No more burgers for catwalk hopeful

CAMERON BURNELL/Taranaki Daily News

GOT THE LOOK: Hunter McLeod has left his job at McDonald's for a chance at stardom on the catwalk of New Zealand Fashion Week.

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Hunter McLeod is super-sizing his ambitions after winning the New Zealand Fashion Week New Talent competition.

It's goodbye to McDonald's, he said, after returning from Auckland on Monday where he was shooting for the billboard campaign for New Zealand Fashion Week's tenth anniversary.

"That's the thing, I'm hot property right now so I've got to move up there," the 23-year-old said.

McLeod spoke with a number of model management companies while in Auckland, and said he needed to commit to one that can throw him out there the most.

"The agencies I did talk to are liking my look and were chucking names like Giorgio Armani out there," the son of councillor John "Horse" McLeod said.

McLeod said modelling was a lot easier and paid a lot more than flipping burgers.

"If I can get thrown overseas and get big money for bugger all, why wouldn't I?"

Clyne Management's Ursula Dixon said McLeod had the look, the height and the personality which could land him high-fashion jobs.

"He has quite an edgy look and he will work with our high-fashion clients if he signs with us."

In an industry of glitz and glamour, McLeod said it would be easy to get caught up, but his family would keep him humble.

"There's a few fake people, but I'll stay true to myself. The people in the 'Naki will keep me grounded."

- Blanton Smith is a Witt journalism student.

- © Fairfax NZ News