Guysers gazette issue13

Issue 13 • AUTUMN 2018

Guysers

Gazette

24 hours in Rotovegas Secret Spot Hot Tubs Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa Uniquely Rotorua

Rise and shine it’s breakfast time

Gaystay

Rotorua, New Zealand

as aland h New Ze ummer s e r la c e s NIWA d hottest ced the n has ie r a e u r p ex Roto d n a r ever! , d r summe t s on reco e t t o d its h recorde

s t n e t Con Guysers Gaystay What’s in a name?.............................................3 Rise and shine its breakfast time................4

Special Guests 24 hours in Rotovegas....................................8

Tourism Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua....................12 Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa...................14 Uniquely Rotorua...........................................18 New York Times names Rotorua as one of the top 52 places to go in 2018............24 My take on what makes Rotorua great...................................................26

Health PrEP now funded in New Zealand............28

GUYSERS GAYSTAY Hosted B&B for gay men 1406c Pukuatua Street Rotorua, New Zealand

Gaystay

Phone: NZ +64 (0) 21 0298 8093 enquiries@guysersgaystay.com

https://guysersgaystay.com facebook.com/GuysersGaystayRotorua Guysers Gaystay is a member of Gay Stay NZ New Zealand’s LGBT hosted accommodation www.gaystay.co.nz

2

Guysers Gazette

Welcome

n of the Guysers Gazette Welcome to the first editio agazine produced by for 2018 – the quarterly e-m torua, New Zealand.

Guysers Gaystay B&B in Ro Gaystay, one of the When staying at Guysers eakfasts. We show you highlights is our hearty br share our recipe for our what’s on offer and even Toast. delicious Guysers French d Tyler from the USA, tell Recent guests, Steven an ey y in Rotorua and what th us about their 1 night sta that short time. managed to experience in es torua’s bathing experienc Two new additions to Ro cret Spot Cedar Hot Tubs in are in the pipeline; the Se very impressive Wai Ariki the Waipa Valley and the . lex due to open late 2019 Hot Springs and Spa comp ractions that are totally We feature some of the att some cases, the world! unique to Rotorua, and in w York Times released its In January this year, the Ne a 2018 list, of which Rotoru annual 52 Places to Go in ly place in New Zealand made it to this list – the on to do so.

18, PrEP became funded From the 1st of March 20 provided you with in New Zealand. We have d websites you can use information about PrEP an e Pharmac criteria. to find out if you meet th g this issue.

We hope you enjoy readin

Peter & Mike New Zealand Guysers Gaystay, Rotorua, Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

What’s in a name?.

When we started our B&B over 5 years ago, we thought long and hard what call it. We decided on Guysers Gaystay as it’s a play on words. But how does one say ‘geyser’?

As Rotorua is known for its geothermal landscapes, mudpools and geysers, it seems fitting to call our B&B Guysers Gaystay – ‘Guy’ meaning obviously a man (or male), and the whole word ‘Guysers’ as a play on the word ‘geyser’ for which Rotorua is famous for.

Gaystay Rotorua

The American English pronunciation of the word ‘geyser’ is actually correct in this case.

We also spelt our name Guysers with a ‘u’ to assist people in pronouncing the word ‘geyser’ correctly. Very often we hear guests pronouncing the word ‘geyser’ as ‘geezer’, especially people from the UK and some other countries within Europe.

The word ‘geyser’ is an Icelandic word, which makes sense, for there was never any geysers in England, only a hot water system named a ‘Geyser’ for which the British pronounce ‘geezer’.

On the internet if you ask for the pronunciation of the word ‘geyser’ it will have a sound recording sounding like ‘geezer’ as British English and a sound recording sounding like ‘guy-ser’ as American English.

