THE NAKED DISCUSSION

  • Optimise Your Life For Freedom

    It’s not often I write blog a post, but I heard someone say “optimise your life for freedom” and had to share how I approach this mentality in my day to day life. Personally, I believe this attitude allows for all sorts of spontaneous exploration because of regularly being in a state of preparedness. 


    In general, having autonomy over your time, financial security and a solid support network are ideal foundations, but there are lots of small ways to set oneself up to facilitate efficiency in our day to day lives. 


    The ways in which I optimise my life for freedom are as follows:


    • My makeup is laid out on a shelf so I don’t need to find each piece in a bag. 

    • I declutter my wardrobe with pieces I’m unlikely to use again.

    • I live a 5 minute walk from my gym; firstly because walking is way nicer than driving, but also to avoid the hinderance of the drive becoming an excuse not to go.

    • I develop guidelines and processes around my work.

    • I review all written communication and restructure it for further clarity. The extra effort will save you time in the future.

    • I keep multiple notes on my phone of thoughts and ideas, and review these regularly. 


    Buy more time for life and live it fitting as much novelty in as you can… it’s how we extend our lives, our knowledge and our understanding of others. 

  • DJ Majorie Sinclair

    1. What do you give a damn about?

    At the moment I give a damn about a ceasefire in Palestine. 


    2. What dream is in the pipeline?

    Growing my brands: Church (Queer gig) and Rio Funk (Brazilian gig) with merchandise, new acts, bigger production, a summer festival, international DJs + more.


    3. What scares you the most?

    I'm the oldest daughter in my family. I have two younger siblings living in Brazil. I'm scared of something happening to a close family member and not being there quickly enough.


    4. What should everyone be listening to?

    I'm in love with Peggy Gou at the moment. She is perfect.


    6. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

    I would: 

    1- Live off the grid and use the extra time to commute to work (I still need to be in the city for regular gigs)  

    2- Do more of what I already do: more hobbies, more dogs. etc.

    3- Study and learn new skills.


    7. What 3 adjectives describe you most?

    Caring, honest, grounded.  


    8. What energises you and brings you excitement?

    My everyday life. I like being home with my dogs. I give a lot of value to the little things in life. Warm cup of coffee in the morning listening to some old vinyl. Watering the plants. Sun on my skin. Regular ocean swims. All the things someone retired would be into. hahaha


    9. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

    Growing up in Brazil gave me a mentality of scarcity. Life is hard, success doesn't come easy. We learn to think that if someone else is successful/happy/loved that means there is less for me. A win-lose rather than a win-win mentality. I wish young me knew sooner that's not the case. Love shared is multiplied, not divided.


    10. If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?

    I would like to be a multi-instrumentalist expert. Pass me a banjo!


    11. What's one thing your family taught you that completely changed your life?

    My family has taught me so much. I have learnt to love and care for others. I learnt to love plants and gardening. I learnt how to DJ and that life is short. And to always say “I love you” when you have the chance.


    12. What’s your hobby or what type of hobby would you like to take up?

    My favourite hobby is to be a hobby enthusiast! Brazilian Jiujitsu, kickboxing, drums, surfing, chess, skateboarding, pottery, gardening, the list goes on. I'm not necessarily good at anything but I do enjoy it all. My latest hobby was winter ocean swims. My hobbies change often, depending on mood and season.


    16. What attracts you to The Naked World?

    I think the amount of care from the organisers and partygoers to deliver a safe space for all.

    Where everyone can be their authentic self. People seem to be very kind and open minded.


    I'm looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends at the Undie Party {Sheer Ball}.


    ⚫️ DJ Majorie Sinclair is performing at the Undie Party {Sheer Ball} on Friday 19th January 2024 at 1am.


  • TNW, unwrapped…

    The Naked World was initially called The Naked Dinner, which launched in Auckland in February 2019. The dinner parties invited guests to change into just an apron, which they could remove whenever and however they liked. The events sold out every three weeks, so after a four month stint abroad I launched the Undie Party which brought the same desired outcome to a larger audience. The new line of events called for a rebrand, resulting in The Naked World, which now umbrellas a range of events and happenings.


