24 April 2026 at 1:59 pm
Threads of Heritage exhibition highlights enduring New Zealand-India creative partnership
A celebration of shared craft, creativity, and connection across cultures took centre stage in Auckland, as Whitecliffe hosted a student exhibition showcasing the strength of its longstanding creative partnership with India.
Auckland‑based design school Whitecliffe recently hosted Threads of Heritage, a vibrant exhibition celebrating global collaboration between Whitecliffe and India’s National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
The exhibition showcased student work inspired by India’s rich textile traditions, developed through an intensive academic collaboration supported by the Indian Ministry of Textiles. Through hands‑on learning with visiting NIFT academics and master artisans, students explored sustainable craft practices while translating cultural heritage into contemporary design outcomes.
Speaking at the exhibition, Whitecliffe Chief Executive Officer Dr Fay Amaral highlighted the value of international collaboration in creative education.
“Threads of Heritage reflects the very best of what creative education can achieve when students are supported by strong academic leadership and a deeply committed professional team,” Fay said.
“The exhibition speaks to the confidence, curiosity, and cultural intelligence of our students, and to the power of international collaboration in shaping designers who are both globally aware and creatively courageous.”
Whitecliffe Chief Executive Officer Dr Fay Amaral (left) with ENZ Group General Manager - International and Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala, at the exhibition
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Group General Manager International and Sector Engagement, Sahinde Pala said the partnership between Whitecliffe and NIFT is a great example of how sustained connections deliver meaningful outcomes over time.
“Whitecliffe’s long‑standing relationship with NIFT shows what’s possible when institutions invest in partnerships and people get to know each other over many years. These collaborations aren’t just about programmes, they’re about sharing cultures, learning from one another, and building trust. That’s what really strengthens New Zealand’s global relationships.”
The partnership continues to build momentum, with Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia students set to travel to India in June to visit NIFT, further strengthening two‑way academic exchange between New Zealand and India.
