AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 6, 2026 – Full Text
1. Backing Pasifika youth to lead, create and succeed
September 5, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Pasifika youth across New Zealand will have new opportunities to gain practical skills, explore future careers, and build employment pathways through a new Government partnership, Youth Minister James Meager and Pacific Peoples Minister Paul Goldsmith say.
The Government is investing $125,000 to support Pasifika Festivals Aotearoa to deliver the Pasifika Youth Producers Programme, with Creative New Zealand matching the investment dollar-for-dollar.
Mr Meager says the programme reflects the Government’s focus on investing in initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes for young people.
“By combining culture, creativity and practical experience, this programme will help young Pasifika people build the skills and confidence they need to take the next step into employment, education and training,” Mr Meager says.
The 16-week employment-focused programme will support 32 young people through two pathways.
The first will see young adults aged 18 to 24 participate in paid festival placements, industry mentoring, and employability training. The second, for those aged 12 to 17, will focus on leadership skill workshops and building positive engagement in education.
“This programme turns those environments into launchpads for future careers, helping young people develop practical skills while staying connected to their culture and communities,” Mr Meager says.
“Participants will gain hands-on experience in areas such as event production, digital media, communications, logistics and entrepreneurship through placements at festivals and events across New Zealand.
“We want to see more young people engaged in education, developing valuable skills and moving into meaningful employment. Partnerships like this help open doors, create opportunities, and support the next generation of Pasifika leaders to thrive.”
“Our Pacific population is one of the youngest and fastest-growing population groups in New Zealand, so it’s important we invest in Pacific youth, who are a key part of New Zealand’s future workforce,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Programmes such as this help Pacific youth realise their aspirations and reach their potential. The Pasifika Youth Producers Programme is a positive step towards growing the talent New Zealand needs, while strengthening the contribution Pacific communities make to our economy, our communities and our country’s future.
“Strong Pacific communities help build a stronger New Zealand.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/05/backing-pasifika-youth-to-lead-create-and-succeed/
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2. Macao Economic, Trade and Tourism Investment Promotion Seminar Held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Opening a New Chapter of Bilateral Cooperation
September 5, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, and guests make a toast at a reception in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia hosted by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government.
The event gathered over 350 guests, including Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR; Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia; Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia; and Ouyang Yujing, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia. They were joined by members of the Macao SAR government and entrepreneurial delegations, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, and prominent figures from various sectors in Malaysia.
Sam Hou Fai stated that this visit to Malaysia aims to renew traditional friendship, build further consensus, and elevate pragmatic cooperation between Macao and Malaysia to a higher level. Macao aspires to serve as a bridge for deepening cooperation between Malaysia and Mainland China, working together to open a new chapter of mutual benefit, win-win outcomes, and synergistic development. He pointed out that both Macao and Malaysia are key nodes on the “Maritime Silk Road,” sharing deep cultural and people-to-people bonds and close exchanges. Facilitated by mutual visa-free entry and direct flights, the two regions have achieved fruitful cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, MICE, and education. Malaysia is not only an important economic partner and international tourist source market for Macao, but also demonstrates immense potential for collaboration in cultural exchange, educational partnerships, and the promotion of Muslim-friendly tourism.
Tiong King Sing highlighted Malaysia’s strategic position in ASEAN—a fast-growing regional market—and Macao’s role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). By linking their networks, both sides can help businesses unlock vast opportunities between ASEAN and the GBA. He emphasized Malaysia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in trade, tourism, and education. He urged both sides to bridge connections and engage businesses, schools, tourism operators, and cultural groups to deliver tangible results.
The seminar featured presentations, business matching, and sharing sessions highlighting Macao’s “Tourism+” initiatives, especially “Tourism + Healthcare” big health. Notably, Macao Union Medical Center’s advanced services are meet diverse international healthcare needs.
