Principal Partner for Mr Gay New Zealand 2015 Named

In a coup for Matt Fistonich’s attempts to win the Mr Gay World title in South Africa at the end of the month, leading New Zealand internet service provider (ISP) Wireless Nation has been named Principal Partner for 2015.

Founded in 2005 by Technical Director Tom Linn to provide faster and more reliable Satellite Broadband services to New Zealand’s rural communities, Wireless Nation is a New Zealand based ISP that now provides fast broadband to homes and businesses anywhere in New Zealand.

Speaking to Eikon about the partnership, Wireless Nation General Manager Andy Derleth said he was excited about supporting the Mr Gay New Zealand concept.

“The Mr Gay New Zealand competition is a great cause that needed support to be able to keep going,” Mr Derleth said.

“While LGBTI rights and acceptance are fairly well evolved in New Zealand compared to some other parts of the world, there is still a lot of work to be done at home and internationally.

“We like to support New Zealand to be present on the world stage as a role model in gay and human rights.

“As a previous Mr Gay NZ and Mr Gay World I know about the challenges and desperation some specifically young LGBTI people are facing before, during and after their coming-out.”

Derleth suggested that there is a need for positive role models that have the courage to put themselves out there.

“We started to support Mr Gay New Zealand in 2013 when the event was about to cease to exist due to lack of a sponsor,” he said.

“We believe that Matt is a fantastic person with charisma and the potential and drive to be a great leader.

“He has already reached out to communities and tried to build bridges successfully.”

The partnership will assist Matt to travel to South Africa for the Mr Gay World competition which begins in Cape Town on the 26th of April.

Fistonich said the support is vital to being able to attend the competition.

“I’m so honoured to be representing New Zealand and to have the support of Wireless Nation on my journey is tremendous,” Fistonich said.

“It is possible that without Wireless Nation I would not have been able to fund the trip so now this will allow me to prepare for the different facets of the competition before the judges make their decision on May 3.”

For more information on the Mr Gay New Zealand competition and to follow Matt when he is in South Africa visit the website www.mrgaynewzealand.com.

Since 2005, Wireless Nation has consistently provided fast broadband anywhere it’s needed, from apartments in Auckland’s CBD to the remote Chatham Islands. For more information, call 0800 101 143 or visit www.wirelessnation.co.nz.

Last Updated on Mar 14, 2016