Thrifty Threads 2026

Get ready for three days of incredible sustainable fashion, unique finds and exclusive shopping opportunities as Thrifty Threads returns to the Meteor Theatre in Hamilton.

Kicking off the event is our VIP Runway Experience, followed by three days of shopping featuring thousands of quality pre-loved clothing items and accessories, all supporting Hospice Waikato's specialist palliative care services.

VIP Runway Experience | Wednesday 9 September

Be among the first to discover the standout pieces featured at this year's Thrifty Threads event with an exclusive evening of fashion, fun and first-access shopping.

Event Schedule

5.30pm - Doors Open

Enjoy:

- A complimentary goodie bag on arrival, including:
- A Hospice Shop voucher
- An additional bag to fill with your finds
- Expert thrifting tips
- Bubbles and nibbles

6.00pm - Runway Show

Curated by Ash Muir and Alice (The Thrift Hunter), the runway will showcase a collection of incredible thrifted fashion sourced from Hospice Shops. Every item featured on the runway will be available for purchase after the show.

The runway presentation runs for approximately 20 minutes, after which guests can shop at their leisure until 9.00pm.

With only 100 tickets available, VIP guests will enjoy first access to some of the best pieces before the event opens to the public.

Spot Prizes

One lucky winner will receive:

- A styling session with Ash and Alice
- A $300 Hospice Shop wardrobe, redeemable at any Hospice Shop in the Waikato or Thames regions

Ticket Options

VIP Runway Ticket - $100
Your VIP Runway ticket includes:

- Goodie bag
- Bubbles and nibbles
- Exclusive runway show
- Early access shopping

VIP Plus Pass - $150 Includes everything above, plus:

- Entry to Thrifty Threads every day of the event
- Queue-jump access throughout the event

That's $60 worth of entry included, plus the opportunity to skip the opening-day queue, which is often two to three hours long.

Thrifty Threads Shopping Days

After the VIP launch, Thrifty Threads opens to the public for three days of treasure hunting, bargain shopping and sustainable fashion.  Bring $10, five supermarket bags, and spend hours hunting for those special items.

Opening Hours

- Thursday 4.00pm - 8.00pm
- Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm
- 4.00pm - 8.00pm
- Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm

Whether you're searching for a statement piece, designer labels, everyday essentials or vintage treasures, Thrifty Threads offers an exciting opportunity to refresh your wardrobe while supporting Hospice Waikato.

Every purchase helps Hospice Waikato continue providing compassionate specialist palliative care and support to patients and whānau across the Waikato region.