Industry New Zealand Appoints Paul Blomfield
One of the most well known names in New Zealand design and fashion, Paul Blomfield, has been appointed Sector
Specialist, Design at Industry New Zealand .
Announcing the appointment, Industry New Zealand’s Director, Creative Ind ustries, Cheryll Sotheran said that Mr
Blomfield’s experience and networks would prove invaluable in informing the business community about the benefit s of a
design-led approach to business.
“Worldwide, creative industries are growing faster than other economic sectors. Industries such as design are k ey to
developing an economy that focuses on innovation and exporting high-va lue superior products to the world,” said Cheryll
Sotheran.
“Paul’s appoint ment is an integral part of Industry New Zealand’s commitment to the design industry and its
stakeholders. We want New Zealand businesses to realise how effective use of design can transform their products and
deliver them a com petitive advantage."
Mr Blomfield will work with Industry New Zealand and t he Government-appointed Design Industry Taskforce on initiatives
aimed at in forming businesses about the value of design and how it can be a growth enab ler for businesses. “Design
creates a point of difference – it adds an ele ment of desirability to a product and makes it stand out from the crowd,
sai d Mr Blomfield.
“Design can help a variety of New Zealand businesses to cre ate innovative client-focused products to compete head on
with bigger global players.
“I’ll be working with design education institutions, industry rep resentatives and business leaders on how design can
add value through the en tire production chain."
Mr Blomfield was previously Executive Director of F ashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) the fashion industry
organisation. He has also been involved in many successful fashion projects at L’Oreal New Zeala nd Fashion Week,
Australian Fashion Week and London Fashion Week. Mr Blomfie ld founded Pulp magazine and was publisher of Apparel trade
magazine for fif teen years.
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