So when you come to Rotorua, remember your geezers from your geysers and use our name ‘Guysers’ to help you to remember how to pronounce the word correctly. q Here’s how to remember:

This is an old Geezer

guysersgaystay.com

This is a Geyser (pronounced ‘guy-ser’)

Guysers Gazette

3

Rise and shine

4

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

it’s breakfast time They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and so here at Guysers Gaystay we ensure that this is the case and that you are getting a healthy and hearty start to your day.

Our beds at Guysers Gaystay are so comfortable you could easily stay in bed til mid-morning, but the smell of freshly ground coffee and sizzling bacon soon draws guests to the breakfast room.

We like to hold breakfast at an arranged time that suits all guests as this not only makes breakfast service easier on our part, but makes it more sociable as this is a good time to chat and get to know everyone better.

Breakfast starts with a freshly made fruit salad where guests can add yoghurt and cereal if they wish.

We grow our own blueberries and strawberries and we use these in our fruit salads when in season.

You have the choice of ground coffee, tea, herb teas as well as fruit juices.

You can help yourself to toast and there is a good selection of spreads and jams on the table.

Continued over...

guysersgaystay.com

Guysers Gazette

5

Continued...

Just when you thought breakfast was over, we serve a hot cooked breakfast that changes daily, so if you are staying 3, 4 or 5 nights you’ll never have the same cooked breakfast.

One day might be scrambled eggs, bacon, fried tomato and beans, the next day might be a full English with sausage, fried eggs tomato and mushrooms or poached eggs and bacon.

One of our most popular breakfasts is our Guysers French Toast with fried bananas, kiwifruit and fresh berries (when in season), drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with icing sugar. Yum!

Guysers French Toast Serves two people INGREDIENTS: Thick slices of fancy bread 2 eggs 2/3rd cup milk 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon vanilla essence Pinch of salt

METHOD:

1 banana cut in half and sliced down the middle Blueberries Strawberries (or any berries) Slices of kiwifruit Maple (or maple flavoured) syrup Icing sugar

In a bowl beat together eggs, milk, spices, vanilla and salt.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet on medium-high temperature. Dunk each slice of bread in egg mixture, soaking both sides. Place on pan and cook on both sides until golden brown.

Fry banana slices in a little coconut oil until just browning, decorate toast with the fried banana, berries and kiwifruit, drizzle over maple syrup and dust lightly with icing sugar. q

6

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

h s e r F holesome w y t s a t

Gaystay guysersgaystay.com

Guysers Gazette

7

s t s e u g l a i c e Sp

8

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

Steven and Tyler’s 24 hours in Rotovegas Recent guests, Steven and Tyler, from the USA, tell us about their trip to New Zealand and and what they managed to see and do with just 24 hours in Rotorua.

Why did you choose New Zealand for your holiday?

Counter to how most people would plan a big vacation, we basically decided to go to New Zealand on a whim. From the time we first starting discussing taking a two week vacation somewhere to when we actually landed in New Zealand it was only about one month. Due to our busy schedules, February was one of the only times this year that would work for both of us to take time off and given that it is winter for the Northern Hemisphere we were definitely looking to head south.

So, we started asking around and heard a lot of good things about New Zealand. One of us even had a co-worker who used to live in New Zealand who basically had an itinerary already put together which was a big help since New Zealand offers seemingly limitless options for activities to do and things to see.

Was there something in particular that drew you to Rotorua?

We were drawn to Rotorua as it seemed like a great place to relax, be pampered, and forget about how hectic our lives are right now.

Very few places can top the number of natural spas and baths that Rotorua offers! Of course, we were also drawn to the natural beauty of the area. We were constantly amazed throughout our whole time in New Zealand by how beautiful all of the places we visited were, and yet they were still very different from each other.

their Tyler dig d n a n Steve outh of the S way out re making efo Island b p to Rotorua. yu a w their

Continued over... guysersgaystay.com

Guysers Gazette

9

Tell us a bit about your time spent staying at Guysers Gaystay?

