Sustainable Textiles

The fashion industry is estimated to be responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions – more than international flights and maritime shipping combined!

Our Sustainable Textiles programme consists of events and competitions to help better connect you to the clothes you wear and understand their impact on the planet.

Addressing textile waste generated by the fashion sector is crucial, given the alarming surge in clothing inundating our landfills. The proliferation of fast fashion has flooded markets with inexpensive trendy attire, resulting in overstuffed closets and yearly spring clearouts. While decluttering feels satisfying, opshops can’t accommodate the magnitude of clothes we donate, with a growing proportion being poor quality and ending up in landfill. So it’s essential to consider the fate of these garments and strategize ways to prevent the issue from arising in the initial stages. Join us as we explore these issues and provide solutions on a personal level with our Sustainable Textiles programme.

Re:Stitched Runway Upcycled Fashion Comp 2026

Registrations are now OPEN!

REGISTER HERE

Re:Stitched Runway invites you to transform clothing destined for landfill into runway-ready outfits, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and circular fashion. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just keen to give it a go, this is your chance to get creative, learn new skills, and shine on the runway.

How it works

Contestants receive a selection of second-hand garments and a “challenge garment” to include in their design. You’ll then have one month to create a fully wearable outfit. Entries are judged on:

Wearability
Construction
Creativity
Sustainability

Key Dates

Registrations open: Monday 18 May
Registrations close: Monday 15 June
Clothing pick up & competition begins: Saturday June 27
Fashion Show: Saturday 25 July

Competition Information Pack

Download this package for all details outlining the competition and how it works.

REGISTER NOW!

(Tickets to attend the runway show will be available closer to the event.)

Sustainable Textiles Series

6 Workshops for you to enjoy this June and July

From June through July, our Sustainable Textiles programme is running six workshops covering Korean patchwork art, zero waste tee-making, garment upcycling, community textile art, and a Matariki star garland, all before the big fashion show on 25 July.

Whether you’re a confident sewist or a total beginner, there’s something here for you. Spots are limited and so don’t dilly dally!

Bojagi Patchwork Art with Make & Mend
Sun 14 June – $40pp
Click to Book

Zero Waste Oversized Tee with Emroce
Fri 19 June – $20pp
Click to Book

Thrift Flip/With a Twist! with Sew Love
Wed 24 June
Booking details coming soon

Community Textile Art Workshop 1 with LILIA CASS
Sat 4 July
Booking details coming soon

Matariki Star Garland with Make & Mend
Fri 10 July – $30pp
Click to Book

Community Textile Art Workshop 2 with LILIA CASS
Sat 18 July
Booking details coming soon

Re:Stitched Runway Fashion Show with Envirohub Bay of Plenty
Sat 25 July
Tickets coming soon

Take a look back at last year’s Re:Stitched Runway

In 2025, we saw a record-breaking 64 outfits hit the runway, with an incredible standard of design and innovation. The evening was filled with creativity, connection, and inspiration, showcasing what’s possible when we rethink waste. The challenge garment was a branded high-vis workers shirt, all contestants had to incorporate it into their outfits! Check out the photos below and see how creatively it was used.