Promoting Maori design

Press, 12 May 1987, Page 45

Promoting Maori design

NGA KAKAHU Promotions — “At the moment it’s an ideal to promote Maori designers, dressmakers and retail outlets,” says Mere Nihoniho who has been doing just that

As the co-ordinator of fashion parades which are a spin-off from Te Maori exhibition she is introducing Maori talent to a wider audience.

Every Sunday since March 22 the Canterbury Museum’s Pacific Hall has been filled for the informal shows. Models ranging from tots to

grandmothers wear garments casual and dressy. The parades are a public viewing of a Maori Affairs Department initiative to create jobs. The long view is to set up an industry manufacturing designs, some for export. Collectives will be encouraged so that support is available for people now working independently or wanting to start in business. Mere explains: “Our Maori people are basically very shy, this is encouraging people to get up and do. something.” Garments for the Christ-

church show have been drawn from throughout New Zealand with the work of about 50 local people featured. Of those only a few are working professionally; others are school pupils or older women given confidence to display the skills that; up until now have been used only to make clothes for family and friends. It is to give all ages and shapes confidence that Mere has encouraged a range of models. Many of the garments are for the fuller figure in acknowledgement

that marketable clothes have to suit the would-be wearers — not all of whom are size 10. The success of Nga Kakahu Promotions depends hot on talent, which is well represented in the parades, but on how the scheme’s ideals are put in to action. Mere sums it up: “The kaupapa (philosophy) is to encourage Maori people to get involved.” The final Nga Kakahu parade in Christchurch will -be held at the Canterbury Museum on Saturday at 2.30