The New Zealand fashion industry is in a healthy position, experiencing increasing international exposure and continuing domestic growth despite an employment market that is experiencing the lowest unemployment statistics in 10 years.

A haven for job seekers, reports from advertising media such as the NZ Herald and internet job boards show a significant increase in job vacancies being listed in 2004.

If you have been considering a move back to New Zealand, but were unsure of your chances in a smaller fashion market, this is an opportune time to put your plans into action.  There is a healthy buzz in New Zealand and a recent report commissioned on the industry illustrates a strong local market with established designers who have both local and international acclaim.

“A group of established designers now have the heritage and business ability to be consistently strong performers in the retail marketplace (subject to the vagaries of weather and consumer spending). Those with shops in profile locations and existing clientele are doing well. Wholesale sales remain strong for those with established distribution.  Several designers are expanding stores or moving to larger ones.
Designers interviewed reported indent sales growth over last year of around 10%¹

There is strong demand for experienced fashion ‘rag traders’ in key industry positions in manufacture, importing, wholesale and retail.  With the local New Zealand market unable to keep up with demand, there are a number of shortfalls increasingly being filled by returning kiwi’s and new immigrants to this country.  Industry roles that are the stock and trade in manufacturing, such as patternmakers and CAD patternmakers, are continually experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel.  In production a lack of local experience in overseas production co-ordination, management and development illustrates another key shortage of personnel in New Zealand at present.

now is the time to make your move if you have strong apparel or textiles experience.

With technical skill and practical experience being highly sort after and with such a tight labour market at present, local companies and recruitment agencies are continually looking to international markets to supply the shortfall.  The good news for both returning Kiwi’s and those looking to emigrate is that now is the time to make your move if you have strong apparel or textiles experience.

It is almost October already and an important month in the New Zealand fashion calendar. New Zealand fashion Week is not only a showcase of New Zealand design - it is an excellent business generator for the apparel industry.  An important event in Auckland’s yearly calendar, ‘it is the place to be in order to be seen’ and immerse yourself in New Zealand fashion.

Events such as this will put continuing pressure on the labour market to keep pace with the demands of apparel and textile companies as business growth continues.

The Fashion industry in New Zealand has strong governing bodies lobbying government agencies for support and bringing the industry together as a whole to promote new initiatives, such as Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ).  For prospective new Kiwi’s in the fashion market, there is a great opportunity to continue career growth in a small but dynamic market place.

New Zealand is experiencing the reversal of the so called and well discussed ‘brain drain’.  Within a world of increasing turmoil, New Zealand is seen as a haven for a safe, secure and enterprising lifestyle.  For those in the fashion industry this means the time is right to come home or to emigrate to enjoy the momentum gained in the industry here.

¹The Designer Fashion Industry in New Zealand, A scoping study commissioned by Industry New Zealand, Paul Blomfield, June 2002.