Additionally, Macao’s upcoming private healthcare law will introduce a “day hospital” category, a one-stop licensing system, and regulations for telemedicine, outreach services, and advanced therapies, fostering a clear, flexible investment environment. Leveraging Macao-Hengqin synergy, the region seeks to partner with Southeast Asian firms to capture medical tourism and big health opportunities.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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3. Health – General practice must be involved in design of free cervical screening
September 4, 2026
Source: General Practice Owners Association
September 4, 2026
GenPro is calling for meaningful involvement in developing the contractual arrangements that will deliver free cervical screening to all eligible women aged 25 to 69, saying general practice cannot be expected to subsidise the Government’s policy.
General practices provide most of the cervical screening in New Zealand and therefore needs to be involved in designing a funding and contracting model that creates a fair and successful programme.
“We welcome the Government’s decision to remove the cost barrier to cervical screening for eligible women,” says GenPro Chair Dr Chambers says. “It gives New Zealand an important opportunity to increase participation in screening and, alongside HPV vaccination, move closer to eliminating cervical cancer.
“But if screening is to be free for patients, the Government needs to ensure the service is properly funded for the general practices that deliver it.
“General practice cannot subsidise a free national screening programme. The contractual arrangements need to recognise the full cost of delivering the service, including staff time, administration, chasing up appointments, and clinical capacity required.”
Dr Chambers says GenPro should be directly involved in developing the contractual arrangements before they are finalised.
“General practice knows what’s required to deliver screening safely and effectively in communities across New Zealand,” he says. “GenPro represents the organisations that own and operate general practices, so it’s important we are at the table when contractual arrangements are developed.
“Getting the funding and contracting model right from the outset will be critical. If the model doesn’t cover the cost of providing the service, practices will effectively be asked to subsidise the Government’s policy. Free to the patient cannot mean subsidised by the practice.
“We want to work constructively with the Government to make this policy successful. But that starts with meaningful consultation with the practices that will be responsible for delivering it.
Early consultation on changes to funding and service delivery is a key part of GenPro’s Seven Steps to Restore General Practice.
“One of our Seven Steps is early, meaningful consultation on significant changes to funding, service design and primary healthcare policy,” he says.
“This ensures policy decisions are evidence-based and reflect both clinical outcomes and the financial sustainability of general practice.
“Bringing frontline general practice into the design process will lead to better-informed policy, more practical implementation and better outcomes for patients,” Dr Chambers says.
GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout New Zealand. For more information visit www.genpro.org.nz
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4. Sod turned on Nelson Hospital’s new inpatient building
September 2, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The sod has been turned on Nelson Hospital’s new 128-bed inpatient building, marking the beginning of construction, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“We know how important the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital is for the Nelson and Marlborough communities. Today is the most significant milestone yet for the project and for the communities it will serve,” Mr Brown says.
“Nelson Hospital is under increasing pressure from a growing and ageing population, and a shortage of beds is putting pressure on the services delivered such as elective treatment.
“For years the Nelson community was promised this redevelopment, but it did not progress. Our Government committed to it last year, and we are getting on and delivering it.
“Construction will begin with service diversions, bulk earthworks, piling, and ground improvements to prepare the site for the new building. This phase is expected to take around 12 months, and procurement for the head contractor is progressing alongside it. From late 2027, Nelson will start to see the building rise on the site.”
The new inpatient building will deliver at least 41 additional adult medical and surgical beds, and will complement new models of care. It will include an Acute Assessment Unit, a patient transit lounge, a pharmacy, and assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services, alongside back-of-house functions.
“These works mark the beginning of stage two of the Nelson Hospital Redevelopment, funded through Budget 2025.
“Progress is also visible elsewhere on the campus, with the first modules for Nelson’s new 28-bed rapid-build inpatient ward now arriving on site.
“The modules were manufactured off site over the past five months, with extensive planning and preparation undertaken to transport them safely to site. Each module weighs around 44 tonnes, and the seven modules will together form a 1,200 square metre building.
“Building off site while groundwork is completed on campus allows us to deliver capacity faster and with less disruption for patients and staff, to the same clinical and safety standards we expect of any permanent hospital facility.”
Once all the modules are installed, work will move to weatherproofing, connecting services, internal fit-out, and commissioning.
