Fri 3 Oct 2008 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
Aku Hammond: Mr. Gay Auckland 2008 Auckland already has its Sky Tower – but at 6'8" tall, the new Mr. Gay Auckland is now the Queen City's official 'Gay Tower'. 20-year-old Aku Hammond impressed the judges at Family bar last weekend with his funky styling in the casual wear section, dapper suit and tie in the formal wear round, and a thought-provoking appearance in the underwear round. But the audience reacted well to Aku's choice of cossie for the swimwear round – he appeared on stage wearing only a beach ball held at waist height! We caught up with Aku backstage after his big win, to find out a little more about him… GayNZ.com: Well done! How does it feel to have won? Aku Hammond: I can't get over it, it's so exciting. It hasn't sunk in yet. Family is one of the first gay bars I've been to since I came out, and I'm so grateful to them for such a great experience. What's your background and where did you grow up? My mother is Scottish and my father is Maori. I grew up in Palmerston North, but moved to Auckland a few months ago. Now I live in a flat in Devonport. It's beautiful – we're across the road from the beach. I love the ferry ride into the city. What do you do for a job? I'm a manager in a clothing store called Cotton On. I was at Teacher's College studying Performing Arts and hope to find opportunities in that area. I'm also the official dancer for The Eurochix drag group! Aku Matt Akersten - 3rd October 2008