The New Zealand Diploma in Costume Construction is the only tertiary course in New Zealand that specialises in costume construction for stage and screen. The course is taught by some of New Zealand’s best industry professionals and aims to provide students with skills in all forms of costume construction and production. This will lead to employment in film, theatre and allied industries. Costume students have the opportunity to collaborate with the New Zealand School of Dance on their major performance events as well as being actively involved in most shows, films and performance projects at Toi Whakaari. In addition, the annual Costume Showcase exists to present the graduating costumiers’ work in a live performance event.
“The three most important things my time at Toi gave me were: 1) the ability to identify opportunities for learning, 2) the sensitivity to see a job that needs doing (even if it is just a reset of a working area) and 3) the network of contacts consisting of students, tutors and industry practitioners.”
The Diploma is a full‐time, two year, vocational and highly practical course covering all aspects of costume work. The second year involves students undertaking industry secondments with professional performing arts organisations in their particular area of interest. This includes areas like film, commercials and theatre.
Costume Construction students must be 18 years of age by the first day of the first term – there is no upper age limit. Applications are invited from candidates of all backgrounds, with or without prior costume experience.
Year 1
Year 2
***Applications for entry in 2026 will open on 9 June 2025*** Entry to the NZ Diploma in Costume Construction is by portfolio and interview. Applicants are asked to submit evidence of at least two garments you have made. You'll also need to submit an online application form and complete the Mihimihi Introduction section of the form (outlined below).
Mihimihi Introduction Info:
Your Mihimihi Introduction is an opportunity for us to get to know you. It could include things like:
You should aim for around 300 words, be succinct! You can type your answers in the form or send us the link to a video (please note: ALL international applicants MUST submit their Mihimihi Introduction as a video).
Portfolio Info:
In the Portfolio section of the Application Form you can either: enter a link to your website/Dropbox/Google Drive or other online portal, or you can compress the portfolio images into a ZIP file and upload it to the form (you can also email them to apply@toiwhakaari.ac.nz before 17 October at the latest).
The NZ Diploma in Costume Construction is designed to provide graduates who may enter the workforce as an employee, freelance or self-employed practitioner in roles such as:
“Overall, my time at Toi Whakaari is one that I will always hold close. It is part of me and the lessons and morals I learnt whilst there will take me through both my professional and personal life.”
Rianne Elizabeth Gibson, Graduate 2017
“The costume course enabled me to refine my skills and gain experience in multiple roles giving me confidence in my ability to adapt to any job”
Tessa Paaymans, Graduate 2015
“Tutors are invested in every individual and their knowledge is an invaluable resource both during and beyond the course of the diploma. Having had opportunities to apply my learning through industry secondments right from the first year, the training has equipped me to graduate with confidence and momentum towards achieving my career goals."
Sarah Carswell, Graduate 2014
- Costume Assistant – Ghost in the Shell (Dreamworks);
- Wardrobe Assistant, Royal New Zealand Ballet;
- Costumier, Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ;
- Recipient of the 2014 Bill Guest Award.
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