“This is what it means to fix the basics and build the future of healthcare for the people of Nelson and Marlborough. After years of promises, this community can now see that work under way,” Mr Brown says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/02/sod-turned-on-nelson-hospitals-new-inpatient-building/
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5. Redress Design Award Winner Inspires Consumers To Demand More Sustainable Fashion Choices
September 4, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Amid rising textile waste crisis, environmental NGO Redress’ world-leading sustainable fashion competition winner proves that designing out waste is one of fashion’s biggest opportunities
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2026 – Redress, the Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO accelerating circular fashion, announced the winner of the Redress Design Award 2026, the world’s leading sustainable fashion design competition, at a star-studded runway finale at CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual fashion showcase. The finalists’ runway collections, designed using circular techniques including factory surplus, discarded garments, excess new stock, furnishings waste, tackled the global textile waste crisis and highlighted what most fashion consumers do not realise: an estimated 80% of a product’s environmental impact is locked in at design stage[1], long before the clothes hit the shop floor.
“My generation of designers won’t be judged just on aesthetics. We must understand circularity – durability, repairability and recyclability – from the drawing board to fill the racks with what more consumers hope to buy. Coming into this wasteful fashion industry is intimidating and we must respond with courage,” said Jon Liesenfeld, from Germany, Redress Design Award 2026 First Prize Winner, who outdesigned seven other finalists from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, United Kingdom, Austria, and Israel.
As Lead Sponsor, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) has supported the Award as a cornerstone project for 14 consecutive years. “Creativity and sustainability have never been more closely intertwined than they are today,” shared Drew Lai, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, CCIDA. “We take great pride in the legacy of the Award: over 350 alumni across more than 40 regions, many of whom have gone on to translate circular design principles into thriving, real-world practice — a clear testament to the Award’s wide-reaching impact.”
The fashion industry must reinvent itself – from the drawing board up
Textile waste is a global crisis, with an estimated 120 million tonnes generated annually, of which 80% ends up in landfills or being incinerated[2]. The global textile industry is only 0.3% circular[3].
“Whilst the fashion industry faces serious challenges – from geopolitical pressures, inflation, complex global supply chains to incoming legislation – it is catastrophically still on its wasteful, runaway trainwreck,” said Dr. Christina Dean, Founder, Redress. “Circularity is flat-lining despite circular textile business models being estimated to generate US$700 billion in economic value by 2030[4] and whilst clothing waste sky rockets, which will be exacerbated by global dominance of ultra fast fashion brands. Redress’ work to catalyse circular fashion is critical and our educational movement has reached millions of designers in almost 100 countries worldwide,” she said.
All finalists join Redress’ Alumni global network of 350+ designers who continue sparking solutions. Alumnus Kevin Germanier closed Paris Couture Week this spring with a collection made entirely from LVMH-owned brands’ excess inventory across. Alumnus Angus Tsui and Eric Wong have transformed retired DHL courier uniforms into accessories.
Upcycling continues moving mainstream, with LVMH Group, Miu Miu, Coach, Uniqlo, Converse, Wrangler and Vivienne Westwood, developing various upcycled collections, selling its creativity and uniqueness rather than sustainability alone.
Incoming regulation, particularly the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Extender Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear, have given brands more incentive to embrace upcycling than just a few years ago.
Redress Design Award 2026 Prizes expose winners to array of British businesses
Jon Liesenfeld wins an educational journey to British fashion businesses; from design-led apparel manufacturers, Simple Approach who produce 50 million apparel pieces annually for brands including Primark and Next; luxury womenswear brand Roksanda, worn by Her Royal Highness Catherine, Princess of Wales, Michelle Obama, Kate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway. This prize is supported by GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign.
The runner-up, Jasmine Cheuk from Hong Kong, wins a mentorship with distinguished British fashion activist and competition judge, Orsola de Castro, who has mentored Redress’ competition winners every cycle for the last decade and has been a judge since the competition’s inception. Jasmine also won the Hong Kong Best prize.
