While Hokonui Fashion Design Awards shows have been successful over the years, due to a tried and true formula, careful planning, year-to-year improvement and some adaptability, the 21st event last month also relied on a generous dose of "just do it" attitude from the organisers.
Planning for the event this year had begun just as the recession's bite was felt.
"We just hoped that we would have enough entries to have a show at all. And believing that ticket sales could well be down, we looked at running the show for one night rather than the two."
But these fears were groundless.
Entries poured in from everywhere from Auckland to Stewart Island, with one from Sydney providing Australian representation.
The total of 298 broke all previous records.
Then the rush on tickets reinforced that fashion has a strong pull in times of recession. The event quickly sold out.
"That the annual Gore event has endured to become the longest-running awards show of its type in the country hinges on it providing challenges and opportunities for creative New Zealanders with a flair for fashion design - including design students," Ms Paterson said.
They have their work judged by a panel of top professional designers and aired in a runway show in front of a live audience, with further television and print exposure.
Ms Paterson's involvement began in 1988 as a model in the first event.
In 1997 she took over as producer, with her husband Wade taking up the role of administrator.
Although the couple sold their Wendonside farm in 1998 they continue to live on several acres of the property.
Wade is a territory manager for BASF while Heather operates their event management company.
Ms Paterson is realistic: "The event would not have survived without the partnership of the Mataura Licensing Trust, committed sponsorship, community support, dedicated volunteers, a committee working towards the same goals and the drive to continually move forward and grow."
The future is bright.
