The New Zealand fashion industry has a large local manufacturing base with manufacturing sales value of $2.1 billion in 2020. New Zealand fashion designers have found international success due to their innovative and edgy designs. The use of natural fibres in fashion has helped gain exposure for New Zealand’s research and development capabilities where merino wool has achieved worldwide acclaim. New Zealand is a world leader in the design and innovation of luxury natural fibres for use in the fashion industry.

A growing awareness that the clothing and textile industry is one of the largest and most impactful industries in the world is causing designers and manufacturers alike to think about how clothes are brought to market and managed at the end of their life. As educators, we are committed to ensuring that our graduates are sustainable practitioners. Otago Polytechnic is a member of Mindful Fashion NZ, a collective of leading New Zealand designers, textile and trim suppliers, and manufacturers that advocate for the local clothing and textile industry from the point of view of future proofing local manufacturing, growing employment, and focusing on sustainability. The organisation works closely with designers, brands, textile, service providers and manufacturers as well as the tertiary sector across fashion, apparel, knitwear, uniform, workwear and accessories.

Ōtepoti Dunedin is the home of ID Dunedin Fashion and the ID International Emerging Designer Awards. Throughout its more than two-decade long history, iD Dunedin has championed creativity and innovation for Dunedin’s fashion community and emerging designers worldwide. The awards provide a platform for emerging fashion designers from across the globe to showcase their talent and are strongly supported by Dunedin locals, the NZ fashion industry and tertiary institutes across NZ and the globe. In 2022, ID Dunedin will be held on Saturday 1st April just before IFFTI 2023.