Who Are New Zealand’s Next Top Models? The Faces Taking Over 2025

From runway exclusives for the world’s biggest luxury houses to lucrative campaigns, leading agents share the New Zealand models they predict will make major strides in 2025.

For a small nation, New Zealand has a surprisingly good track record for producing models with an international appeal.

There are the athletic girl-nextdoor, outdoorsy types from the likes of Rachel Hunter and Georgia Fowler; or models who have reached the upper echelons of haute couture muse, including Ashleigh Good and Kylie Bax.

We’ve celebrated and featured several of these faces on countless covers of Viva over the past 25 years, collaborating with them and discussing their aspirations outside of the fashion and modelling business with more recent and notable names, including Holly Rose Emery, Jordan Daniels, Isabella Moore, Georgia Pratt Holiber, Lili Sumner, Roxie Mohebbi and Ch’lita Collins, the latter already making a name for herself designing merchandise for Spanish pop star Rosalia and styling campaigns for London brand Vespertine starring Alexa Chung and editorials for leading fashion bible Arena Homme +.

2024 was a strong year for several New Zealand models.

As we reported this year at Australian Fashion Week, the transtasman relationship is pivotal for models looking to gain international exposure a stone’s throw away from home. Australia has and continues to provide many New Zealand models with a stepping stone into the wider arena of the global modelling industry.

Elsewhere, as was the case with 18-year-old Auckland student Izzy Cowdell in October, it’s an exclusive runway appearance at Louis Vuitton, the kind of rare opportunity that millions of models around the world dream about.

In May, 20-year-old Grace Cox graduated from local campaigns with Partridge Jewellers and Lee jeans to walking an exclusive for Gucci’s Resort 2025 show in London, before making the rounds in Paris for the recent spring/summer 2025 Fashion Week circuit walking for a diverse range of brands including Elie Saab, Georges Hobeika and Enfants Riches Deprimés.

There are leading male models too, including another Viva cover star Noah Tumataroa, who was awarded model of the year at the recent GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards and who has walked the international runway circuit for leading fashion houses Versace and Jacquemus.

While 2024’s modelling concerns included everything from the advent of AI-generated images through to models losing out on jobs over nepotism (Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s 16-year-old daughter Sunday Rose made her runway highly-polarising runway debut for Miu Miu in September) New Zealand models continued to show the world their consistent work ethic and ability to manoeuvre easily between editorial work, runway shows and big advertising campaigns while pursuing life outside of the industry.

Because many of them act, make films, design clothes, style, create music and even sing opera.

As we look ahead to 2025, what does it take to be a successful New Zealand model now? Some of New Zealand’s leading modelling agents share their predictions. Take note.

Katherine Lowe and Tia Woods, Super MGMT

The boutique agency represents a range of top local and international models, including Anmari Botha, Becky Lee Skirrow and Ch’lita Collins.

Charlotte Moffat is one to watch after a successful stint in Sydney, booking multiple shows at Australian Fashion Week and following that up with editorials for Russh, Elle Aus and Malaysia, Harpers Bazaar Aus, and Side Note. 2025 is looking set to be a big one for the Pōneke-born redhead.

Naledi is a new face but since signing just less than a year ago she has worked consistently for top clients here; Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Harris Tapper to name a few. She’s piqued the interest of a lot of top international agencies - she’s definitely one to watch.

The top agent has overseen the international modelling careers of everyone from Raglan-based YSL model Vinnie Woolston to Jordan Daniels, and has been at 62 Models since 2003 before taking over the company from Sara Tetro in 2013 and is well versed in the changes of the local modelling industry.

The faces for 2025 from 62 are definitely Georgia Brell and Zara Sykes

Both are signed to the prestigious Elite Models network and are heading to Paris in January for the show season. People definitely need to keep an eye on these two as they are the next big stars internationally.

Ruby Honore is also just back from London and has signed to the Next network and has representation in New York, London, Milan and Paris. She left New Zealand six months ago at 17 years old and is back for summer before returning to Europe in January.

Viva cover star Milo Nelson (who made an impact at the Romance Was Born show at Australian Fashion Week in May) is also off to London to model. Plus, we have just signed Congyu Xu who is an incredible model based in New Zealand and studying after modelling around Europe. She is a great local face to watch in 2025.

