with Slugmilk aka Luke

A dedicated daily hour to celebrate queer joy, connection, and community.

Whether you're here to flirt, share stories, make new friends, cuddle up, or simply spend time in a space that feels like home, Queer Hour is for you. Expect laughter, warmth, curiosity, and a room full of people showing up as their authentic selves.

Day One is all about arriving. A chance to meet fellow attendees, settle into the festival, and find your people before the weekend unfolds. Think gentle introductions, easy conversations, and a welcoming space for both familiar faces and first-timers alike.

Step into Foreplay for a flirt-forward twist on classic speed dating—where cheeky banter meets conscious connection. Whether you're seeking spark, mischief, or meaningful conversation, this is your invitation to meet other open-minded explorers in a setting designed for ease, laughter, and magnetic moments.

Expect guided prompts, respectful pace, and just enough spice to keep hearts racing. No pressure. No expectations. Just the thrill of what might unfold when curiosity meets consent.

Hip Opening Flow: Grounding Through Release is a deeply nourishing yoga practice designed to cultivate stability, mobility and freedom through the hips and lower body. Through a mindful progression of standing postures, gentle flows, and longer held stretches, participants are invited to release accumulated tension while creating greater ease in both movement and stillness.

The hips often carry the effects of prolonged sitting, repetitive movement and physical holding. This practice combines conscious breath with intelligent sequencing to improve mobility, support healthy joint function and encourage a greater sense of grounding and balance throughout the body.

Rooted in awareness and accessible to all experience levels, this workshop offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with the body's foundation and leave feeling lighter, more spacious and deeply supported from the ground up. 

Suitable for all levels and experience.

with Andy Quinlan

In a world full of small talk, Authentic Connection invites you into something deeper.

Through a series of guided exercises, meaningful conversations, and playful interactions, you'll explore what it means to truly see and be seen. This workshop creates a space for genuine human connection—beyond roles, expectations, and first impressions.

Expect moments of reflection, laughter, vulnerability, and discovery as you connect with yourself and those around you in a safe, consent-aware environment. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to show up with curiosity and an open mind.

Whether you arrive with friends or know no one at all, you'll leave with a greater sense of belonging, deeper connections, and a reminder of how rewarding authentic human interaction can be.

with Brett Bronze

🎲 Where luck meets liberation.

Welcome to Strip Poker, where the stakes are high and the clothes come off. Hold your cards close and your laughter closer—because as each round unfolds, you'll be hoping to keep just one item of clothing on.

No real money changes hands—just tokens, dares, and delight. Whether you’re bluffing your way to modesty or bartering for cheeky rewards, every hand dealt is about connection, courage, and a whole lot of fun.

As darkness settles over the valley, the Fire Circle comes alive.

Gather around the flames, watch experienced fire spinners light up the night, or simply find a spot nearby and soak up the warmth and atmosphere.

Experienced fire spinners are welcome to join in. Before spinning, please check in with the on-duty Fire Officer, who will run you through the safety requirements and give you the go-ahead.

Whether you’re spinning or spectating, come gather around the fire and enjoy a little after-dark magic.

Open every evening · 8pm–1am

with Aalok Aswani

What if spirituality wasn't about escaping life, but becoming fully present within it?

Join Aalok Aswani for an accessible introduction to the timeless wisdom of Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra philosophy. In this talk, we'll explore the three classical paths of Yoga—Karma (action), Bhakti (devotion), and Jnana (knowledge)—and how each can be practised according to your unique nature and way of moving through the world.

Aalok will also introduce foundational Tantric principles, including the understanding that body, mind, energy, and consciousness are deeply interconnected. Rather than rejecting the body, Tantra invites us to see it as a powerful vehicle for awareness, growth, and awakening.

This is a philosophy discussion rather than a practical Tantra workshop. The session will consist of a presentation followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Whether you're completely new to these traditions or looking to deepen your understanding, this talk offers a grounded and practical exploration of ancient teachings that remain profoundly relevant today.

with Jaimee & Theo

Gather in the Foreplay tent for one of NITT's most beloved traditions.

Part social mixer, part storytelling circle, part wholesome chaos — Spill The Tea Party is your chance to meet new people, share stories, make unexpected connections, and laugh with strangers who may become festival friends by sunset.

