The Year of Abundance: Robbie’s Bold Bid for Mr Bear New Zealand 2026
He’s a party-loving Scotsman with a heart of gold, a loud laugh, and a story that roars with pride. Meet Robbie Abundance, a larger-than-life personality and proud contestant in this year’s Mr Bear New Zealand competition — and according to his horoscope, 2026 might just be his year.
“You may think you know me as that 365 party boy,” he says with a grin, “but honestly, there’s so much more. I’m a Pisces, a hospitality veteran, and I was once described as a reincarnation of Cleopatra. Like the majority of my countrymen, I am a wild and untamable beast… all qualities I believe would serve my community well as Mr Bear 2026!”
Robbie is representing Body Positive as his chosen charity — a cause close to his heart — and enters the competition not just to entertain, but to uplift, advocate, and show up for others.
A Bold Entrance, Backed by the Community
“Honestly, my inspiration came from my friends,” Robbie explains. “I’m loud, flirtatious and never far away from trouble (the good kind, I swear!), so I simply had to throw my name in for the competition! I love having fun and bringing people along for the ride.”
With a self-described lack of sewing skills or drag credentials, Robbie still knew this was his moment. “Mr Bear NZ was the perfect scratch for my itch!”
But beneath the cheeky charm lies a deeper connection to the Bear community.
A Global Family of Confidence and Inclusion
Robbie recalls his first experience at a bear event many years ago in Scotland — an underwear party that changed everything.
“There was a beefy bear man checking tickets in full leather gear — I thought it was so intimidating. I didn’t think I’d fit in,” he remembers. “But then I stepped through those doors and found a place unlike any gay club I’d ever been to… men of all body sizes, shapes, ages and colours, all celebrating each other.”
The experience lifted him up and gave him the confidence he had never known before. “These spaces within the bear community… It’s the most amazing group of men you’ll find wherever you are!”
Roaring for Visibility, Strength and Joy
As a Mr Bear hopeful, Robbie says visibility and self-expression are cornerstones of his identity.
“Being seen and heard aren’t concepts I struggle with! Since I truly accepted who and what I am, I’ve always been determined to take up the same amount of space as any other man in the room,” he says. “We spend a lot of time as gay men feeling like outsiders in our own community — and I’m just not about that at all.”
Robbie’s vision as Mr Bear NZ includes protests, parades, local events and moments of joy — all showing the strength and resilience of the gay community. “But most importantly,” he adds, “I’d like to spread joy, fun and laughter and let everyone in this community take command of the space they deserve to take up in the world!”
If Crowned King?
“I’d like to be a very hands-on titleholder,” Robbie says. “I wouldn’t want to be Mr Bear in name only — I’d like to embody the values of the community and use the title to help causes in any way I can.”
“If I can inspire people to be their most authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging, I’ve done my job. Winning the competition is just the beginning — win the title, then earn it through dedication to duty.”
The Mr Bear New Zealand competition takes place this Friday, 6 February, at Phoenix Cabaret from 9pm!
