Fresh face Tanaka Nyahwa is unapologetically an optimist.
Known to her friends as T, the Zimbabwe-born, Pōneke-based model surrounds herself with a creative bubble, loves to sew, and always has a few good books on the go. To keep her glass half-full, she needs solitude, "self-care Saturdays", and the smooth tunes of Jorja Smith and Steve Lacey.
On a (rare) calm day at Pito-one beach, Te Awakairangi, stylist and photographer Chloe Hill captures Nyahwa's perpetual bright side, wearing an array of colourful local fashion.
For me, home is… Both New Zealand and Zimbabwe. Though I grew up in New Zealand I am originally from Zimbabwe, so I feel glimpses of home in both.
I got into modelling when… I guess my official start was in mid 2022, when I was signed with my current agent Kirsty Bunny Management. But I’ve modelled here and there throughout my teens. I have a few creative friends so I’d always find myself getting involved in their projects and modelling for them too.
When I’m not modelling, you’ll find me… Either sketching fashion concepts and designs, sewing or running, or out for coffee catch ups with friends.
What I love most about Pōneke is… its expressiveness. People in Wellington are so expressive in their style and outlook. I love that Wellington is like its own creative bubble of expression. I truly love that I got to grow up here.
What I don’t love is… The wind. Can you believe it? Listen, I love a good sea breeze when it works in favour with my hair, but if it's not that I can’t say I’m a fan.
My group of friends are… My everything. I am so grateful to have such a solid core group of friends. They listen, they empathise, they celebrate my wins, they feel for my losses and are some of the most cherished people in my life.
My friends would describe me as… Optimistic and energetic. I would say I’m known for having a pretty positive outlook on life and always love an excuse to look on the bright side.
My nickname is… T to friends and Tana to family.
I feel most beautiful when… When I’m being my most authentic self. Whether that be authenticity in conversations and interactions with others, or even when I’m wearing something that I love and makes me feel good.
My earliest memory of beauty is… My gorgeous mother, a true icon might I say. She always spoke about the beauty she saw in my siblings and I, internally and externally. I truly admire her for this. This has taught me to see peoples inward beauty first, forever and always.
My current obsessions are... Sewing and running.
The last book I read was… All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han and 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go by Jay Shetty. I almost never read one book at a time.
My favourite movie of all time is… The Notebook, for sure.
In winter you’ll find me… Tucked inside with a good book and tea, or baking something yummy.
My style icons are… My siblings, friends, Hailey Bieber, and Matilda Djerf. It varies constantly.
When I’m modelling, I’m thinking about… My face haha. I’m always curious about the face I am giving to the camera, because more often than not the face I intend to give is not what gets captured. Always a learning curve.
I look after myself by… Making self care a part of my regular routine. I do what’s called self care Saturdays. I allow for my body to fully rest, whether that be through a sleep-in or just having no plans on the calendar at all. I almost always go to a cafe, I’ll sit and read for hours. I’ll pamper myself and do my full skincare routine, or even just go for a walk. Sometimes cherishing moments of solitude is the best way I look after myself.
I’m dying to travel to… Back home to Africa, and Italy.
My most-played artists are… Spacey Jane, Jorja Smith, and Steve Lacey.
In ten years I’ll be… Living overseas with my husband, pioneering a brand I finally decided to take the risk to build and maybe soaking up sun somewhere sunny (Italy I’d imagine).