Expect playful prompts, curious conversations, cheeky questions, and plenty of opportunities to step outside your usual social circle. Whether you're arriving solo, with friends, or somewhere in between, everyone is welcome at the table.

Bring your curiosity, and prepare to spill a little. Tea will be provided, but you're welcome to bring your own. Please bring your own cup or vessel (we'll have a few spare teacups if you forget). 💕

with Tiana and Mikaere

Join an exploration of power, trust, communication, and spirituality through the lens of conscious connection.

Power is present in every relationship—whether with ourselves, our lovers, our communities, or the world around us. In this interactive workshop, we'll gently unpack how power can be expressed with integrity, how trust is built and maintained, and how clear communication can deepen both intimacy and understanding.

Drawing on personal experience, practical tools, and spiritual perspectives, Tiana and Mikaere invite participants into a space of curiosity, reflection, and meaningful conversation. Together, we'll explore what it means to lead and surrender, speak and listen, hold and be held.

Whether you're navigating relationships, exploring personal growth, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself and others, this workshop offers an opportunity to engage with these themes in a grounded and supportive environment.

with Dan Jensen

Unlock the power of your voice in a welcoming, creative space. Join the Spoken Word Poetry Workshop to explore rhythm, imagery, and personal storytelling through guided prompts, collaborative feedback, and performance tips. No prior experience needed—just bring curiosity, an open mind, and your truth. Step up, share your words, and leave with a sharper voice and new connections.

with Jo Roberts

Stretch out and reconnect with your body through a feel-good Pilates session with Jo Jocelyn.

Designed for all levels, this workshop will guide you through a flowing mix of mobility, core work, strengthening and stretching — helping to loosen up tired dancing bodies, get everything moving again and leave you feeling a little longer, stronger and more grounded.

No Pilates experience needed. Come as you are, move at your own pace and give your body some love before heading back into the festival.

Bring: A yoga mat or sarong for the ground if you have one, water, and something comfortable to move in.

with Ivy

Words have power—especially when you don't know where they're headed.

Inspired by the classic game of Mad Libs, Erotic Reading is a playful, collaborative storytelling workshop where the audience helps create delightfully ridiculous, surprisingly sexy, and often hilarious tales. You'll be invited to contribute random words, phrases, body parts, occupations, emotions, and more, without knowing how they'll be used.

Once the blanks are filled, our hosts will bring the story to life through a dramatic reading, revealing a narrative that can swing from seductive to absurd in a matter of sentences.

No writing skills required and no pressure to perform—just bring your imagination, your sense of humour, and a willingness to be surprised. Expect laughter, blushes, unexpected plot twists, and the kind of shared silliness that turns strangers into friends.

Come curious. Leave with a story you'll probably be quoting for the rest of the festival. 📖✨

with Slugmilk aka Luke

A dedicated daily hour to celebrate queer joy, connection, and community.

Day Two invites you to step a little further into your self-expression. Come adorned, come curious, come exactly as you are. This session is about celebrating queer desire, creativity, confidence, and the freedom to be seen.

Expect playful prompts, light-hearted activities, meaningful connections, and plenty of opportunities to laugh, flirt, and connect with fellow attendees. Whether you're outgoing or quietly exploring, there is space for you here.

Step into Foreplay for a flirt-forward twist on classic speed dating—where cheeky banter meets conscious connection. Whether you're seeking spark, mischief, or meaningful conversation, this is your invitation to meet other open-minded explorers in a setting designed for ease, laughter, and magnetic moments.

Expect guided prompts, respectful pace, and just enough spice to keep hearts racing. No pressure. No expectations. Just the thrill of what might unfold when curiosity meets consent.

with Swami Amandeep & Valeska

A guided movement journey through the energy of the seven chakras, blending classical Tantrik principles with embodied, intuitive dance.

Participants are invited to awaken their energy, release emotional blockages, and move with freedom, expression, and joy.

This workshop weaves breath, music, and somatic awareness to create a safe and vibrant space where people can reconnect with their bodies, expand their vitality, and access deeper states of presence.

A playful, powerful, and transformative experience suitable for all bodies and all levels.

with Mo Nathan

The Dance of Power and Surrender 

What happens when we consciously step beyond our everyday identity and allow hidden, forbidden or untamed parts of ourselves to take form?