Our time at Guysers Gaystay, while brief, was exceptional! As soon as we arrived and were greeted by Peter and Mike they went out of their way to make sure that not only did we feel at home at Guysers but also that we enjoyed our time in Rotorua. Without their help we very well may have missed seeing Hobbiton as we did not know you needed to make a reservation ahead of time. They were also very friendly and even invited us out to drinks and dinner with their friends, not to mention the delicious breakfast Peter and Mike made for us the morning we left! We greatly enjoyed our short time at Guysers Gaystay and it was a much needed break from the many nights of staying in hotel units.

What were some of the attractions you did while in Rotorua and what was the highlight?

This is where Steven and I differ. I am one of those travelers who wants to pack as much in as possible for fear of missing something.

Steven, on the other hand, prefers more A selfi ethe Po stick momen hutu G t eyser, at Te Pui a.

it

Hobb t the 42 u o g in Check iton. at Hobb houses

balance with time to sight see as well as time to relax. Fortunately for both of us, a lot of the activities in Rotorua are all about relaxing!

The day we arrived we went to Craters of the Moon (at Taupo), Government Gardens and Wai-O-Tapu and really enjoyed walking around the geothermal springs and seeing all of the vivid colors from the different minerals dissolved in the water. We then enjoyed dinner at a nice restaurant on Eat Streat (a recommendation by Peter). Afterwards, we had a nice relaxing evening at Polynesia Spa! Our second day in Rotorua, and sadly our last, we spent the morning at Te Puia and really enjoyed the MÄ ori cultural performance as well as watching the geyser! We ended the day at Hobbiton, which if you ask me, was the highlight of our time in Rotorua since I am a big Lord of the Rings fan, but Steven would probably disagree since he has not seen the movies.

10

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

Would you like to return to Rotorua some day?

We would love to come back to Rotorua one day if we ever get the chance to visit New Zealand again.

Because our stay was brief, we were unable to explore everything that Rotorua had to offer. Some of the things we would like to do when we come back are some lake activities, rolling downhill in a Zorb, and bathing in some of those famous hot pools again! We will, of course, plan to stay at Guysers Gaystay on any future trips to Rotorua! q

r tourist r popula y e h t o n A a n with d attractio Rotorua is the m trips fro . o Caves m Waito

guysersgaystay.com

Guysers Gazette

11

Tourism

!

8 1 0 2 R E M M U S NG

OPENI

A soak in th e cedar wo od hot tubs will be bliss after moun tain biking in the Wha karewarew a Forest.

12

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

Construction of Rotorua’s newest attraction, the “Secret Spot Hot Tubs” in the Waipa Valley Whakarewarewa Forest, is well underway and due to open summer 2018.

Secret Spot is a stone’s throw from Rotorua City, hidden away in the Waipa Valley, in the heart of New Zealand’s mountain biking mecca.

You’ll find a place with great atmosphere, where you’ll get a friendly welcome and everything is freshly created, from the new cedar reception and changing building, to the hot tubs, to the beer!

The 12 western red cedar hot tubs have a lovely woody smell and naturally infuse the waters with cedar oil. The 6-foot wide tubs are great to fit your mates into (easily 4 people or up to 6 close friends!), or have a nice big hot tub for just the two of you.

You book an hour of secluded hot tub time (45 minutes of soak time and 15 minutes for getting in and out).

The hot tubs are secluded and set outside amongst the tree ferns, with optional umbrellas over the tub to shade you from the sun or rain.

At night you’ll be able to soak in a magical setting of lanterns amongst the beautifully lit surrounding native bush.

Oh, and what goes well with a hot tub soak after a big day’s adventure? A nice cold craft beer or cider or refreshing beverage of your choice.

After showering and changing in our brandnew cedar facilities, and picking up your flax kete (basket) with a craft beverage of your choice, you’ll head down the boardwalk through the ferns to find your secluded hot

guysersgaystay.com

ogress ction pr Constru b, 2018 Fe as at 12

tub next to the Waipa stream. Relax, share the stories from your day’s adventures, and connect with nature.

