The spectacular Queen of the Whole Universe pageant will return to Auckland in 2007, but plans for the show to be staged in Wellington have been shelved – at least for this year. Pageant creator/director Jonathan Smith had been asked by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation to explore the possibilities of holding this fundraising event in Wellington next year. “After weeks and weeks of investigation and a feasibility study I made a decision not to go ahead with QWU Wellington until a later date,” he now explains. “The main problem was finding a venue big enough that I could hire at a heavily reduced rate in order to make the event financially worth while. As we all know I work very closely with THE EDGE as part of their community programmes. Wellington has a similar programme but the venues available don't fit with the concept of the show. Smith says he's still exploring possibilities in the capital for future shows: “Some longer term planning is required. “I think that next year is a possibility as it will be the 5th anniversary of QWU Auckland so I might be able to tie this into opening in Wellington.” Queen of the Whole Universe will return to Auckland's ASB Theatre stage on Friday 30 November 2007 – the eve of World AIDS Day. “The event is set to explode with its renowned colour, humour and camp style,” says Smith. “To date the show has raised well over $62,000 for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation whilst entertaining the audiences in what has become a must see event on the Auckland event calendar. “It is expected that the show will raise even more funds this year through the continuing professional project management, tight budget controls and support from dedicated volunteers and sponsors.” For more information about ‘Queen of the Whole Universe', contact Jonathan Smith by email at: eventimento@xtra.co.nz or check our QWU section on GayNZ.com at the link below. Ref: Eventimento, GayNZ.com (m)