PM sews up to make clothing factory visit

Kilt Clothing production manager Cushla Sampson shows Prime Minister John Key how to operate the sewing machine. Photo/Warren Buckland

Prime Minister John Key declined to try on two shirts presented to him at his visit to Napier clothing designer Kilt yesterday morning.

"I would take my shirt off to try them but I'm no Sonny Bill Williams," the Prime Minister quipped.

Mr Key's itinerary for his visit yesterday was organised by retiring MP Chris Tremain and his replacement candidate Wayne Walford.

Clothing design is a hobby of Mr Walford, who designed his sister's wedding dress.

His hobby started out of necessity because his frame is too big for store-bought clothes.

Mr Key said he was a rag trade veteran, having worked for clothing manufacturer Lane Walker Rudkin for two years.

Kilt continues to grow its New Zealand Made business, with 10 retail outlets nationwide.

Mr Key took off his New Zealand-made suit to sew a hem using an industrial sewing machine.

Production manager Cushla Samson admonished him for not knowing the Wellington boutique's location.

"I'm sort of a caged animal - they don't let me out," he said.

Mr Key promoted a design change to New Zealand's flag, to include the Silver Fern, to both Kilt staff and secondary school students later in the day.