In a landmark moment for New Zealand's counterculture, the vibrant and defiant art of vogue ballroom has burst into the mainstream, led by the country's Māori and Pasifika queer communities. What began in intimate lounges and clubs has now commanded the stage at the nation's most prestigious institution, Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum in Wellington.
From Harlem to Wellington: A Culture Finds New Roots
The scene was electric. In October, within a large gallery at Te Papa, a crowd of over 600 erupted in cheers as performers took to the stage. Dressed in spectacular costumes and moving with breathtaking precision, they executed intricate geometric arm movements, dramatic floor spirals, and the iconic poses of supermodels. This was no ordinary show; it was a vogue ball, a performance tradition with deep roots in the queer Black and Latinx subculture of 1960s Harlem.
Now, this culture of self-expression and chosen family has been powerfully adopted and adapted in Aotearoa. "There is something really visceral about seeing black, brown, queer, indigenous bodies so authentically and unapologetically be themselves," says Cypris Afakasi, known as Fatheir Fang of the Auckland-based Kiki House of Coven-Aucoin. In ballroom, a "house" acts as a collective and chosen family, competing together under the guidance of mother or father figures.
Political Resistance and Cultural Celebration
New Zealand's ballroom scene, which began over a decade ago in Auckland, was founded by trans Pasifika and Māori people seeking safe spaces for community. It has since flourished, with groups like Wellington's Kiki House of Marama growing from performances in living rooms to hosting the city's largest-ever ball at Te Papa in 2025.
Karamera, a Māori artist and house mother of Marama, describes ballroom as an essential outlet. "Every day for us is a survival … ballroom is an outlet for resistance," they say. This spirit of resistance remains central. At a 2024 ball at the Dowse Art Museum, a performer from the House of Marama made a powerful political statement by ripping up a depiction of the government's controversial treaty principles bill, echoing a similar act in parliament.
While honouring its New York origins, the local scene has developed a distinctly Māori and Pasifika flavour, reflected in its music, styling, and cultural references. "Because we are so connected to our identities in Aotearoa... it's really important for us to honour the integrity of it," explains Afakasi.
Institutions Embrace Queer Excellence
The move into venues like Te Papa marks a significant shift. Rachel Fox, Te Papa's public programming manager, notes that ballroom has become far more visible in New Zealand over the past five years, partly due to public institutions providing a platform. "By being part of what ballroom looks like, through collaborations like this, Te Papa is actively creating a more inclusive and affirming cultural landscape," she stated.
Karamera praised the museum's approach, saying, "They were such an example of allyship – I encourage other institutions to follow their example and allow the girls to feel like the celebrities they are." Ultimately, beyond the glamour and competition, the ballroom offers a transformative experience. It is a place where, as Karamera puts it, people "leave feeling more excited about life." For newcomers, the advice is simple: "get ready to be wowed by queer excellence."
