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Former Fire Fighter Becomes Mr Gay New Zealand

Former Royal New Zealand Air Force Fire Fighter Becomes Mr Gay New Zealand

A former Fireman for the Royal New Zealand Air Force has been announced as this country's next Mr Gay World nominee.

Matt Fistonich, 24, from Waitakere will head to South Africa in April to represent our country at a competition that New Zealand has won twice in the last five years.

Fistonich was announced as the winner of the Mr Gay New Zealand competition today and will now embark on a short six week fundraising campaign to make sure he makes the first day of competition in Cape Town on April 27.

Speaking about his win, Fistonich said he has a passion for supporting the gay community of New Zealand.

"It will be an honour and a privilege to represent my community on such an international level," Fistonich said.

"I am currently working for a brand new online magazine eikon (eikonline.com) which has a strong focus on the gay community, with one of the goals being to change the often negative stereotypes that are often associated with being gay.

"This is an extremely rewarding position as it allows me to utilise my creative side in-conjunction with promoting and helping the gay community."

"Being able to represent my country in such a prestigious way is very exciting."

After graduating from Massey High School, Fistonich joined the RNZAF at the age of 17 and was enlisted as a Fire Fighter and in his six years in the RNZAF was promoted through the ranks to a Station Officer (2ic on Shift).

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"For the majority of my time in the RNZAF I was openly gay, and I've helped many people after me “come out”.

"As part of being in the RNZAF I competed in many Fire Fighting competitions including the ‘Fire Fighter Sky Tower Stair Climb’ raising money for the Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Foundation."

The first Mr Gay World competition was held in 2009 and it seeks to establish ambassadors for LGBT and human rights.

It is not a beauty contest, there is no age limit and the primary purpose of Mr Gay World is to identify leaders who will take the responsibility of being a spokesperson not only in his own community but on a global stage speaking out for equal and human rights.

Matt Fistonich is excited about the challenge of taking on other men from around the world on the stage in Cape Town but is also realistic given two of the last three winners of Mr Gay World have been New Zealanders.

"Im hoping personal qualities can make their mark on the competition and who knows, maybe New Zealand is just meant to win this competition."

"However, if I dont win then I know I have my family and friends supporting me and hopefully and can make a positive impact on the gay community in New Zealand in some small way."

Mr Gay World competition begins on Sunday 26 April and the winner will be announced at the Cape Town City Hall on 3 May.
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