Redress empowers emerging designers to help close the educational skills gap
Redress recognises the urgent need to equip designers with the skills required to narrow the educational gap within the fashion industry. An integrative review of 81 papers found that mainstream fashion design courses still “scarcely incorporate sustainability within their curricula”, underscoring the need to strengthen sustainability education through both theoretical understanding and practical application.[5] To date, Redress has directly educated 36,500+ fashion designers and educators and has generated 18 million views across its online educational resources.
In addition to education, Redress builds strategic industry partnerships to create real-world pathways for designers. During the Redress Design Award 2026, finalists remade discarded, unwearable post-consumer clothing waste into retail-ready collections for multi-brand fashion retailer, D-mop, in collaboration with TAL Apparel, leading global garment manufacturer. This work was delivered as part of the ‘Remake to Retail’ challenge; the resulting collection is scheduled to launch with D-mop later this year.
Redress Design Award turns consumer concern into sustainable demand
Engaging with consumers to drive the sustainable fashion movement is critical, given rampant overconsumption and clothing underutilisation, which results in the majority of clothing being landfilled or burned within one year of production.[6] Whilst the majority of consumers believe brands have a responsibility to make positive change in the world[7], an intention gap between what consumers think and what they do persists, whereby 71% of global consumers are concerned about sustainability in fashion, yet only 3% of them are willing to pay a premium for it.[8]
Through the Redress Design Award, finalists demonstrate that sustainable fashion can be desirable. By showcasing exceptional design and compelling storytelling, and by bringing remade clothing into mainstream spaces, these next-generation designers motivate consumers to actively choose more sustainable options, turning concern into demand.
Editor’s Notes
- Data and Statistics Insights: Redress Design Award: Redress Design Award Additional Resources – The Issues
- Competition Criteria: The Redress Design Award 2026 was open to global applications from emerging designers and students with less than four years’ professional experience focusing on womenswear and menswear original collection designs. Competition brief here.
- The People’s Choice winner, voted by the public, was Tal Zohar from Israel.
- Judges are: Orsola de Castro, Author and Fashion Activist; Rachel Franklin, Director of ESG, Simple Approach; Cherry Mui, Editorial Director, Vogue Hong Kong; Rod Henderson, President, TAL Apparel Ltd; Angus Tsui, Creative Director, ANGUS TSUI and Alumnus, Redress Design Award; and Dr. Christina Dean, Founder and Board Chair, Redress.
- Sponsors Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as the Lead Sponsor. Other key partners include DHL and TAL Group.
- Redress Alumni Networkoffers designers ongoing support as they develop their careers in sustainable fashion.
[1] European Commission: Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry and Directorate-General for Energy, Ecodesign your future – How ecodesign can help the environment by making products smarter, European Commission, 2012
[2] Boston Consulting Group, Spinning Textile Waste into Value, August 2025
[3] Circle Economy Foundation Circularity Gap Report Textiles (2024)
[4] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2021), Circular Business Models – Redefining Growth for a Thriving Fashion Industry
[5] Sonika Soni Khar, From review to reform: designing an elective module through an integrated review on fashion sustainability, Frontiers in Sustainability, 2025
[6] UBS (2021) $2.5trn industry at risk – What if consumers stop buying disposable clothes
[7] Futerra (2019), The honest generation are here. Are you ready?
Hashtag: #RedressDesignAward
The Redress Design Award
Redress ( www.redress.com.hk) is a Hong Kong-based, Asia-focused environmental NGO founded in 2007 accelerating the change to a circular fashion industry by educating and empowering designers and consumers to reduce clothing’s negative environmental impacts. Locally, Redress has collected 208 tonnes of clothing for recirculation and educated 21,000+ Hong Kong students and teachers. Globally, they have directly educated 36,500+ fashion designers and teachers, amassing 18 million online views of their sustainable design educational content and building a social media reach of 46 million users.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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6. Community trust board members appointed
September 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A total of 25 appointments and reappointments have been made to nine of the 12 community trusts around the country, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says.
They are:
- Waikato Community Trust: Blair Currie, Christine Hall, Andrew Peckham and Chris Williams have been appointed.
- Eastern and Central Community Trust: Catriona McKay and Jared Pullar have been appointed.
