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𝑩𝑬𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺.

@beingsdotco

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𝐓𝐀𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐔 𝐓𝐀𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐔
The leading directory to explore, discover, and cast Aotearoa’s POC, Rainbow, and Disabled talent
Founder + Director @leonbristow

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

EXIT 30: The Art of Style, @nzfashionwk 2026 presented by @giltrapgroup

@maretadavidson @beingsdotco wears @lizmitchellatelier wool vest and brooch (2026), @11miranda.brown11 wool skirt (2002), @penitaehia_official shell headpiece (2021).

Photographer / @matt.hurley
Runway photography / @madebyradical
Creative director + stylist / @danahwa
Associate stylist / @courtneyjoe_
Executive producer / @bexlawson
Show producer / @sonjademari
Make-up / @emmakpmakeup @aleph.beauty
Hair / @dannypatohair @davinesnz
Wardrobe / @juliathompson11 @natashaovely @levii.tan @katherimge @mimalg_

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EXIT 9: The Art of Style, @nzfashionwk 2026 presented by @giltrapgroup

Multi-disciplinary artist @peter._.wing @beingsdotco wears coat from @nz_opera’s production of Semele (2020) by Tracey Grant Lord, @nom_d sweatshirt (2026), @porterjames trousers (2026), @lizmitchellnz collar and cuffs (2026).

Photographer / @matt.hurley
Runway photography / @madebyradical
Audience photography / @greta.kenyon
Creative director + stylist / @danahwa
Associate stylist / @courtneyjoe_
Executive producer / @bexlawson
Show producer / @sonjademari
Make-up / @emmakpmakeup @aleph.beauty
Hair / @dannypatohair @davinesnz
Wardrobe / @juliathompson11 @natashaovely @levii.tan @katherimge @mimalg_

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This year, @leonbristow was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list.

But behind the recognition is a much bigger story.

For Léon, being Māori in an industry where our people remain significantly underrepresented has meant more than bringing a different creative perspective. It has meant speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Advocating when nobody else will. Carrying conversations that were never written into the job description.

And turning that responsibility into action.

Through his work as an Art Director and the creation of @beingsdotco , Léon is challenging who gets represented, who gets to tell our stories, and who gets a seat in the rooms where decisions are made.

Because original thinking doesn’t come from filling rooms with people who all think, live and see the world the same way.
It comes from difference.

Read Léon Bristow’s full kōrero via the link in our bio.

📷 @zicooneillrutene

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@nzfashionwk portraits behind the curtain. (1/3)

I got the chance to shoot behind the scenes this year alongside the team at @aleph.beauty for @nzfashionwk. What an amazing experience it was!

Living behind the viewfinder of my @fujifilmxseriesnz Xh2, these are some of the lovely warm folk who walked during the week from Monday through to Saturday - and that I had the pleasure of meeting.

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proud to share that another Māori has just made it on the FORBES 30under30 🤎🥹😭

cannot thank everyone who has supported me enough. it truely took a village for me to be where I am today. this is such a special moment

I am so proud to stand alongside industry giants as Tangata Whenua and Tagata Moana. representing my people in international spaces

arohanui 🤎 x

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Part 1 💫 Last Thursday night we came together to celebrate the people shaping the future of Aotearoa.

From powerful stories to standing ovations, the 2026 @kiwibanknz New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people choose to care, to lead, and to give back.

Here are a few moments from a night we won’t forget! 💚

#NZOTY #NZOTY2026
@kiwibanknz @gomedia_nz @rymanhealthcarenz @2degreesnz @terunangaongaitahu @mitre10nz @tower_insurance @fisherfundsnz

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Before our 21 Finalists take the stage at the Awards Gala tonight, we asked – "What inspires you?"

Stay tuned on our IG stories as we reveal the 2026 Winners live at the Gala! 🏆

#NZOTY #NZOTY2026

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"What inspires you?" – We asked the 2026 Finalists! 💚

#NZOTY #NZOTY2026

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We asked the 2026 Finalists one simple question:
What’s your hope for Aotearoa?

Here’s what they had to say.

#NZOTY #NZOTY2026

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THERE 👏🏽 IS 👏🏽 NEVER 👏🏽 ENOUGH 👏🏽 REPRESENTATION 👏🏽

and I will keep pushing to reclaim narratives and reshape casting processes

#maori #newzealand #business #success #casting

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Meet @leonbristow, a 2026 Finalist for the @gomedia_nz Young New Zealander of the Year Award.

#NZOTY #NZOTY2026

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Meet @leonbristow (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Hāmoa), Semi-Finalist for the 2026 @gomedia_nz Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau.

As Founder of @beingsdotco, he is driving inclusion and equity through storytelling and design in Aotearoa’s creative industries.

Find out how he's shaping Aotearoa at nzawards.org.nz

#NZOTY #NZOTY2026

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