Category: New Zealand
After a night of confidence, community spirit and plenty of cheek, Matt McVeigh has officially been crowned Mr Bear New Zealand 2026, taking home the sash in front of a packed and passionate crowd. A familiar face within Auckland’s bear scene, Matt impressed judges and audiences alike with his warmth, humour and clear commitment to giving back. Born […]
Twerking, Talent & Togetherness: Chris Rain Brings the Beat to Mr Bear New Zealand 2026 If there’s a dance floor nearby, chances are you’ll find Chris Rain on it — usually twerking, smiling, and dressed to impress. A lover of art, music and movement, Chris is stepping into the Mr Bear New Zealand competition with […]
The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa (formerly the NZAF) has reversed its earlier position and confirmed that politicians will be permitted on the main stage at this year’s Big Gay Out. In a statement shared on Facebook, the organisation acknowledged that the decision may be controversial, but framed the move as part of its broader advocacy mission. […]
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, […]
A sobering new report reveals that over 1,000 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents took place across the United States in 2025, marking one of the most dangerous years for queer Americans on record. The data, released by ALERT Desk, the Anti-LGBTQ Extremism Reporting Tracker from GLAAD, documented 1,042 individual attacks spanning 47 states and Washington, DC — a […]
From Baby Bear to Proud Otter: Matt McVeigh’s Journey to the Mr Bear NZ Stage After a decade in Aotearoa, UK-born Matt McVeigh is ready to take the stage for Mr Bear New Zealand 2026 — and he’s doing it with a cheeky grin. “I moved to New Zealand 10 years ago, and somewhere along […]
A new report has raised concerns about long waiting times, uneven access, and systemic barriers facing transgender people seeking healthcare in regional Aotearoa New Zealand. The Regional Transgender Healthcare Report 2025, released by advocacy organisation Gender Minorities Aotearoa, is based on a national survey of 100 transgender people and parents of transgender young people conducted […]
Lesbian and bisexual women in Aotearoa New Zealand face disproportionately high levels of violence and sexual assault — particularly by strangers — according to new research from Auckland University of Technology (AUT). The study, led by Associate Professor Alex Plum in collaboration with researchers from Rosalind-Franklin University in the United States, found that non-heterosexual women […]