- Toi Foundation: Ryan Eagar, Bali Haque and Chris Ussher have been reappointed.
- Wellington Community Fund: Sir Peter Boshier and Lloyd Percival have been appointed.
- West Coast Community Trust: Simon Bastion has been reappointed. Pavel Bares, Ivan Iraia and Jack O’Connor have been appointed.
- Rātā Foundation: Peter Floris, Pat McEvedy, Lynette Rayner and Erin Reeve have been appointed.
- Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury: Janine Holland has been reappointed. Cara Gregan and Michelle Thompson have been appointed.
- Otago Community Trust: Phil Hunt and Mary Jane Kivalu have been appointed.
- Community Trust South: Erin Moogan has been appointed.
“These individuals will help the trusts serve their communities by bringing varied expertise including education, business, healthcare, community services, marketing, sports, governance, law, environmental protection, grant allocation, and community development,” Mr Jones says.
“I believe the trust and their communities will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, and community links the appointees bring, Mr Jones says.
“The 12 Community Trusts of New Zealand are the custodians of more than $3.5 billion of investments, and collectively grant about $100 million back into thousands of organisations throughout New Zealand each year.
“The work done by these trusts helps to grow and build strong and empowered communities.”
Editors’ note
Terms for appointees are for up to four years. Community trusts are governed by the Community Trusts Act 1999. They manage large investment portfolios and distribute grants for charitable, cultural, philanthropic and recreational purposes within their respective boundaries.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/03/community-trust-board-members-appointed/
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7. Faster access to addiction support now available
September 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
More people in communities hardest hit by meth are now getting faster access to treatment and recovery support, with new services rolled out across the country, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
“We are clear that drugs destroy lives and put enormous pressure on families and communities. That is why we announced a $30.6 million health-led plan for areas experiencing some of the greatest harm,” Mr Doocey says.
“The package includes new and expanded treatment and recovery services, more frontline workers, peer and family support, screening and early intervention, and drug prevention programmes.
“Since announcing the package last year, new and expanded services have started being rolled out in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Wairoa and Invercargill.
“In Kaitaia, Te Hiku Hauora has established Te Puarangi, a new drug harm reduction service providing community-based treatment and support.
“People in Kaitaia and Kaikohe can also access new peer-led recovery support, while navigation services are helping people in Kaitaia and Wairoa connect with treatment and other community support.
“In Invercargill, Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu has expanded its intensive treatment services and workforce, giving more people access to methamphetamine-related support.
“Screening and brief intervention for alcohol and other drugs has also started at Kaitaia Hospital, helping identify people earlier and connect them with support.
“We have also extended the Tūturu school-based prevention programme into Northland, Rotorua and Tairāwhiti, helping young people understand the risks of drugs.
“An additional 10.6 full-time workers have now been employed as part of the frontline response, alongside increased access to peer support, recovery groups and counselling for families.
“Family Drug Support is also receiving increased funding to provide more free counselling and support nationwide for families affected by meth.
“There is only the start. Clinical treatment services planned for Kaikohe and Wairoa are expected to be in place in the coming months, with further peer support, treatment and family services also being established in Rotorua, Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.
“Six of the seven additional screening and brief intervention services are also expected to be operational in the next couple of months.
“This is about fixing the basics and building the future so people can get faster access to addiction support, get help earlier, and have the support they need to stay on track in recovery.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/03/faster-access-to-addiction-support-now-available/
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8. New board member appointed to Maritime NZ
September 3, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed the appointment of a new board member to Maritime New Zealand (Maritime NZ).
Jonathan Moore begins his one-year term this week, joining five other board members.
“Mr Moore brings a wealth of maritime knowledge and experience to the Maritime NZ. He has extensive maritime industry experience, as both a senior leader and master mariner,” Mr Meager says.
“After starting his career in the merchant navy, Mr Moore worked around the world in the regulatory, port and freight sector, along with several years as a marine consultant to the offshore industry.
“Since moving to New Zealand, he has had management roles within the stevedoring and port industry, including harbourmaster roles in the Bay of Plenty and Western Australia. For the last 19 years, he was the Chief Executive of Northport.
