New Zealand textile design lab opens doors to industry
Auckland University of Technology’s School of Art & Design has received a commitment of NZ$1.3 million ($871,888) in funding from the government for a new design laboratory. Launched 6th November, the laboratory offers access to the latest print and knit technologies and provides regular industry training. Fashion and textiles companies will also be able to make use of the laboratory to develop samples or small runs of knitwear or printed fabrics.
The textile laboratory has already held the first of its workshops, with the knitwear and textile companies that attended given information on design training opportunities and hands-on access to some of the world's most advanced knit equipment, including whole garment knit technology from Shima Seiki. None of the attendees had used the technology before but, however, five companies said that following the training, they intended to use it in the future.
Structural changes over the past 20 years have seen the
