Many manly men entered Urge bar's prized pageant during NZ Bear Week - but there could only be one winner. Lock up your dads as we meet NZ's top teddy Eric French... NZ's next top bear: Eric French GayNZ.com: How does it feel to become the new Mr. Urge NZ Bear? Eric French: It was a very pleasant surprise to have won though I was so shocked on the night! It does feel great now! What did you have to do on the night to win the contest? I had to go on stage a couple of times to answer a few questions, once in my regular bar outfit and once in my "fantasy" outfit (blue boiler suit, jockstrap and steel toe caps) and I also had to sell raffle tickets in aid of Body Positive, a great cause. Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born near Nantes in Brittany, France. I grew up in a Parisian suburb not far from the town of Versailles. Where do you live now, and what do you think of the place? I live in Kohimarama, a quiet neighbourhood of Auckland. It's very reminiscent of "Desperate Housewives"... What do you do for work or study? I work for a web site hosting company on the North Shore. I am also a re-trained plumber, though not practicing at the moment. When did you come out as gay, and what was it like for you at the time? Long story but I came out unwillingly at 17. My parents were not accepting at all at the time, though things have radically changed now thankfully. It definitely wasn't a good time, one I'd rather forget actually. Do you have a partner? Yes I do have a partner, he's a Kiwi and we have been together for 8 years. Eric (centre) on pageant night What kind of people do you most admire? I admire people who care for others, being patients, elderly people or children. What do you think are the biggest issues currently facing NZ's LGBT population? I think No 1. is Safe sex awareness, mostly amongst the younger crowd of the LGBT community and No. 2. discrimination based on sexual preferences. What's your worst habit? I can be lazy... Your biggest fear? Old age. Which books are you currently reading and recommending? I'm currently re-reading "When you are engulfed in flames" by David Sedaris, a gay US writer. It is a series of essays and it is really entertaining. Your favourite music at the moment? Need you ask? Lady Gaga! I know, a bit predictable... Your favourite movies? Any super hero movies. Broke Back Mountain - I must have watched it about 8 times. All about Eve and Now Voyager (Bette Davis) Far from Heaven with Julianne Moore The "Transporter" movies with Jason Statham Your favourite TV programmes? I don't watch much TV, nevertheless I really enjoyed catching up with Outrageous Fortune on DVD and currently watching Hung. Who in the world (including NZ) would you most like to have a coffee and a chat with and why? Carla Bruni, France's first lady, song writer Matt Akersten - 18th March 2010