Christina, who tutors across all the levels and has been doing so for 31 years, says Wiremu is an absolute honey.
"It's students like him that have kept me here so long." Christina said.
"I love seeing the passion, the sharing and the hard work that students put into their creations. Then, when it comes to the fashion show, there is so much for them to think about. They have to organise models, hair makeup, music - everything, really. "
Wiremu says he came into the course with no sewing experience.
"When I look at how far I have come — coming up with concepts and completing them — it's insane.
"It's a beautiful course, and the tutors have helped me navigate it."
Wiremu started working at 16 to help out his family. He worked in Spain for a time, teaching English.
"Then my dad got sick and I had to re-evaluate my life. I came home to Hawke's Bay and loved being back with my family.
"I decided to do the fashion course and have loved it. There were moments when I didn't think I was going to make it, but support and consideration from the tutors got me through it, and I am so glad."
His collection for this year's show is titled Love and Action, and he has plans to form a company called We Are The Future.
"I'm fully prepared and ready to navigate my way into it."
Christina says the fashion industry is not just about sewing.
"There's far more to it than that. I love seeing the students learn and grow. They might be shy when they start, but by the time they get to Level 7, they know their creative stuff."
The details:
When: 6pm, Thursday, November 24
Where: EIT Te Pūkenga, Boulevard, Taradale Campus
Cost: Free admission