    The brand ethos isn’t actually birthed from the body, it’s from the mind. Before starting the brand I used to get terrible social anxiety at dinner parties, even with my closest friends. At one stage I thought to myself, ‘this is ridiculous, I can sit in a black hole for an hour without saying a word’. Then the trick public speakers use to overcome their fear sprung to mind: imagine the audience naked… well, what if everyone at the table was naked? From there this social experiment of levelling the mental playing field for attendees became an ongoing theme, later looking at gender, age, sexual orientation and now fetishes.


    Types of Events

    The Naked World now runs four types of events: the Undie Party which hosts 500 guests at Everybody’s under set themes, including Sugar Rush, Sheer Ball, Halloween, and Magnetism. The dress code is an interpretation of underwear in relation to the event’s theme. Guests are entertained from start to finish with the climax being a big performance around 1am — I’m very excited for the Halloween party on Friday 3rd November as Hannah Tasker-Poland is performing who is simply extraordinary. If you saw her one woman show, The Most Naked at Q Theatre, you witnessed a significant piece of art.


    In March 2023, ran The Naked World’s first festival called Naked In The Trees. The intimate affair with 350 attendees was a beautiful three day weekend of music and workshops. NITT became an adults' playground with a swimming pool, sauna, iced plunge pools, showers that ran straight off the tree trunks, a tattoo parlour, and much more. The workshops covered a wide variety of topics including non-monogamy, edging, massage, sound healing, breathwork, nutrition, yoga to liquid drum and bass, and again much more. The festival also introduced a play space for sexual exploration into The Naked World. We are currently waiting for confirmation of new land to host 1,000 attendees from 8-10 March 2024. Stay tuned.  


    AVOWAL, which launches in April 2024, will be The Naked World’s first sex party. Certainly the most ambitious event to date, the night will aim to not only keep attendees on their toes from start to finish, but also offer spaces for education. The event plan is set to give guests a fanciful ride — from a range of sex furniture and sex positive art to a stellar DJ lineup, renowned sexologists, a masseuse, stalls for toys, a private area for photoshoots, and a small army of welcoming staff.


    Finally we circle back to the origins of the brand with The Naked Dinner, which now runs once a year as a kind of Christmas dinner on the first Friday of December. Last year the dinner hosted 115 guests in a decked out warehouse lit by projections of a specifically shot film, a pink fluffy floor, and chocolate moose lips and vulvas for dessert. Hannah Tasker-Poland did a drop-dead gorgeous, eye-opening performance involving gold rain bathing her naked body as she body-popped to stomach churning beats. It was mesmerising. The crowd roared at the end.


    Photography

    We have photographers at all the events in some capacity, but it is up to attendees if they want their night captured or not. For example, at the Undie Party we have one general photographer who you can avoid by taking a pink wristband at the eventrance, and a portrait photographer that sticks to our themed photo booth (the only way to see these photos is by attending the party as they’re sent out in high res to ticket holders the following day).


    In advance of AVOWAL, guests will be able to book a private photography session for up to 8 people. This will be as explicit as they like, and for that reason these sessions will not be bookable on the night to ensure participants have thought through their consent for the others involved to own such vulnerable content of them.


    At the festival and The Naked Dinner our photographers ask for individual consent before taking each shot.


    My rule when posting is that I would be happy if it were me in the picture.


    Values & Consent

    Attendees for all The Naked World events come in all shapes, sizes, genders and ages over 18. Each event has its own set of rules and all guests go through a consent team to ensure they clearly understand what those are. An open mind, welcoming demeanour and kind approach are necessities for all events — we ask guests to be conscious of vocabulary and to say hello to anyone that looks lost or in need of something.


    The two core values of The Naked World are curiosity and creativity. The main aim of these events is to give patrons such a buzz that they carry the confidence they build at an event through to the boardroom. The level of attendees' creativity is wild. I’m always so impressed by the skill and imagination that goes into each outfit. For Magnetism one girl turned up as a fridge — brilliant! 


