Authentic Dating Wellington

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. Due to popular demand, it's returning to Welly for a special one-off evening this February!

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

-  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.

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.

Please bring a pen! You'll find out why at the event itself ;)

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, there are three ticket types available. 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 space holder

I'm Laurie (he/him), a queer British-Kiwi who’s current home-base is Amsterdam. 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 across Oceania and Europe. My training includes The Embody Lab, Authentic Life Course, and Connection Institute. I have facilitated at internationally acclaimed festivals such as Stretch, and organisations such as ART International.

My workshops have sparked thousands of nourishing connections, turning many strangers into life-long friends. 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, as well as Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Edinburgh, Auckland, 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" - Matthew

"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" - Luca

"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" - Jason

"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" - Tess

Practicalities:

When: Tuesday 27th February @ 7.30pm. Doors open at 7.15pm. Please be on time!

Where: Wellington Meditation Centre, 31 Hobson Crescent, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.

Cost: $30 for low income ticket; $40 for medium income ticket, $50 for high income ticket. Limited tickets available through Humanitix. Book early to secure your place!

Intoxicants: This is a drug & alcohol free event. There will however be plenty of tea available!

Refund Policy: Refunds are available up to one week before the event. If unable to attend last minute, you may transfer your ticket to someone else.