Mr Bear New Zealand 2026 Matt McVeigh has taken out the title of Mr Australasia Bear 2026, winning the coveted crown at last night’s competition at The Laird in Melbourne.
The event, held as part of Southern HiBearnation, is one of the biggest nights on the Australasian bear calendar, bringing together titleholders from across Australia and New Zealand for a celebration of charisma, community, confidence and bear pride.
For Matt, the win marks another major milestone in a huge year. The UK-born Aucklander was crowned Mr Bear New Zealand 2026 earlier this year during Bear New Zealand Week, after winning over judges and supporters with his warmth, humour, cheeky stage presence and clear commitment to giving back.
Now, he has taken that same Aotearoa energy across the Tasman and come home with one of the region’s biggest bear titles.
Held at The Laird Hotel, VicBears’ home den in Melbourne, the Mr Australasia Bear competition sees contestants battle it out across several rounds, including Bear Wear, Bear Minimum and Bear Fantasy or Talent. Competitors are judged not only on performance, but on confidence, communication, community, creativity and commitment to bear ideals.
Matt’s Mr Bear NZ journey has always been about more than a sash. Ahead of the New Zealand competition, he spoke about the bear community helping him become more confident, more connected and more at home in his own skin after moving to Aotearoa a decade ago.
He also made clear that visibility matters, particularly at a time when LGBTQ+ communities around the world continue to face political and social pushback. Matt has used his platform to champion inclusion, equality, confidence and solidarity, while also supporting RainbowYOUTH and the vital work it does for queer and gender-diverse rangatahi across Aotearoa.
Of course, Matt’s approach has never been too earnest. From the start, he promised to be a titleholder who was “fun, approachable, and a little cheeky” — and his winning run has delivered exactly that.
His Australasian victory is a proud moment for Bear New Zealand and for Aotearoa’s wider rainbow community, continuing a strong recent showing for New Zealand on the regional bear stage.
From baby bear beginnings to Australasian champion, Matt McVeigh’s rise has been rooted in heart, humour, visibility and a whole lot of bear hugs.
Congratulations, Matt — Aotearoa is roaring with pride.
Photo | Ali Evans – Facebook