Complimentary lockers will be onsite to secure your gear, and those with mountain bikes are welcome to bring in the bikes for safe keeping.

After your soak, lounge a little longer on the veranda and boardwalk area where you can enjoy a bite to eat, an ice cream, or a post-soak beverage while you check out your day’s Go-Pro clips.

Bookings will be recommended and towels and swimwear will be available for hire.

The Secret Spot Hot Tubs will be open between 9am and 10pm in the Waipa Valley, at the Whakarewarewa Forest Mountain Biking car park which is a short 2-minute drive south of Rotorua City in the Waipa Valley. q FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, updates, prices or to book a hot tub (once the facility is open) check out: https://secretspot.nz/

Guysers Gazette

13

DUE

!

9 1 0 2 E T A L N E P O TO

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is a luxury spa and wellness centre set to open on Rotorua’s lakefront in late 2019. Rotorua will soon be known globally as the “Spa Capital of the South Pacific” attracting visitors both nationally and internationally.

The development of a new luxury spa and wellness centre on Rotorua’s lakefront will reinforce Rotorua’s position on the global stage as a spa and wellness destination, while creating new jobs and boosting the local economy by tens of millions of dollars a year.

Offering a significant acknowledgement to the reason the city was established in the first place, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is set to put Rotorua on track to becoming the spa and wellness capital of the Southern Hemisphere.

The facility will form just one element of the wider health and wellness vision for the Group’s 11 hectare site on Rotorua’s lakefront.

14

Guysers Gazette

Development chairman, Malcolm Short says the name Wai Ariki means “chiefly waters”, and is a reminder of the origin of Rotorua’s thermal waters, which were called in Aotearoa New Zealand by Ngatoroirangi.

Wai Ariki will have elements of Māori culture infused throughout, including the design of the building and its unique spa and wellness offerings.

“While specific details around Wai Ariki and its offerings remain commercially sensitive, we are confident this development is something which Rotorua, and in fact New Zealand, has never seen before,” says Mr Short.

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

“Our vision for a health and wellness campus at the Rotorua lakefront includes a range of different services and offerings, including dedicated space for a clinical and rehabilitation provider.”

opportunities for our people,” says Mr Tapsell.

The estimated benefit to the Rotorua economy will be measured in the tens of millions of dollars a year, says Pukeroa Oruawhata Group director and finance and expenditure chairman, David Tapsell.

“We recognise the importance of partnering with a business that has expertise in spa and wellness, and Belgravia offers a wealth of experience in these areas. Importantly, it has the systems and processes required to support such a development,” says Mr Short.

“With an estimated build cost of over $30 million, this is a significant undertaking for us so we have taken our time to plan this out,” says Mr Tapsell.

In addition to the jobs created over the next two years to build the complex, Wai Ariki will initially employ 35 staff, increasing to 80 staff in time, creating significant employment

guysersgaystay.com

Mr Short says Wai Ariki will be managed by Australian-based company, Belgravia Leisure, who will be recruiting and employing staff locally.

Belgravia general manager destination, wellness and spa group, Karen Golden, says Wai Ariki offers a unique blend of culture and wellness, which will deliver an experience she believes is unprecedented on the global stage.

Continued over...

Guysers Gazette

15

Continued...

“Wai Ariki’s unique features combine with therapeutic mineral waters to deliver a world class sanctuary, that provides a place to relax, sustain and heal,” says Ms Golden.

“The way that culture has been incorporated throughout the concept, design and product offering, combined with its location and people, provides a level of authenticity which we believe makes it unlike anything else in the world.”

Mr Short emphasises Wai Ariki is set to firmly position Rotorua in the global wellness and spa market, and is about growing the local and national visitor economy for the benefit of Rotorua and New Zealand.

“Importantly, Wai Ariki is focused on extending the destination’s existing spa, health, wellness and visitor experiences, prompting visitors to stay longer, and experience more, in Rotorua.”