“Mr Moore will be a valuable addition to Maritime NZ. His maritime knowledge, senior leadership experience, and understanding of port operations will strengthen Maritime NZ’s oversight of maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
“These skills and experience will also provide Maritime NZ with additional operational perspective and sector insight, while complementing the board’s current balance of governance, regulatory and public sector expertise.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/03/new-board-member-appointed-to-maritime-nz/
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9. Non-profits welcome new government strategy for New Zealand’s 1m+ family carers
September 2, 2026
Source: IHC New Zealand
2 September, 2026
The Carers Alliance of 60 national NGOs have welcomed the Government’s commitment to a new Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan.
More than a million New Zealanders care for friends and family members who are frail, unwell, or have a health condition or disability. It’s a role we can all expect to have or rely on during our lives, but one that can also take a financial and wellbeing toll on carers, says Alliance co-chair Janine Stewart.
“The new Strategy and its rolling Action Plan take New Zealand into the future, with multiple agencies committing to valuing and supporting carers.”
There have been past Action Plans since 2008, with the Alliance partnering with successive governments to shape priorities to better support family carers. It’s work that will never be done, says Stewart, with family carers providing vital frontline support conservatively valued at $17.6 billion a year (Infometrics).
“Community care and ageing in place wouldn’t work without family carers,” she says.
The Carers Alliance has encouraged the Government to do more to value and recognise carers who, despite their important role, can feel invisible and isolated. It has also recommended that government prioritise actions in the new Plan that improve carers’ mental, physical, and financial wellbeing.
Two thirds of carers experience depression and anxiety, over half have a health condition or disability themselves, 80% say they are lonely, and most are unable to do full-time paid work due to caring commitments.
The Carers Alliance hopes the new Action Plan will deliver new supports to sustain family carers, including more options for respite.
“All carers need wellbeing breaks so they can stay well themselves and keep going,” Stewart says.
Cabinet’s approval of the new Action Plan provides a welcome roadmap for carers into the future across agencies such as Health, MSD, Oranga Tamariki, and ACC, she says.
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10. “Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026” unveiled a star-studded celebration, converging fashion, art and culture
September 5, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
@hkfashionfest @hongkongfashioncouncil
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 September 2026 – The “Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026”, one of the eight flagship programmes of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, was held on 3 September 2026. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and organised by the Hong Kong Fashion Council, this year’s Gala was held under the theme, “Rhythm of the Heart”, the same theme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest. The Gala brought together fashion, art and culture in a cross-disciplinary celebration. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, JP and the Hon Sunny Tan, BBS, Legislative Council Member (Textiles and Garment) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council. marking the official opening ceremony of this much-anticipated annual event on Hong Kong’s fashion calendar.
<figure data-width="100%" data-caption="(From Left) (From Left) Speaking at the Gala, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, JP, saying: “Building on Hong Kong’s unique kinetic pulse and East-meets-West synergy, and with the Government’s steadfast backing through the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, our creative ecosystem is thriving. Within this dynamic landscape, fashion design stands as an indisputable driving force. The Hong Kong Fashion Fest continues to champion fashion as a profound art form and a canvas for self-expression — one that weaves together vision, culture, and history.” Meanwhile, Hon Sunny Tan, BBS, Legislative Council Member (Textiles and Garment) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council, extended his gratitude to the participating organisers and industry partners for their steadfast support, saying: “The third Hong Kong Fashion Fest reflects the collective commitment of the Government, CCIDA and industry to advancing Hong Kong’s fashion development. With creative talent, international connectivity and strengths across trade, tourism, finance, and textile and apparel, Hong Kong has every ingredient to grow as an international fashion hub for Asia.” In addition, rising favourite by international brands, Jeffrey Ngai and the popular stylish film actress Louise Wong attended the occasion in glamorous style. They were joined on the red carpet by leading fashion influencers and celebrities from Hong Kong and around the world, including Ameera