New Zealand Fashion Week won’t take place this year and will move to a biennial schedule amid the economic downturn and pressures on consumer spending, organisers announced today.

Owner Feroz Ali said the “strategic decision” was made due to economic downturn, reduced consumer spending and a shortage of designers.

“We have listened to the industry, and carefully considered and taken on board the feedback from designers around the country, who tell us they need dedicated time and space to focus on their core retail business.”

Ali said it is clear this year is a time for consolidation and that a pause will allow time for the Wynyard Quarter crossing bridge to be repaired.

“Its continued closure presents a significant challenge for public attendance and access to the Viaduct Events Centre.”

Moving to a long-term biennial event reflected a shift within the New Zealand fashion industry, he said.

“Staging the event less frequently is a more strategic allocation of resources and enables the sector in achieving its sustainability goals, an important consideration for designers as well as our own values.”

Ali said he was confident the revised scheduled would work for the industry and the Auckland events calendar.

An extended timeframe would give participants more time to prepare and plan financial support so that the event could continue being a “befitting showcase” for the industry, he said.

An update on the revised date for 2025 NZFW would be provided in coming months.

The event wasn’t held between 2020 and 2022.