Talk about multi-talented. Introducing Kahu—a student, athlete, and up-and-coming model making her first foray into the fashion world.
Most days, you’ll find Kahu playing netball, basketball, touch, or athletics, having represented her region in a number of these sports. “What I love the most about it is definitely the competitive environment and creating lifelong memories and friendships,” she shares.
Kahu currently lives in the Manawatū, a small region situated in the lower half Aotearoa’s North Island. That didn’t stop Sydney-based agency The Scouted from getting in touch, and in the midst of a lockdown, agency director Simone Hellicar had approached Kahu over social media. “I received a message from Simone saying she had come across my profile and a few weeks later signed with The Scouted.”
Kahu had never thought that modelling would be a possibility for her before this. She shares the important role that family has played in it all, stating “Whānau means everything to me. I would never be where I am today with modelling, schooling and all my sports without the massive support from my parents, Whānau, extended Whānau and community.” She further notes how her experience being a young Māori woman has shaped her perspective on the world. “I grew up surrounded by Māori culture and have learnt about the additional challenges that the indigenous culture of our country have and are still facing. I think this has helped shape my worldview that life is not always fair, and how you respond to those challenges matter and will potentially make a difference.”
The fresh-faced model looks to the rest of 2022 with hopeful anticipation. “I’m looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities from this new modelling path, to all the sporting tournaments, to academia and all the good times ahead.”
Kahu ventured out with one of our fave Kiwi photogs Cathy Marshall (a Papaioea Palmy OG in her own right), a couple of hours further south to Wellington to shoot these cute snaps for us. Catch Kahu flaneur through the streets of Pōneke above and get to know her more, below.
Kahu wears Wixii sweaters and dress
Where do you live now, and where do you consider home?
I live in the Manawatū currently but I will always consider Tauranga home.
We hear you are big on sports, can you tell us what you play and what you love about it?
I play netball, basketball, touch and athletics and have represented my region in a number of these sports too. What I love the most about it is definitely the competitive environment and creating lifelong memories and friendships.
What’s your favourite thing about your school?
My favourite thing about school is the high performance program we have. We wake up early, eat healthy, train twice a day and still have a solid academic curriculum which encourages a good balance and sets us up well in all aspects of life.
How do you think your upbringing and schooling have helped to shape your worldview so far?
I grew up surrounded by the Māori culture and have learnt about the additional challenges that the indigenous culture of our country have and are still facing. I think this has helped shape my worldview that life is not always fair and how you respond to those challenges matter and will potentially make a difference.
Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
I would definitely take them up Mount Maunganui to see the sun rise. There is nothing more beautiful than that!
How did you get into modelling? Can you tell us the story of how you came to be signed to your agency?
It was around Covid lockdown when I received a message from Simone Hellicar saying she had come across my profile through social media and a few weeks later signed with The Scouted. Before this I had never thought modelling would ever be a possibility but am very excited to start a new journey.
What does Whānau (family) mean to you?
Whānau means everything to me. I would never be where I am today with modelling, schooling and all my sports without the massive support from my parents, Whānau, extended Whānau and community.
What’s the coolest or most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
That camels have three sets of eyelids which helps protect their eyes from the sand. I’m not sure why but this really fascinates me.
What books are you reading at the moment?
I’m currently reading the 'Divergent' trilogy (again).
Favourite song?
Currently I would say Feels Like Magic – Horsemen Family.
Favourite movie?
Hustle directed by Jeremiah Zager.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of 2022?
I think I’m looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities from this new modelling path, to all the sporting tournaments, to academia and all the good times ahead.
Features Writer: Sabina Sysantos Photos: Cathy Marshall Fashion: Chloe Hill Hair: Bex Brent @ Willis York
Kahu is represented by The Scouted