Introducing Fashion & Textiles New Zealand

Formerly Mindful Fashion New Zealand

8 April, 2026

Today, we step forward with a new name that reflects the breadth of the industry we work with, and the role we play in shaping its future.

Fashion & Textiles New Zealand champions a thriving future for Aotearoa New Zealand’s fashion and textiles industry.

This marks a new chapter for our organisation, and for the industry we serve.

“Mindful Fashion New Zealand has always been about more than fashion,” said Jacinta FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Fashion & Textiles New Zealand.

“This isn’t a shift in direction, it’s a clearer expression of what we’ve been building for years. A connected, future-focussed fashion and textile industry recognised for its economic value, its cultural contribution, and its ability to lead in innovation and circular thinking.”

Where we've come from

At the heart of this moment is the foundation laid by our founders, Kate Sylvester and Emily Miller-Sharma, who brought the industry together in 2019 with a shared vision for change. We’re deeply grateful for their leadership and their continued support.

Over the past seven years we've grown from connecting a fragmented industry into a trusted convenor and voice with government and partners, supported by a growing membership of more than 120 businesses.

Together, we’ve brought major initiatives to life, including the Threads of Tomorrow report (with EY New Zealand) and the Circular Design Awards, building momentum for a more resilient, future-focused industry.

We believe New Zealand’s fashion & textiles industry can drive economic resilience, cultural identity and leadership in innovation and circular thinking, and deserves a stronger place on the national agenda.

Fashion & textiles is a sector defined by creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation. It is also a significant economic force.

Our research shows the industry contributed $7.8 billion to the economy in 2023 (1.9% of GDP), employed more than 76,000 people, and paid $4.4 billion in wages. With women making up 78% of the workforce, it is also a meaningful driver of women’s economic participation and opportunity.

Despite this, the industry has often been under-recognised.

We’re we are heading

By bringing the industry together, we’re building a stronger, more unified voice, one that can shape policy, unlock investment, and accelerate the transition to a thriving, globally relevant future.

While our name has changed, our purpose remains the same.

To unite the industry and champion a thriving future for New Zealand fashion and textiles, one that delivers value for business, people and the environment.

Our new name carries that purpose forward, strengthened for what comes next.

Join us!

Fashion & Textiles New Zealand is here for the entire industry ecosystem.

We invite businesses across the fashion and textiles ecosystem to connect, collaborate and contribute to building a stronger industry together.

Chair Juliette Hogan says

"This is really just an open invitation to our industry. If you’re part of New Zealand’s fashion and textiles community, we’d love you to be part of shaping what comes next. There’s a real opportunity here - and it will take all of us, working together, to make the most of it."