In this kink-informed edition of Shamanic Ritual Theatre, participants enter a ritual space of archetypal embodiment, consensual power and imaginative transformation. Drawing upon improvisational theatre, depth psychology, ritual and the Hero’s Journey, the workshop invites participants to encounter figures such as the Sovereign, Rebel, Devotee, Protector, Trickster, Dominant, Submissive and Threshold Guardian.

Rather than discussing these energies only as concepts, participants explore how they live in the body: the experience of taking authority, yielding consciously, meeting resistance, setting a boundary, being witnessed and reclaiming disowned aspects of desire or power.

All encounters are held within a clear consent container. Participants negotiate the form and intensity of each exercise, and choosing to observe, modify or decline an invitation is treated as a complete and valued form of participation. The work is exploratory rather than performative and does not require nudity, sexual contact, pain play or previous theatre or kink experience.

The journey culminates in a ritualised encounter with an inner threshold: something desired, something feared and the protective force standing between them. Participants return from the archetypal space carrying an embodied gesture, insight or quality into everyday life.

This is a space for curiosity, play and depth—for meeting power and surrender not as fixed identities, but as living energies that can be approached with consciousness, consent and imagination.

with Andy Quinlan, Kat and Nathanas

This is a facilitated, consent-centred exploration of touch, communication, and choice.

We’ll begin with a guided consent practice, creating a shared language around yeses, noes, maybes, pausing, stopping, and checking in — alongside support for recognising personal boundaries, staying within your window of tolerance, or gently meeting an edge without tipping into overwhelm.

From there, participants will be invited to self-select into one of two spaces:

– those open to exploring spicier forms of touch

– and those seeking safer, slower, or non-spicy touch

Both spaces are held with equal care, respect, and intention.

The core invitation is for receivers to clearly request the type of touch they desire, while givers are free to offer only what feels fully aligned for them. Touch may take the form of massage or other consensual expressions, guided by communication, curiosity, and full permission.

We will also have 4 body buffets on offer for your delight and sampling pleasure. Run by the lovely Kat and Nathanas. If anybody would like to be a buffet (Any gender welcome) please get in touch before the workshop.

This is a trauma-informed, choice-led space where nothing is expected, everything is optional, and consent remains the anchor throughout.

Please bring a towel or sarong.

Conscious Tantra – Presence & Energy

with Jenny Gallen

A playful and embodied exploration of tantric practices and conscious connection.

We’ll use breath, movement and sound to arrive more fully in the body and explore the energy in the pelvis. 

From there, we’ll discover how energy can rise and move through the body, opening pathways to pleasure, aliveness and bliss.

In partner practices, we’ll experiment with moving energy together, meeting each other’s rhythm and exploring the space between us.

(Neo-)Tantric practices invite us into deeper states of presence, intimacy and union – with ourselves, each other and the world around us.

Come with a partner or find someone to explore with.

with Katie from Ascension Aotearoa 

Heart Opening Flow: Backbends and Twists is a deeply embodied yoga practice designed to awaken, expand and soften the heart space through intelligent sequencing of backbends and spinal twists.

This class moves through layers of physical release; supporting the spine to lengthen, the chest to open, and the breath to flow more freely through the body. Twists help to cleanse and realign, while backbends invite courage, vulnerability, and a gentle return to openness.

Rooted in awareness and mindful pacing, this practice is both grounding and expansive; offering space within the festival experience to meet yourself honestly. It is an invitation to move beyond holding patterns, reconnect to the heart centre and cultivate a sense of inner spaciousness that carries beyond the mat.

Suitable for all levels and experience.

lead by Sean Brennan

As darkness settles over the valley, the Fire Circle comes alive.

Gather around the flames, watch experienced fire spinners light up the night, or simply find a spot nearby and soak up the warmth and atmosphere.

Experienced fire spinners are welcome to join in. Before spinning, please check in with the on-duty Fire Officer, who will run you through the safety requirements and give you the go-ahead.

Whether you’re spinning or spectating, come gather around the fire and enjoy a little after-dark magic.

Open every evening · 8pm–1am

lead by Jed Adams

For one unforgettable hour, The Playground transforms into a living stage as a collective of aerialists and pole artists take to the air. Expect a rotating cast of performers weaving together strength, grace, sensuality, athleticism and artistry through a series of breathtaking acts.