    Unwrapped

    The location of events, outside of the Undie Party, is kept quiet to assist in keeping the peace as we don’t sell tickets on the door. To date we have had almost no issues at all with guests and I’d like to keep it that way.


    For those that are new to The Naked World, I encourage you to exercise curiosity, keep an open mind and step into the unknown. You are best off starting with an Undie Party and working your way up from there. We will have an AVOWAL information desk at the Halloween Undie Party on November 3rd for those keen on our wildest concoction. To get an idea on outfits, check out our PAST EVENT PHOTOS and follow  @thenaked.world on Instagram.


    Ngā mihi maioha

    Lisa 🍒

  • DJ Brett Bronze

    What interests you at the moment?

    My veggie garden and a passion for chill-hop music which has been fundamental in helping me relax. You can check out my ‘Chill Church’ mixes at www.soundcloud.com/brettbronze


    In April 2020, MTV News noted, "there might be something to be said for lo-fi hip-hop's composition, and the way its creators mix simplistic melodies with a judicious use of words to create intense memories, feelings, and nostalgia”


    What draws you to The Naked World? 

    The ethos of being free, open minded, challenging normalities and feeling beautiful in your own body. It correlates precisely with my values.


    A bunch of friends have DJed and attended the Undie Party. When I was asked to play at Naked in the Trees and the Undie Party, I felt honoured and at the same time like I had found a home.


    After 15 years of working the scene you are consciously taking a break. What led you to this decision, and what do you hope to achieve? 

    The decision comes purely in balancing fatherhood, marriage, friendship and the rest. I have been averaging 2 to 3 gigs a month, and fortnightly livestreams for Funkhutt radio for quite a while now. Plus, I work full time as a builder — so something had to give. 


    We’re honoured to have you play a two hour set at the Undie Party on May 20th — what can the audience expect? 

    I play by ear on the night but there will certainly be some naughtiness worked into a mix of classy house. I love DJ sets over 90 minutes and to do 2 hours means so much to me.  


    And do you have your outfit sorted?

    It’s either going to include a pair of shimmering pearly undies or black Dickies with dragon wings, a tail and mask. 


    I would like to add: The Naked World has huge integrity for music. As an advocate for DJs in NZ, it’s important to support those moulding the future of our industry. 

  • DJ Gwendolyn

    DJ Gwendolyn: The sparkly weapon of bass destruction.


    “I attend the church of house and the god of bass.”


    Gwen, you’ve really picked up your involvement in the Auckland DJ scene in the last year. Tell us about that journey. 


    It’s a journey of self-comfort. I have the challenge of post traumatic stress disorder, but one of my safe places is behind the decks. It’s there that I get lost in what I’m doing, find focus; it’s where anxiety and fear disappears and joy blooms. Within that it’s nice to be present as a transgender female, especially in a male orientated field — showing people they themselves can authentically be who they wish to be. 


    What does authenticity mean to you?


    It’s being able to hold yourself in a way where you can’t question yourself. Especially in the way you look, feel and present yourself. It’s having the strength to stand up against what may not be comfortable. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go against the grain though. If you aren’t questioning [the world], that’s also a wonderful place to be. My personal journey has been one of questioning myself and society, and finding the strength to say ‘no, this is who I am and who I wish to be’. 


    How do you navigate questions from others and who’s job do you believe it is to educate others?


    The responsibility to ask and answer questions lies with everyone, however there are questions that are respectful to ask and ones that are not. I will answer questions about how I feel, but not about myself physically. It also depends who I’m speaking with. There’s a difference between a close friend and an inquisitive stranger. The information is all online for those who wish to educate themselves. Everyone’s journey is different and if the right answers are important to someone, they can be easily found. 


    You recently felt uncomfortable around friends but were positively encouraged to conquer your insecurities. Do you feel transgender bodies are accepted in current society?


