A new collaboration between Also Known As (AKA), AUT and Tatāki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) will be announced at an event at New Zealand Fashion Week to celebrate the University’s emerging creatives and designers.
AKA is a clothing brand created and led by Steve Dunstan (founder of Huffer), and supported by Auckland FC, for supporters of the city. You don’t need to be a football fan, just an Auckland fan.
Dear Auckland, AUT’s first multidisciplinary design initiative spanning the University’s six Art & Design disciplines, will see a cohort of third-year AUT students design and deliver a work reflecting their vision for Auckland’s future – the city as they see it.
Each student’s creative journey and design piece will be captured over the next three months, with mentoring from Steve, culminating in an event and art installation in November as part of graduate celebrations.
Steve Dunstan says, “AKA was born out of a love for the 09, so has a responsibility to amplify the energy of our city and the voices that are shaping it. The next generation of creatives see Auckland differently. Through their own stories, cultures, and perspectives, they challenge us to imagine what’s possible and inspire us to see our city through a new lens.
“Dear Auckland isn’t about telling students what Auckland should become. It’s about creating a platform where they can tell us. When creativity is connected with education, industry and community, we don’t just foster better designers – we create a stronger cultural identity for Auckland.”
Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson says, “Auckland’s students are central to the future of our city, and we want them to feel proud of this place and excited about building their lives here.
“Tātaki Auckland Unlimited supporting initiatives like Dear Auckland is about backing our emerging talent and giving young Aucklanders a voice in the future of their city. Their creativity and ideas are part of what makes Auckland such a vibrant place to live, and I can’t wait to see Auckland through their eyes.”
AUT Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Engagement, Amy Malcolm says the student-centred initiative reinforces the University’s commitment to industry-connected education, interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement while strengthening relationships with key creative partners across Auckland.
“Just like AUT, the Dear Auckland collaboration is about nurturing raw talent and creating real-world opportunities for our students. It is a hands-on example of the University’s Knowledge that Works branding being brought to life and a partnership that accelerates impact.”
“AUT’s diverse student population is a significant contributor to the city centre’s depth of culture and vibrancy, and we are very proud that our Art and Design students are being brought together in this collaboration to present their creative visions of a future Auckland.”
NZ Fashion Week’s Creative Director, Dan Ahwa, says, “Dear Auckland feels particularly relevant to the way our rangatahi see and experience their city.
So much of my work, Steve’s work and the wider kaupapa of New Zealand Fashion Week is about creating opportunities for young people to find their own path in a city they call home. Whether they’re creatives, designers or working behind the scenes in production, there’s a natural alignment with what NZFW is about. Supporting the next generation and giving them a platform to share their perspective is exactly why we’re excited to host the launch of this first-of-its kind collaboration.”
The Dear Auckland collaboration will be showcased at a special event in November 2026.
