Authentic Dating Wellington
Schedule
Fri Feb 13 2026 at 09:30 am to 12:00 pm
UTC+13:00Location
31 Hobson Cres, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand | Wellington, WG
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“Thank you so much for creating a space in which such well-aligned people could come together. I can't think of the last time I met so many wonderful, open-minded people in one go like that. It was a real pleasure” - JohnTired of endless scrolling?
Over the superficiality of app culture?
Ready to connect with real people and talk about what truly matters?
Here’s your chance take a break from the apps and connect more openly and authentically with those both like-minded and different. After a long break, it's returning to Wellington this February for Valentine's weekend!
You’ll have several encounters throughout the night. Each will be carefully guided, inviting you to be yourself, to communicate openly, and and explore multiples layers and flavours of connection. Come spark a new summer flame! 🔥
Authentic Dating welcomes all men, women & non-binary people aged 18+, both monogamous & non-monogamous. We will aim to pair you with a gender different from your own.
Is this event for me?
If you are seeking....
✨ Deep & meaningful conversations without small talky chit-chat
✨ Exciting new connections, both romantic & platonic
✨ An opportunity to explore & challenge your assumptions
✨ A substance-free environment
✨ Playful & sincere communication activities
✨ Skills you can apply to your dating life beyond the event
✨ A space to simply be yourself
....then this event is for you!
What will actually happen? 🥰
You will be invited to explore four unique interactions, some of which are randomised and some of which you can choose. Each will involve a new set of instructions to help you communicate about topics that really matter to you.
Each interaction will last 10-15 minutes. At the end of each interaction, you will have the opportunity to share a contact detail on a piece of paper in a way that is both cute and discrete ~ please bring your own pen!
Consent is important: you always have the agency to choose how deep you go. You will never be forced to share information that you don't want to.
Why are tickets sold by gender? 👫
To ensure that the gender balance is as even as possible, it is important to keep track of how many men/women/non-binary people are signing up. If a particular gender is over-represented in the run-up to the event, we do our best to ensure that under-represented gender(s) also sign up.
While we aim to achieve an even balance of genders (and ages), this is not always possible. However, what is guaranteed are skills that you can apply to any connection. Simply come with an open mind and ready to connect.
The facilitator 💁♂️
Laurie King
I'm Laurie (he/him), a queer British-Kiwi who’s current home-base is Berlin. My passion is creating spaces that cultivate healthy, thriving human-to-human relationships, helping people take off their masks, feel their sensations and celebrate their aliveness on Earth. Since 2019, I have organised and facilitated hundreds of Authentic Relating, Dating and Embodiment workshops in Oceania and Europe.
My training includes The Embody Lab, Authentic Revolution, Body Electric, Connection Institute and World Peace Yoga School. I have facilitated at internationally acclaimed festivals such as Stretch and Ignite, and organisations such as ART International and Authentic Bay Area.
My workshops have sparked thousands of nourishing connections, turning many strangers into life-long friends. I look forward to holding space for you!
I also offer online Holistic Coaching sessions, inspired by Authentic Relating, Positive Intelligence and Somatic Experiencing techniques.
For more information, check out itoiauthenticrelating.com.
For my Instagram, check out @itoiauthentic.
i to i Authentic Dating has already been a big hit in Wellington, as well as Auckland, Christchurch, Berlin, Amsterdam, Melbourne, Sydney, Vienna, Copenhagen, London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Montreal.
Here’s what others have said:
"This has been the most positive experience I've had in meeting genuine souls with the intention of finding love/romance for over 6 years" - Luca
"Laurie led us through a series of games and exercises that allowed us to open up and create very real bonds with others and with our own selves. Many emotions were felt in the safest, most welcoming environment" - Jason
“What a wonderful workshop you ran last night. I walked away with a sense of renewed self worth and also questioned why I don’t articulate comfortably what I want. It’s the perfect antidote to app culture.” - Imogen
“Laurie created a beautiful, safe space in no time, making it an ideal environment to be present and engage meaningfully with the activities. Even though all participants were strangers to me, I felt a deep sense of belonging developing over the evening.” - Tim
“Thank you so much for creating a space in which such well-aligned people could come together. I can't think of the last time I met so many wonderful, open-minded people in one go like that. It was a real pleasure” - John
"I love Laurie’s energy, wisdom, execution and light touch. I felt super safe to open up and connect while he was holding the space" - Tess
"Authentic Dating re-opened an old window for me in a new way. Heaps of fun too! And I did meet a very special person. Highly recommend for anyone curious and keen to connect with depth & joy" - Samantha
Practicalities:
Cost:
$35 for Low income
$45 for Regular income
$55 for High income
*
Location: Wellington Meditation Centre, 31 Hobson Crescent, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
When: Friday 13th February, 7.30 - 10pm. Please be on time as you may not be let in if not.
Dress code: Whatever you're comfortable in. The venue is shoes off and (mainly) seating on the floor.
Intoxicants: This is an alcohol and drug free event. There will however be plenty of tea available.
Refund policy: No refunds available. If you cannot make it you may transfer your ticket to a friend or use it as credit for a future i to i event.
* Why are tickets sold by income? 💰
In order to make the event as accessible as possible, there are three ticket types available, depending on the level of income you feel you have. It is up to you to decide how much you would like to contribute to the event.
If you would really like to attend but do not have the funds for the lowest ticket option, please get in touch and we can figure something out!
Limited spaces available through Humanitix. Book early to secure your place!
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Where is it happening?
31 Hobson Cres, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand, 31 Hobson Cres, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand, WellingtonEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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