    Unfortunately, outside of certain areas I don’t believe transgender bodies are accepted in cisgender spaces. We’re currently under debate in many parts of the world - particularly in the US.  We’ve had people like Posie Parker [Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull] in the country, which has stirred up the rhetoric of whether transgender people should be allowed to use cisgender toilets. There is a large sector of society that is uncomfortable with this reality. 


    It felt amazing to be supported, but I do have issues with showing my body. To have someone comfortably hold space with me and guide me into a feeling of safety and security was delightful. Instead of being left sitting, feeling alone, even though surrounded by friends, I was included. Isn’t that what we would all like in life? 


    What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from being in the festival scene for 25 years?


    Compassion. I lead groups in the industrial style work — building stages, erecting stretchy tents and constructing trusses. I often work with volunteers with a range of skill sets who sometimes get things wrong — if you work with compassion. If you lead with encouragement, not with criticism, then these people learn in an environment where they feel valued, and they gain an experience they’ve never had before.


    I’m also a big advocate for developing the construction of festivals to create less MOOP [Matter Out Of Place], which is anything from zip ties to Gaffer tape. 


    What are your visions for the future?


    I want to start promoting events. One coming up represents the survivors of sexual assault, predominantly women. I also want to be far more present in the Auckland DJ scene. Plus I’m investing in production. I already play multiple instruments: guitar, trumpet, trombone, violin, ukulele, bagpipes, just to name a few. So production is something I think I’ll happily slide into. 


    And just keep being my authentic self, showing people there is a space where they can be who they are. I always sign off my social posts with “remember I love you, as you”. This is important to me. You will always have a space on the dance floor in front of me, where you are loved, as you. 


    Let’s bring some love to the Undie Party. 

  • SAY NO MORE

    This interview took place at Juan’s house in Mt Albert while he prepped for a dinner being served later that day on a boat to Waiheke. The following are notes taken from the audio recording which may be listened to via www.thenaked.world/blog


    If I’m going to do something, I go all out. ~ Juan


    Juan you are a serious multi-talent — chef, artist and DJ. What’s currently taking the lead: food, art or music? 

    Well, first of all I have to look after Valentina [Juan’s lovely wife]. Once she is looked after, everything else can fall into place. I generally go to work in the mornings, once home I park the car in the street because the garage has been converted into an art studio among other things. I spend my afternoons on a variety of projects in the studio — music or art. So generally my day is a balance of the three. 


    Say No More is your music brand. Would you describe it as an events label? 

     
Valentina loves saying “Say No More” — When I arrived in New Zealand in 2009, there weren’t as many promoters or as much variety in the events scene. Plus a lot of parties seemed to attract a crowd that went too far with alcohol. After a while though, our crew generated dance floors without obnoxious people — in the end we wanted an environment that was good for everybody. So when I said, “I’m over this shit”, Valentina said, “say no more!”. And just like that the name was born. 


    Being busy gets the creative juices flowing. ~ Juan


    You title each of your events after a well established musician or band. Who’s next?

    How did you notice! 
To pay homage to the culture of music, way back from cassettes and even CDs — the groups and musicians I grew up with. I loved the little booklets and pictures. It links the time of pre-MTV to the brand, with bands and electronic music that influenced me. Pearl Jam 10 or The Grateful Dead could be next. It’s also an endless source of great event names. 



    I last saw you DJ at AUM for NYE this year — your set was a pukka end to a brilliant night. We danced our hearts out. Can you describe your style for us?

    I have many influences. I love the journey and energy of a story being told. Part of that is reading the audience. I play what energises the people in front of me.


    Your digital collages are also incredible. People can buy them printed on clothes. Are people able to order any design on any piece of clothing? And do you take commissions?

    I don’t think the shop is live. 

    It is. 

    Etsy isn’t a platform I want to use. But Facebook is so complicated to set up. Friends keep telling me they’ve found the pieces online, but then Valentina and I can’t find it. 

    I used to do collage in kindergarten, but now it’s back and so modern. Then recently I was linked up with the Sociedad Argentina de Collage which has been great. 


    You recently hit the radio — will you be running more shows?

