By PATRICK GOWER
Naked mermaids, fire eaters and topless strippers are more likely to be hanging around the office than mistletoe this year as companies push their work parties to the limit.
It seems that nothing is too risqué nowadays, with event management companies planning the most extravagant bashes they can think of for many corporates.
But the Human Rights Commission - which gets several complaints after each round of staff Christmas parties - is warning of the dangers of going overboard.
Vodafone kicked off the season to be jolly with a steamy evening that included Thai strippers, a monkey and an elephant.
The telecommunications giant refuses to comment on either the sleazy antics that caused a commission complaint or the circus animals that sparked calls to animal welfare agencies.
All the fuss has bemused event management companies, which say that many corporates want them to take their parties as far as they can.
The Total Event's Malcolm Jordan said people needed to "get a grip," as strippers and topless mermaids had been around for years.
"One company we did took eight strippers and a boat out on to the harbour, and everyone had such a great time they decided to keep the boat out for another couple of hours," he said.
"At one of our Christmas parties last year, a near-naked guest arrived dressed as Cleopatra, carried in by four guys in loin cloths who were being whipped and flogged."
Mr Jordan said most of the Christmas parties he had organised for this year cost upwards of $75,000, with one of his clients spending over $225,000.
Eventmakers' Loren Taylor said the her team also tried to be as outlandish as possible - but would go only so far.
"We once got asked to do a Japanese cruise ship and put topless blond girls in it - we just said, 'See you later, you can go to Fort St'."
Ms Taylor said that no matter what Eventmakers planned, someone from the corporate had to sign it off - and take responsibility.
"If I've got a snake charmer sitting on the buffet table or there's a Black American shoeshiner, someone has to okay that."
Lana Hart, the women's advocate for the commission, said it was unfair to expect everyone to enjoy an extremely risqué party.
"Employers are liable for sexual harassment that occurs in their workplace - and that includes the Christmas party."
She said a cap often needed to be placed on staff parties.
"Harassment often comes to a head in the festive season, when there's alcohol, music and a sexual undercurrent at the party."
But you cannot always expect a sleazefest if you work at a corporate.
Telecom spokeswoman Lisa-Marie Richan said its Christmas party would be in stark contrast to Vodafone's - 6000 staff would have a series of "wholesome family picnics" around the country.
And it is bad news for NZ Post employees - they are not having a party at all.
But when the pohutukawa bloom, it seems most bosses will still loosen their belts and the staff will let their hair down.
One event manager, who refused to be named, said office Christmas parties were just that - parties.
Risque romp all the rage
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