INTERVIEW with Riaka Reid-Hiakita || Island Haus Runway 2026 Runway Model
SD: Hi, Riaka. For my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?
Riaka: Kia Ora Ko Riaka Reid-Hiakita Toku Ingoa.
Hello my name is Riaka Reid-Hiakita.
I am 23yrs old from Aotearoa, NZ. I am a very proud Māori and my Iwi (tribes) are Nāi Tuhoe, Ngāti Porou, and Te Arawa in the North island.
I love to travel, listen and play music (I can play 4 different instruments and also compose songs) during my spare time. When I'm not modelling, I work two jobs, one as a storeman and the 2nd, saving lives as a Lifeguard.
SD: Describe your personal style of clothing?
Riaka: Fashion wasn't really a word used often in our home, I do wear a lot of stylish shorts and shirts because the weather is much warmer than NZ. Although I love "Urban Vintage" as that's the style that really suits my particular shape and body and it also has a cool visual flair to it. I also love wearing and modelling high-end suits (love those) when I get the chance.
SD: When did you know you wanted to be a model?
Riaka: I used to get compliments about my looks when I was at school and I would have a giggle to myself as I didn't really know what "good looking" or "handsome" meant. Being neurodivergent, you sometimes don't understand or comprehend what others mean by words or actions. My family would also say I should be a model when I get older, so when we moved to Australia 3yrs ago, I decided to give it a try.
SD: If you could talk to your ten-year-old self, what would you say?
Riaka: I would probably say it is okay to be yourself and that you don't need to rely on other people to make you happy. Friends will come and go and it's the ones that stick around that matter. Family will always love and support you. You're not alone.
SD: What has been your most favourite photoshoot to date?
Riaka: I recently did a photoshoot with the amazing Black Square Photography down at Snapper Rock in Coolangatta. I felt this photoshoot captured my "Wairua" or "spirit". I love Tangaroa the Atua (God) of the ocean and his forever flowing tides because it connects me innately to my motherland Aotearoa, NZ.
SD: What are you most excited about for Island Haus Runway?
Riaka: I am very excited to walk for Island Haus Runway because of the Pacific Island representation and as a proud Māori (We are Pacific Islanders) , it is an exciting opportunity to meet and connect with other Pacific Islanders, be a part of this event, and honour my Polynesian cousins.
Tickets are selling out fast. See Riaka on the runway and buy your tickets HERE
Island Haus Runway:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandhausrunway/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586227610162
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@islandhausrunway
Riaka Reid-Hiakita:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riaka_unlimited/
Photo Credits:
First Photo: Taken by Danielle Edwards
Second Photo: Taken by Lucid Dreams Imagery