    I’m currently covering for Murry Sweetpants on BaseFM because he hurt his ankle.  

    [Base FM is one storey up ;) Murry!]. 

    I grew up with radio in Argentina - it was very important to me. I will be doing a few shows… until Murry’s ankle is better. 


    Finally, you have a guitar in the making — how’s the project going?

    My flatmate and I used to run big dinners at home, for around 40 people. We wouldn’t cook anything fancy. It would be loads of friends having a laugh. We’d play instruments — one day a friend bought us a piano for the living room. Everyone would jam together. One guy had an acoustic bass, then someone said they’d get him an electric bass, because we couldn’t hear the acoustic one. But we said “no, let’s make it”. So we buy a plank of wood, another couple of friends had made one before so they gave us some advice. Our living room in Ponsonby become a workshop. Then one night, the guys next door have a party and someone steals the semi-constructed bass guitar from mine. 

    A year later, I’m walking home from work and I see it in a woman’s open garage. I stop, see the woman who lives there and ask her about it. She’d found it on the street and assumed it was a project that had been thrown out. I asked “do you mind if I take it back”. 


    After that I had a lot of travelling lined up, so my old housemate Max took the guitar back and continued the project. Finally a month ago he left Facebook suddenly so I couldn’t reach him. Then very recently I saw Max on the street and turns out he lives not far from here in Kingsland. So the project of the guitar continues and it’s now in its final stages!


    — A story of friendship, thievery and coincidence. 


  • BLACKCURRANT SOUNDZ

    Jack, it’s great to publicly introduce you to The Naked World. You’ve been involved from the first Undie Party as our sound tech. I’m pumped to be using Blackcurrant Soundz, your very own custom built sound system, for our next event — The Naked Dinner. 


    You’ve been building your sound system for a while, where have you got to with it? 

    Really excited to partially debut the rig at The Naked Dinner.  I’ve been building the system for the past year. The design ethos was to make something that sounded as good as I could get it while being able to move it on my own as I don’t have a team behind me. 


    The current system specs are: 


    6200w rms

    12400w peak

    2 x Orbit 4 3 way tops

    2 x Cubo kick 15s

    4 x Cubo subs

    2 x turbosound iq15s (fills or dj monitors) 


    There are a few decent sound systems in Auckland now, where does yours sit within what’s available? And how large an audience can the Blackcurrant Soundz system cater to?

    It’s certainly not up there with the Ghost, as that system took 2 or 3 years to build and weighs a tonne, literally. Blackcurrant Soundz is a solid rig for up to 300 people, which fits the sound system’s original design plan. 


    Briefly, what’s your background within the nightclub scene?

    I’ve been raving for probably far too long now. I kicked off at drum and bass nights in places such as Fabric, The End, Turnmills — all the legendary London superclubs  from the age of 16. I then had a spell in Brighton running my own club nights for 3 or 4 years while at university; we were pretty successful and I really enjoyed it. That experience drove me to go full circle to where I am now - getting back into that scene - something I’ve always been passionate about.


    What do you think is missing from Auckland events? 

    The big driver for me is that there are some fantastic events and people putting them on in Auckland, but I’ve often felt that sound comes second. The focus may be on a particular DJ or great staging. But for me, I want to make a sound-led event, while also having great performers. That’s why I put the Blackcurrant Soundz system together so I can launch my own series of events, starting at the end of March.


    Do you want to dive into what’s happening at the end of March?

    Sure, I’m very excited. We’re kicking off with an event in Huia, on one of the beaches there. We’ve got some great people playing, great lighting; I think it’s going to be a really fun day and evening. We’ll make the most of it. Hopefully it’ll kick of a series of events in interesting locations. 


    Any particular music genres you’ll be focusing on?

    I’m a drum and bass guy at heart, but since moving to NZ I’ve definitely broadened my horizons. Beach and Bass (Huia event) will be house and techno focused, no d’n’b. We’ll see how that goes and take it from there. So long as I’m putting on a good event that everyone has a great time at, that’s my core focus. If I see lots of smiley happy faces, that’s really what the aim is. 