From soaring silks and suspended hoops to dynamic pole performances, each artist brings their own unique style and expression. Some pieces will mesmerise, some will provoke, and others will leave you wondering how the human body is capable of such things.

Find a spot beneath the rig, settle in, and allow yourself to be transported as bodies dance between earth and sky in a celebration of movement, creativity and human potential.

No participation required—simply arrive, watch, and enjoy the show.

The following artist are confirmed to take part so far: 

@thenakedaerialist

@hell_ishh

@flying.tiger.monkey

@victoria_von_s

@emmaburdenaerial

@devin.nz

lead by Sean Brennan

As darkness settles over The Playground, gather around the Fire Circle for a late-night spectacle of flame, movement and skill.

Our fire performers will take over the circle for a high-energy show of spinning, flowing and fire play, illuminating the night and bringing some serious heat to Saturday’s festivities.

Find a spot around the circle, get cosy and watch the flames come alive.

with Hen A.K.A Shovaav

Ease into the third day of the festival with a gentle yoga flow guided by Hen Kalish, accompanied by a live DJ set of his own creation.

Designed to awaken the body, calm the mind, and reconnect you with yourself after a weekend of adventure, this session blends mindful movement, breathwork, stretching, and grounding practices with the organic rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes that have become a signature of Hen's musical journey.

Whether you're greeting the morning bright-eyed or gently recovering from a big night on the dance floor, all levels are welcome. Come exactly as you are and give yourself an hour to move, breathe, and soak in the beauty of the valley one last time.

Bring a yoga mat, blanket, or something comfortable to move on.

This beginner-friendly Acroyoga workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of partner acrobatics in a safe, accessible, and supportive environment. The session will focus on communication, consent, trust-building, spotting, and simple partner movements and poses that allow people to experience the joy of Acroyoga regardless of prior experience.

The workshop is designed to encourage connection, playfulness, and community participation while prioritising safety and inclusion. Participants can attend with a partner or come alone, as exercises will rotate and provide opportunities to connect with others.

Sean teaches Acroyoga classes in Auckland and organises Acroyoga retreats and community events throughout New Zealand. He has experience facilitating groups with a wide range of skill levels and creating welcoming spaces where people can challenge themselves, learn new skills, and connect with others. 

with Jackie

A relaxing and playful workshop focused on sensual foot massage techniques. Designed for those who enjoy deep relaxation and connection, for foot worshippers and those who want to explore pleasure with a little pain (optional) through the feet. Using hands, tongues and additional impliments to explore what makes your practice partner smile in delight.

Sensual connection driven by communication and consent. 

with Monica Evans

Shake it out | All levels welcome | Bring water 

Get your shake on in this fun, high-energy twerkshop led by Raglan-based dancer Monica, coming at you fresh off a stint in Nairobi learning from some of the pros!

Whether you're a dance floor edge-dweller or stage-front queen, this workshop leads you through the basics of booty-shaking, from twerking to shimmying and beyond. Make friends, find new ways to move, loosen up and let go.

with Ivy

Words have power—especially when you don't know where they're headed.

Inspired by the classic game of Mad Libs, Erotic Reading is a playful, collaborative storytelling workshop where the audience helps create delightfully ridiculous, surprisingly sexy, and often hilarious tales. You'll be invited to contribute random words, phrases, body parts, occupations, emotions, and more, without knowing how they'll be used.

Once the blanks are filled, our hosts will bring the story to life through a dramatic reading, revealing a narrative that can swing from seductive to absurd in a matter of sentences.

No writing skills required and no pressure to perform—just bring your imagination, your sense of humour, and a willingness to be surprised. Expect laughter, blushes, unexpected plot twists, and the kind of shared silliness that turns strangers into friends.

Come curious. Leave with a story you'll probably be quoting for the rest of the festival. 📖✨

with Slugmilk aka Luke

A dedicated daily hour to celebrate queer joy, connection, and community.

As the festival draws to a close, Queer Hour becomes a space to deepen connections, share stories, and celebrate the community we've created together. Whether you're reconnecting with new friends, finally introducing yourself to someone you've been admiring all weekend, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this is your invitation to be present for it.

Expect warm conversations, playful energy, heartfelt moments, and the chance to honour the people, experiences, and connections that have shaped your festival journey.

Come with curiosity, leave with memories.