16

Guysers Gazette

Wai Ariki will be an inclusive journey of wellbeing from the physical to the spiritual.

From a shallow wading pool with a reflexology surface for short visit users to the main centre which includes many attractions such as healing herbal pools and mineral rich thermal revitalising mud baths. The spa also includes a private sanctuary providing high end treatments.

From the short visitor experience to the high end private sanctuary Wai Ariki will be a spa that offers services at different price points. q FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and animated walk-through videos check out: https://wai-ariki.co.nz/

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

guysersgaystay.com

Guysers Gazette

17

a u r o t o R y l e Uniqu Rotorua is full of amazing tourism attractions and natural wonders that are unique in New Zealand and sometimes unique in the world! Check these out...

Globe Riding Rotorua is the home of Globe Riding (rolling down a hill in an inflatable ball!).

The double-skinned inflatable sphere (OGO) was invented here in New Zealand in 1994.

OGO Rotorua has the longest runs in New Zealand where you can experience this amazing and fun activity either wet or dry.

The Shweeb The Shweeb is the world’s ONLY human-powered monorail racetrack.

The Shweeb is another New Zealand invention designed and implemented right here in Rotorua!

Race around the track to try and beat the record in your age and weight category.

18

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

Lakeland Queen Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise on Lake Rotorua onboard the Lakeland Queen – New Zealand’s only stern-wheel paddle driven vessel.

Just like a Mississippi paddle steamer, the Lakeland Queen has a flat hull that can float in just half a metre of water!

Hells Gate Mud Spa Experience New Zealand’s historic Mud Spa at Hells Gate.

Hells Gate Mud Spa in Rotorua is the ONLY geothermal mud spa in New Zealand.

Immerse yourself in the unique “silky smooth” geothermal mud known for its medicinal properties.

Have fun smothering yourself and a friend or partner in the mud baths overlooking the spectacular geothermal scenery of Hells Gate park or wash away the cares of the world with a relaxing and healing Mud Therapy or traditional Miri Miri Massage.

Continued over... guysersgaystay.com

Guysers Gazette

19

Continued...

Floatplane Rotorua’s Volcanic Air has the Southern Hemisphere’s only fully operational De Havilland aircraft. Taking off on water from Lake Rotorua, take a scenic flight over Mt Tarawera, over forests and lakes and over the geothermal valley’s of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu.

Experience flying in this unique floatplane while admiring some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes and volcanic areas by air.

Hobbiton There is only one Hobbiton Movie Set in the world and it happens to be just one hour drive by car or tour bus from Rotorua City.

Experience Middle-earth and step into the lush pastures of the Shire as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Visit all 42 Hobbit houses and the famous Green Dragon Inn.

20

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

Freefall Xtreme Fly like a superhero on New Zealand’s ONLY giant outdoor wind tunnel at Velocity Valley, Rotorua, on the Freefall Xtreme.

Soar like a bird, spinning, rolling and flipping above a 220km/h vertical wind tunnel. Feel your face contort as you freefall for longer than a standard skydive.

Just like floating through clouds.

Velocity City in Rotorua is the ONLY place you can body fly in New Zealand.

Redwoods Nightlights Redwoods Nightlights incorporates unique creations from New Zealand worldacclaimed design and sustainability champion David Trubridge.

This night-time experience offers visitors the opportunity to explore Rotorua’s majestic Redwood forest under the shroud of darkness, illuminated

by Trubridges’ bespoke creations to create an immersive and captivating environment.

The Nightlights is one of New Zealand’s few design-led tourism experiences.

guysersgaystay.com

Continued over...

Guysers Gazette

21

Continued...

Pohutu Geyser Rotorua is the only place in New Zealand that has geysers.

See the BIGGEST of the them all – the famous Pohutu Geyser, at Te Puia, Rotorua.

The Pohutu Geyser means “The Big Splash” and it spurts up to twenty times per day and can reach heights of up to 30 metres (100 feet).