Khan, Fil Xiaobai, Hanan Besovic, Irene Kim, Susanna Lau and Elva Ni. The star-studded presence added glamour and energy to the gala, highlighting Hong Kong’s extraordinary position and appeal as an international fashion hub. Hong Kong Ballet × Robert Wun: A Groundbreaking Cross-Disciplinary Stage Experience One of the key highlights of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026 was “Glam Rock”, a specially presented three-act ballet performance by Hong Kong Ballet. Taking an innovative and bold approach to ballet, the production reinterpreted the art form by seamlessly blending classical and contemporary dance. The performance was accompanied by iconic rock anthems from Queen, Depeche Mode, and the legendary Hong Kong band Beyond. The powerful rhythms and dynamic physicality of the dancers delivered an exhilarating and refreshingly unconventional experience for the audience. The dancers performed in bespoke costumes designed by internationally acclaimed Hong Kong designer Robert Wun. Renowned for his cinematic and sculptural silhouettes and refined narrative-driven aesthetics, Wun’s designs became another visual highlight of the evening. Through “Glam Rock”, world-class choreography, avant-garde fashion and rock music converged into a wholesome and unique artistic expression, offering guests a profound stage experience that combined visual spectacle with cultural references. The production vividly embodied the urban rhythm and creative pulse at the heart of this year’s theme, “Rhythm of the Heart.” “Top 10 Asian Designers to Watch” Fashion Show and Award Presentation: Showcasing the Next Generation of Asian Fashion Talent Another major highlight of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026 was the “Top 10 Asian Designers to Watch Fashion” Fashion Show & Awards Presentation Ceremony,” which showcased the exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive creative visions of ten outstanding designers from different parts of Asia. With a multitude of design languages and cultural sentiment, the showcase presented the dynamic multi-cultural fashion spectacle and forward-thinking approaches to fashion and aesthetics. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), Fashion Asia Hong Kong’s “10 Asian Designers to Watch” programme is presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre. The programme is dedicated to discovering and promoting the next generation of Asian design talent, and to provide emerging designers with greater visibility, professional exchange and industry opportunities. Hashtag: #HongKongFashionFest #香港时装荟 #CSTB #文化体育及旅游局 #CCIDA #文创产业发展处
Ms. Rainy Chan (Executive Director, Hong Kong Design Centre)
Mr. Roger Chan (Chairman, Clothing Industry Training Authority)
Mr. Steve Leung (Chairman, Hong Kong Design Centre)
Hon. Sunny Tan, BBS (Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council, and Member of the Legislative Council, the Honourable Sunny Tan, BBS.)
Miss Rosanna Law, JP (Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism)
Ms Sophia Chong (Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council)
Mr. Kevin Yeung (Chairman, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association)
Dr. Elita Lam (Principal, Hong Kong Design Institute)
Miss Drew Lai (Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries)
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Ms. Rainy Chan (Executive Director, Hong Kong Design Centre)
Mr. Roger Chan (Chairman, Clothing Industry Training Authority)
Mr. Steve Leung (Chairman, Hong Kong Design Centre)
Hon. Sunny Tan, BBS (Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council, and Member of the Legislative Council, the Honourable Sunny Tan, BBS.)
Miss Rosanna Law, JP (Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism)
Ms Sophia Chong (Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council)
Mr. Kevin Yeung (Chairman, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association)
Dr. Elita Lam (Principal, Hong Kong Design Institute)
Miss Drew Lai (Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries)
About Hong Kong Fashion Fest
Website: www.hongkongfashionfest.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongfashionfest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkfashionfest
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hkfashionfest
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
About Hong Kong Fashion Council
Established in 2024, Hong Kong Fashion Council is a not-for-profit representative body dedicated to uniting all fashion initiatives in Hong Kong to support the growth of the fashion industry. HKFC envisions Hong Kong as Asia’s leading international fashion hub, leveraging the city’s unique geographical and multicultural context to drive creativity, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in fashion. Committed to supporting stakeholders throughout the entire fashion ecosystem, HKFC is building a collaborative network between the East and the West to showcase Asia’s vibrant fashion identity.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongfashioncouncil
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hongkongfashioncouncil
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hongkongfashioncouncil/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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