Whiskers galore in 2021

Auckland is to host the World Beard and Moustache Championships in 2021 with about 500 beardiful contenders expected to compete.

It will be the first time the event is held in New Zealand. Its traditional home is North America or Europe.

Ygnacio Cervio, president of Fellowship of the Beard NZ, has worked with the Auckland Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand to secure the biennial event for Auckland.

“We’ve wanted to host the world champs here for some time, and we know some competitors will be travelling a fair distance to compete, so want to make their stay unique.

“Our wish is for all of them to have a great time, meet old friends, make new ones and take home the best memories from our vibrant city,” Cervio said.

Competitors will be judged in 16 different categories, which include “imperial beard”, “Dali moustache” and “crowd favourite”.

The two-day event includes a “whiskerina” category for women.

Visitors choose the winner of the “crowd favourite” category.

Convention Bureau spokeswoman Anna Hayward said: “New Zealand has quite a lively beard and moustache culture and there are plenty of places around Auckland where hair enthusiasts taking part in the competition will feel at home when they visit.

“With a worldwide reputation for superior hospitality, the Auckland experience is one that will endure in the memories of these competitors for many years to come.

“We look forward to welcoming the bearded community to our beautiful city in 2021,” Hayward said. On October 27 the the national beard competition is being held at the Kings Arms Tavern in Auckland’s Eden Tce.