    You’ve already worked with our upcoming superstar lineup. Are you confident the feedback from Amandamania, Mamadafunk and Slav Sauna will be top notch?

    100%, I’m really excited to get them playing on the rig. Amandamania has of course been a long time supporter of the events - she’s always been great to work with. Then Mamadafunk representing at the last event (Undie Party 4). It’s always great to see them both on a lineup, you know you’re going to have a great evening. And Slav Sauna it’s great to see her coming out  on an all female lineup. Pretty fantastic.


    Where can people find out more about hiring and experiencing Blackcurrant Soundz?

    Very shortly on Facebook. I’m just adding the final touches, then it’ll be ready for a photoshoot.

    Really looking forward to the next event (The Naked Dinner), it’s great to see the brand going back to its roots. It’s going to be really cool .

  • Ardon England

    Who are you day to day? 

    Every day is so different — I’m either teaching boxing or training myself, with makeup clients in my studio or on a TV/film set, brainstorming creative ideas, dancing in front of the mirror,  and on the odd occasion I cleanse the energy fields around others… which can involve ghost busting ;) 

    General @ardon.england

    Makeup @ae_makeupartistry


    Describe the last TND event in 3 words:

    BEST NIGHT EVER! If I had to be more specific — Liberating, Creative, Community  


    Auckland's best-kept secret?

    I’ve always thought of the Asia Gallery Kimono Emporium in Penrose as a hidden treasure.


    What boosts your confidence?

    Dressing up and expressing myself through fashion, even if for no reason at all. 

    Dancing and putting on a pair of heels.

    Most of all... positive self-talk. 


    Do your outfit choices get bolder with each TND event?

    Yes they do. I always love exploring my femme energy, and finding ways of expressing myself with the least amount of clothing possible, hahaha


    One piece of life advice / Your message to the world:

    Focus on being someone YOU like and less on what others think of you. Always be 100% your authentic self. Don’t hold back. Give no fucks, because life is too short. Embrace your feminine and masculine energy, always be a kind person and project love! Trust in yourself and your capabilities, inspire others to be their own hero and most of all always remember “no one is you and that is your power”.


    Currently obsessed with:

    My new campervan, her name is Herekore which means FREEDOM (free of conditions, free of restrictions).


    What pushed you out of your comfort zone?

    When I stepped into the boxing ring for my first fight in 2017.


    How do you stay positive and motivated?

    My daily morning journal, a part of that is writing 3 things I am grateful for, making sure I make time for myself to exercise and be creative. Trying new things and having different experiences to keep me inspired and motivated.


    What's your idea of the perfect outfit?

    A massive smile and all the confidence to go with it.

  • Kirsty & Tiffanie

    Who are you day to day? 

    Kirsty: I love improving the connection people have with their bodies. I spend my days creating tasty and nutritious delights, teaching yoga, and encouraging movement. 

    Tiff: Fkn badass woman trying to overcome obstacles.... I also manage an Airbnb and help manage events.


    Describe the last TND event in 3 words:

    Kirsty: Spectacular, marvelous, outrageous

    Tiff: Sensual, admired, beauty


    Currently obsessed with:

    Kirsty: Vintage fur!

    Tiff: Creative crafting and learning about yoni eggs. I’m ordering a large quartz in the interest of harmonic healing and spiritual growth….and all the other wisdom that will go on up in there. 


    What would be your life advice, your message to the world?

    YOLO

    Kirsty: Follow your dreams, life is too short. Make the most of every day and push yourself to be as happy as possible. 

    Tiff: Be kind and live life everyday as if it were your last because you only get one. Carpe diem. 


    How do you stay positive and motivated?

    Kirsty: I need to move, so dancing, surfing, roller skating, socialising, aerial hoop/ silks all these activities make me very happy. 

    Tiff: Meditation and sensual lovers. 


    What boosts your confidence? 

    Kirsty: By getting stronger and learning new tricks. Body and mind are one, so with physical strength comes mental strength. 