Step into Foreplay for a flirt-forward twist on classic speed dating—where cheeky banter meets conscious connection. Whether you're seeking spark, mischief, or meaningful conversation, this is your invitation to meet other open-minded explorers in a setting designed for ease, laughter, and magnetic moments.

Expect guided prompts, respectful pace, and just enough spice to keep hearts racing. No pressure. No expectations. Just the thrill of what might unfold when curiosity meets consent.

with Robin

Everyone has a story they'll never forget.

Join storyteller and event host Robin Wachsberger for an evening of laughter, vulnerability, surprise, and connection as festival-goers take to the stage to share their most memorable sexy, romantic, awkward, hilarious, or heart-opening true stories.

Inspired by the format of The Moth, this live storytelling event invites brave humans to share a true story from their own life in just 5–7 minutes. Some storytellers will be selected in advance, while a handful of open-mic spots will be available on the night for those feeling inspired.

Whether you're sharing or simply listening, expect an hour of authentic human experiences that remind us we're all a little messy, a little vulnerable, and often far more alike than we realise.

Hosted by Robin Wachsberger, former manager of The Moth StorySLAM series and organiser of popular storytelling events across Aotearoa.

7 Keys to Energy Orgasm

with Jenny Gallen

What if orgasm wasn’t something to achieve, but something to discover? What if we redefined our understanding of pleasure, bliss and energy? What if meditation could become orgasmic?

In this playful and experiential workshop, we’ll explore principles that invite energetic pleasure, expanded awareness and full-body ecstatic states.

Combining tantric practices, somatic exploration and conscious energy play, we’ll discover how slowing down, expressing ourselves and surrendering to the present moment can awaken new pathways to connection, bliss and pleasure.

Through solo and partnered practices, we’ll explore different ways of accessing and moving our energy body – within ourselves and with others.

Whether you experience an energy orgasm or simply open up to new possibilities, you’ll leave with practical tools and inspiration to continue exploring.

with Mo Nathan

Songs of Earth and Spirit: A Devotional Singing Circle 

Come as you are, with the voice you have.

This facilitated singing circle is an invitation to breathe, listen and discover the joy of becoming part of a shared voice. There is no need to be a confident or experienced singer. You are welcome to sing fully, hum gently, add rhythm, listen in silence—or simply allow yourself to be held by the circle.

Together we will explore medicine songs, prayers, chants and hymns arising from Indigenous cultures, Sufi traditions and plant-medicine work. Through repetition, harmony and collective breath, we will celebrate Mother Earth and honour the plants, animals, elements and spirit of life.

Songs will be shared with respect for their origins, meanings and cultural contexts wherever these are known. The intention is not performance or perfection, but participation, devotion and connection: the experience of many individual breaths and voices gradually becoming one living field of sound.

A warm, reverent and joyful space for remembering that every voice belongs.

with Valeska & Amandeep

A sensual, ecstatic Tantric journey from desire into devotion, from individual connection into universal love.

Explore the delicious space where breath, energy, presence and intimacy begin to merge. Through trance dance, subtle energy awareness, auric breathing, we move beyond the boundaries of the individual body and into the experience of one vast, pulsating Heart.

Come solo, with a partner, or as part of the group. This is an invitation to feel more deeply, connect more intimately, surrender more fully-and discover what happens when many hearts breathe as one.

❤️‍🔥 Come open. Come curious. Come ready to melt.

As the festival draws to a close, we invite you to gather one last time for The Naked Brunch.

From 11am on Monday, the valley slows down for a relaxed communal brunch soundtracked by three incredible DJs, providing the perfect soundtrack for one final morning together.

This is your chance to reconnect with the people you've met over the weekend, exchange contact details, share stories from your adventures, and soak up the last few hours of Kinnect before returning to the outside world.

Bring a blanket, sarong, or something comfortable to sit on. Pack your own brunch and drinks, or treat yourself to something delicious from our food trucks. And as with many things at Kinnect, what you wear—or don't wear—is entirely up to you. Come naked, come clothed, come somewhere in between. The choice is yours.

No workshops. No schedules. No rushing off to the next thing.

Just good food, good music, and one final opportunity to celebrate the community we've created together.

Music will continue at the Unity Stage from 11am to 5pm. 

1100 // SHOVAAV

1300 // COOKIE

1500 // AMANDEEP