The celebrations continue following Luke Bird’s victory at Mr Bear New Zealand 2025, held at Phoenix Cabaret on Friday, 7 February. The event brought together members of Aotearoa’s Bear community for an unforgettable night of fun, pride, and fierce competition.
Bird took the title after impressing both the judges and the enthusiastic crowd, beating out fellow contenders Ralph Corke, DC Harding, and Izzy Matela. The event was a true showcase of inclusivity, confidence, and the strong sense of brotherhood within the Bear community.
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In a heartfelt reflection on his win, Bird shared:
“Through our AMAZING 🌈🐻 community I’ve learned that every part of who I am is not only welcomed, but celebrated, respected, LOVED, and embraced. I’ve received so many AMAZING messages from around the world but one stood out to me, ‘It’s people like you, Luke, who make it safe for people like me, thank you’ 🥹 I’ve been there myself & truly understand this feeling. I’ve realised this isn’t just a title, it’s about leadership, representation of our communities & making sure no one is left behind. What an ABSOFARKINGLUTE HONOUR to be your MR BEAR NZ 2025!! Bring on Mr Australasia.”
The Mr Bear New Zealand competition is a cornerstone of the country’s LGBTQ+ events calendar, celebrating self-expression, body positivity, and community connection. With his win, Bird now turns his focus to the upcoming Mr Bear Australasia competition, where he will proudly represent New Zealand.
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Photos | Jasmin Sheikh.
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