    Tiff: Wine 


    What pushed you out of your comfort zone?

    Kirsty: Sailing around the world, snowboarding and surfing. And every club I rocked across Europe - those nights certainly played a part in who I am today. 

    Tiff: Amazing people that make me feel beautiful. 


    Do your outfit choices get bolder with each TND event?

    Absofuckinglutely.


    Auckland's best-kept secret?

    The Undie Parties! 


    What's your idea of the perfect outfit?  

    Kirsty: Sexy and comfortable  

    Tiff: Something that makes me feel, strong, confident and sexy


    Is there anything you'd like to add?

    Kirsty: These parties keep me alive. The guests are beautiful in their expressions and I look forward to all their inspiration.

     

    Kirsty & Tiffany’s turn... 

    What plan do you have for the future?

    That’s a big question. I’m working on additional events and products that respond to the two missions of TND: expand individuals’ comfort zones, and improve the respect we bestow upon others and onto ourselves. There are a few things on the cards, including a Naked Dinner, and the first piece of TND artwork. Stay tuned.


  • Jaimee Beck

    Who are you day to day?

    I'm your quirky internet aunt, sharing inspo for a story-worthy life at @such_a_kitsch and suchakitsch.com. I also co-host With Relish Podcast (@with_relish_podcast on IG) where we dish food history with a side of dirty jokes, and work a day job in marketing for the travel industry!


    Describe the last TND event in 3 words:

    Juicy, exuberant and playful.


    What's your idea of the perfect outfit?

    Something vintage inspired with a modern or kinky twist. 


    What are you currently obsessed with?

    Making jellies in vintage jelly molds!


    What is Auckland's best kept secret? 

    That you can become a member at  Auckland Museum and get access to special curator talks, tours and exhibition previews.


    What pushed you out of your comfort zone? 

    Scuba diving, I always feel like I'll drown (It's been worth it to dive shipwrecks and with manta rays though!)


    How do you stay positive and motivated?

    I set myself a #365goodvibes challenge to share one thing I'm grateful for everyday on social media, it keeps me focused on the good stuff! Physical movement is super important for my mental health, so I learn pole dance at Altitude Pole, it keeps me feeling strong, challenging myself and surrounded by powerful women! 


    What boosts your confidence?

    A killer pair of heels and a sharp eyeliner wing.


    What was your childhood dream and does it have anything to do with what you're doing now?


    I wanted to be a florist, but it turns out I have chronic hayfever. Thanks Universe haha.


    Do your outfit choices get bolder with each TN.W event?

    They do! And I have big plans for the masquerade...


    Jaimee's turn...

    What inspires the Undie Party themes?

    The Sheer Ball concept was the Undie Party answer to a traditional ball. The full dream, which I plan to run one day, involves soup spoons big enough to sit in, ladders up to the spoons, and waiting staff on stilts. The event space would operate at three levels, visually. It's hard to explain so I just created the drawing below. 


    In general, I love ideas that offer people the chance to step out of their comfort zone, which in some ways is easy because I'm on the same journey. My motto is that if I'm not challenging myself to try something new, it's unfair to ask guests to do the same. 

  • Ainsley Duyvestyn- Smith

    Who are you day to day?

    Photographer, writer, adventure hunter helping people feel good about themselves at @ainsleyabouttheworld @ainsleydsphotography 


    Describe the last TND event in 3 words:

    Fun, fabulous, free!


    What's your idea of the perfect outfit?

    Something I would never get to wear in the "real world"; that makes me feel sexy and empowered, and has a bit of sparkle! 


    Currently obsessed with:

    My new gold knee-high boots.


    Auckland's best-kept secret?

    Thursday night gallery openings at Monster Valley. Great artists, and music! MV and The Mercury Plaza are the best spots in Auckland for work by upcoming artists.


    What pushed you out of your comfort zone?

    Solo travel around the world. There's nothing like the feeling of turning up somewhere unfamiliar like Morocco, knowing nobody and getting to explore somewhere completely new. 


    How do you stay positive and motivated?