Inferno Crater

Did you know that Rotorua has the LARGEST geyser in the WORLD?! Even bigger than Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone! The Inferno Crater at Waimangu, Rotorua, is the biggest geyser in the world.

While it doesn’t throw water into the air, it does rise and fall by 12 metres (39 ft) over a 38-day cycle.

22

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

Wingspan Rotorua is home to New Zealand’s National Bird of Prey Centre featuring threatened New Zealand falcons, hawks and owls.

Wingspan is a rare opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close and personal.

Flying displays are held everyday at 2pm.

Guysers Gaystay When you visit Rotorua, be sure to stay at Guysers Gaystay. We are Rotorua’s men-only Bed & Breakfast close to the city centre.

Guysers Gaystay is one of the few men-only accommodations in New Zealand that is clothing optional.

Come and experience the friendly, social, relaxed, uninhibited atmosphere that Guysers Gaystay has become known for. q

For more information on these Rotorua attractions be sure to check out our website https://guysersgaystay.com guysersgaystay.com

Guysers Gazette

23

Rotorua - a top travel destination Rotorua has been named one of the world’s top travel destinations by none other than The New York Times.

The newspaper has published its annual 52 Places to Go list for 2018, which includes an eclectic range of exotic locales, from Lithuania to China’s Silk Road to Disney Springs, Florida.

Rotorua is listed as number 45, and is the only New Zealand destination to make the cut.

“Come for the mud baths, stay for the beauty”, reads the accompanying description of the city.

The Redwood Treewalk is mentioned as one of Rotorua’s star attractions.

Destination Rotorua chief executive Michelle Templer said the inclusion of the city on such a prestigious list reinforces its world-class reputation.

“This will open the eyes of a new sector of travellers who may not have previously considered Rotorua as a destination.” q

24

Guysers Gazette

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

Taking it

easy in

Rotorua canopytours.co.nz

guysersgaystay.com

Guysers Gazette

25

My take

on what makes

Rotorua great at the e views a h t in g wer Takin Mt Tara f o it m sum

I was born in Rotorua 1949, and in those days tourism to Rotorua was only just beginning to develop into the tourist city it has become today. The very first European visitors began coming here to the see famous Pink and White Terraces prior to the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera (before my day of course!)

I still remember the steam trains that used to transport tourists into the city. The old railway line used to come right into the city centre and a short walk from the station was a number of boarding houses and guest houses – this was before the development of the busy motel strip of Fenton Street that exists today.

Most tourists in the early days came to Rotorua to take advantage of the thermal hot pools for its relaxing and therapeutic properties, especially people with arthritis or other ailments. I still remember the days of segregated nude bathing at the old Ward Baths (known today as the Polynesian Spa).

Skinny Dippin g in a therma l stream, Roto ta Sunclub

26

Guysers Gazette

ua’s 10-Pin Bowling at Rotor t en nm tai ter Motion En

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

erfalls Hot wat ua in Rotor

Butchers Pool, Reporoa.

It was because of the Ward Baths Rotorua became known as ‘The Spa Capital of the South Pacific’, and today with the development of the upmarket Wai Ariki Hot Spring and Spa complex (due to open late 2019) this will really put Rotorua on the map.

Rotorua offers so much more for visitors than just thermal bathing – from luging to globe-riding, ziplining to whitewater rafting, geothermal parks to volcanic scenic flights, trout fishing to parasailing or jet boating to bungy jumping – Rotorua really does have it all!

Trying not to look down!

Canopy Tou rs, Rotorua

Rotorua has also become known as the ‘Mountain Bike Capital of New Zealand’ and has the contract for the International Crankworx event for 5 years.

Rotorua has a diverse population and our local Māori people keep their culture alive by practicing and sharing their traditions of carving, weaving, song and dance at several Māori cultural visitor attractions in Rotorua. Other ethnic groups have opened up restaurants in the city creating a diverse range of cuisine on offer.