Ursula Seven, Unique Model Management

The founder and director of this local agency is responsible for international placement and her daughter Zippora Seven is another leading model who has made a name for herself in the industry internationally.

Of course Izzy Cowdell we’re so super excited about what is next for her. On the international front, we have an amazing guy called Nathan Rostron who is he is the nicest guy and super hard-working. He’s currently with leading agency Priscilla’s - we’re predicting great things for him. He’s also been signed to an agent in Europe.

Also internationally, model Ruby Pedersen is having the most amazing year and I think it will only grow in 2025. If you’re in Australia you can’t walk anywhere without seeing her - she is absolutely killing it with IMG models there. Making a real statement amongst scouts and casting directors is Penny Stemson also currently with Priscilla’s in Sydney.

Locally we’re also excited about Kala Tabke, Felix Timms and Briar Niora who are absolutely killing it with clients in New Zealand - they are absolute rising stars and I think next year will be their year. They are names that people love they always get rebooked for work because they are super hard-working and absolute darlings.

I have to mention the new development faces that I’m excited about including Zoe Brunton who is amazing - she will be a star next year; along with Bailey Smith, who we are developing. She has already had international interest from New York.

Our darling Bernadette Van Den Anker aka Bernie is having her first year in New York and is absolutely loving it. We’re super proud of her.

Franca Chase, Self Agency

Paris-based agen and stylist Franca Chase shares her fresh insights into the models on her radar set to make waves.

This year Adray Minh signed with Australian agency Stone Street, and has walked for several shows at Melbourne Fashion Week in October.

Kata Krsinich-Brown has just returned to New Zealand, and while overseas did a shoot for brands including Rose Murdoch and Ed Hardy. I see her as being an exciting new alternative face with her pink hair.

Our Sophie Song is still doing amazing work and will no doubt continue this into 2025. She has made a name for herself locally appearing in campaigns for Baobei jewellery and Amelie knits.

I see Jake being a new face that I think will expand into the industry quite well. He has previously done a Kenzo campaign and has worked locally with both Stolen Girlfriends Club and Beach Brains.

Jo Mickelborough, Red 11

The seasoned model agent has been in the industry for eight years, and she shares her predictions of models on the rise - with a particular focus on development models.

Nineteen-year-old Jade Theron is new to modelling and a true natural. There is a lot of interest in Jade from agencies overseas and we feel 2025 will be Jade’s Year.

Sophie Lincoln came to Red11 at age 13 and we have been developing her slowly. Sophie shot for local magazine Remix in 2022 aged 17. 2024 has been a great year for Sophie, walking in shows and shooting with some amazing brands and leading photographers. 2025 will be super exciting for Sophie.

Beautiful Peyton Long has flawless skin and hazel eyes, a favourite with makeup artists and beauty clients. Recently she shot for local magazine Together Journal and vintage brand Love James. 2025 is all about getting Peyton overseas for further experience.

Elijah Timmins Scanlon is finding great success with many brands and photographers. A magic smile and a professional work ethic.

Ethan Crutchley is the true professional and editorial favourite, having shot an editorial with local magazines Remix and Interval. Our favourite shoot to date is with designer Kat Tua’s brand Manaaki where the imagery and clothing had Ethan in his element.

More New Zealand Models

Celebrating the names and faces taking New Zealand to the world.

Model Moment: These Nine New Zealand Models Are Making An Impact In Australia. While in Sydney for Australian Fashion Week, Dan Ahwa reconnects with the New Zealand faces and creatives who are making an impact across the ditch with their talent and tenacity.

The Road To Home With Opera Singer & Model Isabella Moore. The soprano and model talks to Kim Knight about stepping into the spotlight.

Lili Sumner’s Ode To Home: ‘How Fat The Bees Are’. The model and filmmaker pens a fitting tribute to her hometown.

New Zealand Model Holly Rose Emery & The Perfect Body Myth. The leading New Zealand model talks with Zoe Walker Ahwa about the highs and lows of the modeling industry.

Style Liaisons With Model Kaarina Parker. The local model discusses what inspires her approach to getting dressed, why context shapes an outfit, and how she navigates the barriers around sizing.