Giltrap Group unites brands to sponsor New Zealand Fashion Week with three-year naming rights partnership
Auckland, NZ - New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) today announces a three year partnership with New Zealand’s premier automotive group, Giltrap Group, as the official naming rights sponsor of the event. This multi-year alignment with such a prestigious business marks a significant milestone for the commercial growth and impact of NZFW, ensuring it will remain a fundamental platform to elevate and celebrate the fashion industry in Aotearoa for years to come.
Returning from August 25th-30th, 2025, New Zealand Fashion Week presented by Giltrap Group will see a stacked schedule of established and emerging designer runway shows, alongside panel events and a myriad of on-site and off-site activations, big and small.
For over 50 years Giltrap Group has established its position as the leading importer, distributor and retailer of vehicles in New Zealand, and is where Kiwis go to find the best brands from around the world. Giltrap Group has largely supported events via its individual brands, however the partnership with New Zealand Fashion Week marks the first time all brands represented by Giltrap will have come together in a sponsorship capacity. The investment also means that NZFW will be able to return to an annual schedule.
(Left) Liam Taylor, Director, NZ Fashion Week Board, Steve Kenchington, CEO of Giltrap Group, Diana Simpson, Head of Legal for Giltrap Group (wearing Knuefermann by TK)
Giltrap Group CEO Steve Kenchington says “There’s a real buzz in our team for this unique partnership with New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria. Giltrap Group and NZ Fashion Week are two iconic brands coming together to celebrate the best of New Zealand talent. While we’re known for backing Kiwis on the track - from Formula One to Le Mans - we’ve also long supported innovation and creativity across industries, including fashion. This collaboration is about more than sponsorship; it’s about showcasing design, performance, and passion - values that unite both our worlds. We’re proud to help New Zealand’s fashion talent fly on the global stage.
Like the local fashion industry, the automotive sector has experienced more change in the last five years than in the previous twenty, and at Giltrap Group, we see those changes as opportunities for innovation and growth. We’re excited about supporting an event that not only celebrates creativity and progress but also brings people together and strengthens the local community.”
The milestone unification of brands under Giltrap’s representation is a fitting similarity to the way NZFW is a vehicle to unite the fashion industry. The natural correlation between fashion and automotive means there is mutual understanding as to not only what good design is, but the importance and value good design brings to the end-user. Form, style and construction are elements intrinsic to both fashion design and automotive craftsmanship, and their connection will be highlighted through the partnership between Giltrap and NZFW.
Giltrap Group is the local distributor and/or retailer of 18 prestigious brands: Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Cupra, Geely, GM Specialty Vehicles, Jaguar, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, McLaren, Polestar, Porsche, Skoda, Volkswagen and Volvo. Global vehicle rental service SIXT is now also operated locally by Giltrap Group.
Owner of New Zealand Fashion Week, Feroz Ali says “The generous backing from Giltrap Group allows us to deliver an event that ensures the continued success of the New Zealand fashion ecosystem, which is integral to our identity.
Their support will aid NZFW in maintaining both local and global relevance and in turn provide them with a platform to reach on-the-pulse consumers. Partners and sponsors are vital to the success of NZFW and delivering flow on effects for the wider industry.”
Models: Felix Timmins (wearing Zambesi) & Kaya Gibson (wearing Harris Tapper)
As NZFW redefines its role in the fashion ecosystem, the commercial opportunity for sponsors and investors is vast, in line with the elasticity the event promises to present. NZFW 2025 recognises the role fashion fans and customers play in shaping the fashion industry and will provide unprecedented public access to its events, providing an inclusive and tangible pathway for sponsors to engage with New Zealanders.
The official designer list and schedule of New Zealand Fashion Week presented by Giltrap Group will be revealed at the end of June 2025, along with the official reveal of the NZFW 2025 campaign, shot by Mara Sommer and directed by Dan Ahwa. Delegate registrations and ticket sales will also be launched on this date. Designer applications for The Future of Fashion Showcase are also open now, find out more here