Event organisers Paul and Rozanne de Wild enjoy seeing the creativity and passion behind different costumes. Photo / Supplied
Event organisers Paul and Rozanne de Wild enjoy seeing the creativity and passion behind different costumes. Photo / Supplied
Fairies, goblins and merpeople are only a few of the fantastic beings expected to appear in Rotorua next week.
From tomorrow, the Millenium Hotel will host four fantasy-themed events as part of the Costumiers Fantasy Masquerade Ball organised by CNZ Wild Adventures.
The magic will begin with the creatures ofAtlantis poolside party and include a costume exhibit and tea party. The climax to the weekend will be Saturday's Labyrinth-inspired masquerade ball.
The weekend is a labour of love by Tauranga couple Paul and Rozanne de Wild.
"We got into costuming about seven years ago now when one of our youngest children started going to Armageddon. We kind of got hooked on it," Rozanne de Wild said.
A trip to the United States to attend Dragon Con and the Los Angeles Labyrinth Masquerade prompted the de Wilds to take their passion to the next level.
Ally Drury, Lizzette Britton (centre) and Paul de Wild are among the volunteers transforming the Millenium Hotel into a fantastical labyrinth. Photo / Supplied
Paul was working full-time as a boatbuilder and Rozanne for Mills Reef Winery in administration and as events co-ordinator.
However, both felt the need to bring the masquerade experience to New Zealand.
"When you put on a costume you step out of your everyday and escape," Rozanne said.
The couple has been committing between 20 and 30 hours per week to the project.
"When we're not working on our full-time jobs, we're working on this," Rozanne said.
"It's taken over our every spare moment."
The couple has also called upon local artists, musicians and friends to help transform the Millennium Hotel for the event.
It looks like the de Wilds' hard work will be rewarded. Across the weekend, they are expecting more than 500 guests. The tea party event on Saturday has already sold out.
Rozanne encourages everyone to "give it a go".
"The costume and craft exhibit is open to everyone for free.
"The best part is seeing other people's creativity and the way they have worked with textiles to make amazing things."
When they were searching for a venue, Rozanne said Rotorua ticked a lot of boxes.
"We needed international hotels and a city that is central to the North Island with an airport.
"The Millennium has an amazing foyer area for the pre-function promenade and the indoor pool sealed the deal."
The de Wilds hope to make the masquerade ball an annual event. They've already re-booked the Millennium for next year.
"We want to keep growing it."
Rozanne said she envisioned a weekend where people wandered the streets of Rotorua in costume, a community event for the costume enthusiasts of New Zealand.
"It's great to meet like-minded people and [the ball] is always a great, fun night."
The details
What: Costumiers Fantasy Masquerade Ball When: July 16 to July 17 Where: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua Tickets and info:CNZ Wild Adventures
