Bobby is a multi-faceted practitioner and pracademic (practical academic), passionate about his culture and driving pathways for future generations. Exploring a plethora of cultural ecologies, Bobby’s interests lie deep within his iwi and hapu, and the wider landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The story of the humble panikeke has always held a deep connection with the founder of Panikeke, and inspires memories of growing up with nothing in South Auckland.

Panikeke is the Pacific Island Beauty Shop – home to everything beauty-related including Pacific-inspired beauty products, jewellery, accessories, fashion, gifts and more. 

As the creative director of Tāmaki Makarau Auckland-based fashion label, Sweepstake Winners, Julia has worked her way from the ground up. She’s honed her skills and developed her creative abilities working alongside some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most notable designers, including her current role as designer/creative director at footwear and accessory brand, Kathryn Wilson.

Tuvaluan-born, Talosia Haulangi grew up in Grey Lynn Auckland, and graduated from both the New Zealand Institute of Fashion Technology, and the New Zealand Interior Design Institute. 

Talosia Design was established by Talosia and partner James Alexander Laverty in 2011 and is focused on modernising and empowering beautiful and powerful women. 

Fakalofa lahi atu. I am a wife, and mother to four children. 
I am an emerging Niuean fashion designer, and work from my home studio where I launched my fashion label, Saint Fina. 
In 2020, Saint Fina opened the London Pacific Fashion Week preview show, at the Hilton in London. 
 

Failepou Pene ( Fai) is the director and founder of Pacific International Runway (PIR), a prominent multicultural fashion company based in Sydney. PIR connects with established and emerging Pasifika designers to help give them exposure to the mainstream fashion industry. Fai is also the lead designer and stylist for the clothing brand Lepou. 

An emerging fashion designer, Susana aims to achieve an eclectic approach that encompasses historical and current trends from a foundation of their Pasifika heritage and identity. 

Susana Tasi’s clothing is classic, bold and enchanting, and expresses both feminine and masculine features that are open to interpretation. 

Kelly was born in Australia but has spent most of her life in New Zealand and Rarotonga. 

Raising her daughter Keziah, Kelly was inspired by the beautiful Pacific fabrics and prints in the Cook Islands to start making baby and children’s clothing. First selling from a small market stall, the business has grown to an online store stocking clothing for all ages,  and which represents Kelly’s...