“Today marks six months since my first date with Julia, who I met at your workshop in Melbourne back in March. In that time, my life has changed dramatically in ways I could not have predicted. Julia, with whom I am deeply in love, has been my saviour. I’m extremely grateful you brought us together. Thank you.” - John, Melbourne

Tired of the swiping?

Here’s your chance take a break from the apps and connect more openly and authentically with those both like-minded and different. This Valentine's weekend, it's coming to a secret location near Hagley Park North, Christchurch, for a special one-off edition

You’ll have several encounters throughout the night. Each will be carefully guided, inviting you to be yourself, to communicate openly, and and explore multiples layers and flavours of connection. Come spark a flame or two!

Authentic Dating welcomes men, women and non-binary people, monogamous and non-monogamous, aged 18+. We will aim to pair you with a gender different from your own.

Is this event for me?

'If you are seeking....

- Deep & meaningful conversations without small talky chit-chat

- Exciting new connections, both romantic & platonic

- An opportunity to explore & challenge your assumptions

- A substance-free environment

- Playful & sincere communication

- Communication skills you can apply to your any dating situation in your life

- A space to simply be yourself

....then this event is for you!

What will actually happen?

You will be invited to explore four unique interactions, some of which are randomised and some of which you can choose. Each will involve a new set of instructions to help you communicate about topics that really matter to you.

Each interaction will last 10-15 minutes. At the end of each interaction, you will have the opportunity to share a contact detail on a piece of paper that you will only leave once you leave the event ~ please bring your own pen!

Consent is important: you always have the agency to choose how deep you go. You will never be forced to share information that you don't want to.

Why are tickets sold by gender?

To ensure that the gender balance is as even as possible, it is important to keep track of how many men/women/non-binary people are signing up. If a particular gender is over-represented in the run-up to the event, we do our best to ensure that under-represented gender(s) also sign up.

While we aim to achieve an even balance of genders (and ages), this is not always possible. However, what is guaranteed are skills that you can apply to any relationship. Simply come with an open mind and ready to connect.

Why are tickets sold by income?

In order to make the event as accessible as possible, it is up to you to decide which ticket you purchase, depending on your own feelings about your level of disposable income and how much you would like to contribute for the event. If you would really like to attend but do not have the funds for the lowest ticket option, please get in touch and we can figure something out!

The facilitator

I'm Laurie (he/him), a queer British-Kiwi who’s current home-base is Wellington. My passion is creating spaces that cultivate healthy, thriving human-to-human relationships, helping people take off their masks, feel their sensations and celebrate their aliveness on Earth.

Since 2019, I have organised and facilitated hundreds of Authentic Relating, Dating and Embodiment workshops in Oceania and Europe. My training includes The Embody Lab, Authentic Revolution, Connection Institute and ISTA. I have facilitated at internationally acclaimed festivals such as Stretch and Ignite, and organisations such as ART International and Authentic Bay Area.

My workshops have sparked thousands of nourishing connections, turning many strangers into life-long friends. I am also a Holistic Coach, supporting you to step into the life you truly want, in alignment with your core values and embodied wisdom. I look forward to holding space for you!

For more information, check out itoiauthenticrelating.com.

i to i Authentic Dating has been a big hit in Wellington, Auckland, Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Edinburgh, Sydney and Melbourne. Here’s what others have said:

"This has been the most positive experience I've had in meeting genuine souls with the intention of finding love/romance for over 6 years"

"Laurie led us through a series of games and exercises that allowed us to open up and create very real bonds with others and with our own selves. Many emotions were felt in the safest, most welcoming environment"

“Thank you so much for creating a space in which such well-aligned people could come together. I can't think of the last time I met so many wonderful, open-minded people in one go like that. It was a real pleasure”

"I love Laurie’s energy, wisdom, execution and light touch. I felt super safe to open up and connect while he was holding the space"

"Authentic Dating re-opened an old window for me in a new way. Heaps of fun too! And I did meet a very special person. Highly recommend for anyone curious and keen to connect with depth & joy"

Practicalities:

Cost:

$35 for those on low income

$45 for those on medium income

$55 for those on high income

Limited tickets available through Humanitix. Book early to secure your place!

Location: A secret location near Hagley Park North, Christchurch. Details will be sent out a couple of days before the event.

Time: 7.30pm sharp. No latecomers!

Dress code: Whatever you're comfortable in. The event will either be on the roof or indoors depending on weather.

Intoxicants: This is an alcohol and drug free event. There will however be plenty of tea available.

Refunds: No refunds available but if you can't make it you may transfer your ticket to someone else or use it as credit for a future i to i event.