindfully curated by Kiri Nathan. This evocative presentation traces the evolution of Māori clothing across nine pivotal eras, weaving together the threads of our shared history with cultural pride and inclusivity.
Nine mannequins adorned in slow fashion and handwoven garments that embody the spirit of each era. Kiri’s narrative explores how environmental shifts, colonisation, and social change influenced how Māori made and wore clothing. Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamua (look back to move forward).
Each mannequin is paired with a towering pou (2.5 – 3 m), carved from charcoal-treated wood, representing the nine whetū o Matariki. Each pou wears a mana enhancing pounamu by Jason Nathan. The pairing of pou and whetū o Matariki symbolically root each era’s narrative in celestial guardianship and cultural reverence.
Te Kuneroa o Kākahu Māori consists of -
1700 (Pou Matariki) – Handwoven muka and Tarapouahi.
1800– (Pou Waitī) White handwoven whenu me aho.
1900 (Pou Pōhutukawa)– Red Koti Tera coat, Black hand painted gown.
1920 (Pou Waitā) – Black NZOTY black with red hand beading.
1960 (Pou Waipuna-ā-rangi) – Black wool Kopa cape, Tōrire skirt, Rākei.
2000 (Pou Tipu-a-nuku) – Black Te Āria gown, black handwoven kahu
2025 (Pou Tipu-a-rangi) – White silk gown hand painted in red.
Anamata (Pou Ururangi) - White wool Koti Hana, Huatau, Pari corset, woven neckpiece.
Anamata (Pou Hiwa-i-te-rangi) – White Wairere dress, red wire work handwoven neckpiece, oversized white panekoti with projection application.
This exhibition invites all of Aotearoa New Zealand to see themselves in the stories of Māori clothing heritage. By showcasing KN iterations from pre‑contact through to today and into the future. Kiri Nathan builds bridges — linking cultural guardianship to broader national identity. The Pou representing Matariki speaks to rebuilding, remembrance, and aspirations, inviting every viewer to reflect on their place within the evolving tapestry of our land and people.
Kiri Nathan’s work represents fashion and cultural reclamation and activism.
EVENT DETAILS
LOCATION
Shed 10
89 Quay Street
Auckland Waterfront
ACCESSIBILITY
Lift Access: A passenger lift is available for access to all levels of the venue.
Accessible Toilets: Shed 10 has accessible toilets and there is directional signage indicating where these toilets are located in the venue.
Public Transport: Shed 10 is close to the ferry terminal and Britomart Transport Centre, making it easily accessible by public transport.
Drop-off Point: A drop-off point for taxis and rideshares is located directly across from the building.
Parking: The Downtown and Britomart car parks are nearby, with the Downtown carpark a 10-minute walk from the venue.
ABOUT DESIGNER
Kiri Nathan is a pioneering Māori fashion designer from New Zealand, celebrated for her deep commitment to indigenous culture and storytelling through design. Blending traditional Māori craftsmanship with contemporary fashion, her work showcases intricate weaving, natural materials, and cultural symbolism. As the first Māori designer to open New Zealand Fashion Week, Kiri Nathan continues to lead with authenticity, empowering Māori creatives and elevating indigenous voices on global runways.
