Is there anything more fashionable than a Māori get together?

One of the best things about Northland is that nobody cares what they look like — probably because they’re all naturally more stylish than the rest of us, famously. Māori from the Far North, especially.

In 27 degree heat, wearing the airiest and most summer-friendly pieces was a must. There were dresses and kilts, shorts and suits, and enough hats to keep the entirety of Aotearoa shaded. T-shirts were aplenty, with a sea of “Toitu te Tiriti” slogans seen on almost every square metre, and even Kiri Allan was rocking a “never ceded” tee. Here’s some of the best outfits The Spinoff spotted on Waitangi Day.

Bradley/Yawhalacha

“Do you want my given name, or my real name?” was Bradley Charles’ (Musqueam) first question for us. He was given a series of numbers when he was a baby to use as his moniker, rather than a “real” name, was then called Bradley, but now is known by his traditional name Yawhalacha. As a First Nations Canadian, Yawhalacha told us he came to Waitangi with a group of Canadian university students on a cultural exchange to learn more about te ao Māori.

Willy

“Honest” is how Wilhelmina, AKA Willy, would describe her handcrafted Waitangi gears.

Deb

“I just woke up this morning and threw this together. Red is usually my colour, but I thought I’d go for something lighter, and this is all linen and very breathable”. Note: breathability is a must under the sun in the Bay of Islands.

Tallulah and Ty

This lovely couple’s outfit is best described as a series of slogans: “Land back. Toitu te Tiriti. Decol. ACAB. Free Palestine, obviously”.

Anna and Troy

Troy told us he and wife Anna are dressed in two of Māoridom’s most influential brands: “The Warehouse and Ngāpuhi”.

Rob

“This is my third media interview this morning”.