    Surrounding myself with good, creative souls with big hearts.


    What boosts your confidence?

    Dancing in my underwear, supportive friends, bright red lipstick. 


    What was your childhood dream?

    I always wanted to be an Egyptologist, studying mummies and exploring ancient ruins. As a travel photographer, I get to explore a lot, and have been to Egypt! Who knows, Egyptology might be something I study later in life. 


    Do your outfit choices get bolder with each TND event?

    Definitely! Once you have been to an event, you know how safe and supportive the environment is, allowing guests to really push their normal boundaries.


    I'd just like to add....

    The first undie party literally changed my life. I had no idea such an amazingly supportive and open-minded community existed in New Zealand, and it pushed me and my work in an entirely new direction, with some amazing new friends to boot.


    Ainsley's turn...

    What is your best memory from the undie parties so far?

    Walking into Anthology and looking back at the number of people that had just walked (mostly in underwear) from Ponsonby to K Road to change venues half way through the party. Energy hit me like a wave and I danced like a crazy person in a red lace bodysuit and heels for the rest of the night. 

  • Anna Le Core

    Who are you day to day? 

    I feel I’m still discovering myself. I know I’m a traveller that got stuck in NZ and now couldn’t be happier. I’m a lover of art, cinema, dancing and craft beer. And passionate about promoting the sexy side of condoms. 


    I feel like I’m discovering myself every day. So far I’ve been travelling the world (or at least trying to) and got stuck in NZ and couldn’t be happier. I haven’t started a proper career just yet. I’m trying to find my own way through travel, but I can tell you that I am the biggest lover of art, cinema and craft beer and that I couldn’t survive without dancing. I’m also ambitious and passionate about promoting the sexy side of condoms.


    What’s the concept behind the sexy side of condoms? 

    Respect is sexy. And if someone respects me, they’ll offer to wear a condom. Too often men and women feel an expectation to sleep with someone outside of an exclusive relationship without one. You’ll hear more on this subject soon. 

    How do you stay positive and motivated? 


    I’m not gonna lie, it’s not fucking easy some days. My best days start with a big run, and end it with a big dance to let everything go. But most importantly, I try to spread as much love as possible wherever I go. 


    What boosts your confidence? 

    The best thing for me is being surrounded by people who see me for who I truly am and really appreciate me. I love living on the wild edge of life in a foreign country, and achieving short and long term goals that better myself and the people around me.


    What was your childhood dream? 

    I wanted to hang out with all the adults at parties and be one myself.  I definitely know I made it through the party world but I’m still working on the adult part haha. 


    Describe the last TN.W event in 3 words:   

    Liberating 

    Sublime 

    Pleasmorised (I made this one up but I think it’s the perfect word for it)


    Describe the outfit that will expand your comfort zone?

    Something provocative and freeing, yet sophisticated. Although I would just love to rock a onesie with a big ass pocket!


    What are you currently obsessed with? 

    A really cute guy that I actually met at the last undie party 💕


    What is Auckland's best kept secret? 

    GG x Flamingo on K Road, and their amazing pineapple beer. 


    Do your outfit choices get bolder with each TND event?  

    Well that was my first one, but  I definitely feel really juiced to get creative and spicy with more condoms than ever for the masquerade.


    What pushed you out of your comfort zone? 

    Becoming a cowgirl and mustering thousands of cattle in the Northern Territory! You should have seen me on a quad chasing all those bulls…. 


    Anna’s turn:

    What does self confidence feel like to you and how is it expressed through the TND events? 

    Self confidence for me is trying something new - then loving the thrill when it works and laughing when it doesn’t. When I was 25 I left my first full time job to spend a year creating a furniture collection while working in bars at night. I was really happy with the collection, but had no idea how to market it. So I went back into full time work with some knowledge of what I didn’t understand, and the realisation that failing is a part of growing. Now I consider failure as not expanding my comfort zone as often as reasonably possible. So I guess my self confidence comes from learning. 


  • Adam Mapu

    Discussion coming soon 🖤

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