Rotorua is an easy place to get around, either by foot around the city, by car, public transport or the many tour bus operators that can get you where you want to be.

Remember to give yourselves plenty of time here. 1 or 2 nights is never enough! q

guysersgaystay.com

Navigating through sed ‘The Squeeze’, (acces ) lub nc Su via Rotota

q

Guysers Gazette

27

Health

NOW FUNDED IN NEW ZEALAND PrEP is an HIV prevention method in which people who do not have HIV take a pill every day to reduce their risk of becoming infected with HIV. As of the 1st of March 2018, PrEP is now funded in New Zealand for those who meet the PHARMAC criteria.

You may know this medicine by a brand name Truvada, however there are generic forms of the drug with the same active ingredients. PrEP must be taken every day to be effective. If doses are missed it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. In terms of HIV prevention, you can think about PrEP in a similar way to condoms. When condoms are used correctly and consistently they provide a high degree of protection against HIV, but if they are not used consistently your risk of contracting HIV increases dramatically.

Condoms, like PrEP, can’t protect you if they’re not being used! PrEP is not a vaccine and only provides protection from HIV so long as you

28

Guysers Gazette

continue to take it as prescribed. However, unlike condoms, PrEP does not protect you against other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis or gonorrhoea.

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM PrEP? PrEP is an HIV prevention option that may be considered by anyone who is at risk of acquiring HIV. Some groups of people have been identified as benefiting from PrEP due to being at high risk of HIV infection. These groups include men who have sex with men, transgender people and people who have a partner who is living with HIV (who does not have an undetectable viral load).

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

PrEP is now a funded medicine in New Zealand.

That means it can be accessed on prescription by anyone who meets criteria developed

by PHARMAC. If you do not fall within the PHARMAC criteria but feel that you would benefit from accessing PrEP, you can discuss this with your doctor and you may be able to self-fund your use of PrEP.

WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR BEING ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDED PrEP? The PHARMAC criteria for doctors to prescribe funded daily PrEP is related to being at high risk of acquiring HIV. Therefore, PrEP is recommended if the individual acknowledges: • Being likely to have multiple events of condomless anal intercourse in the next 3 months; And having any of the following: • At least one episode of receptive condomless anal intercourse with one or more casual male partners in the last 3 months; • Rectal gonorrhoea, rectal chlamydia or infectious syphilis diagnosis during the last 3 months; • Methamphetamine use in the last 3 months.

TAKE THE QUIZ: IS PrEP FOR ME? Take the quiz at endinghiv.org.nz/prep.

This simple online quiz follows guidelines for doctors prescribing PrEP. Designed to let you know if PrEP is a good idea for you, this quiz offers a recommendation to access PrEP for those that fit within the criteria. Please note that PrEP may still be prescribed to individuals who don’t meet the PHARMAC guidelines, but those individuals would need to self-fund their PrEP by importing from overseas.

your doctor when your last potential exposure was so that you can both be confident that you are not in the window period (the time between when an infection occurs, and when it is detectable by an HIV test). Before commencing PrEP and during PrEP it is important to inform your team looking after you, if you have any symptoms which are consistent with HIV seroconversion such as sweats, fevers or other flu-like symptoms.

SEXUAL HEALTH CHECKS As part of the PrEP programme, regular check-ups for HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) should be part of your routine.

You will need to see your doctor every three months for comprehensive sexual health testing and new scripts for PrEP. It is important to know if you have an STI and testing is the only way to be sure as many STIs can have no symptoms. When left untreated, STIs can cause health complications and you may be passing them on to your sexual partners.

Both the active drugs in PrEP work to treat hepatitis B, so you will be tested to know if you have active hepatitis B. If you have not yet been vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, this is something to discuss with your doctor.

HOW DOES PREP WORK? When taking PrEP, the medication will build up in your system to the point where it is effective in preventing the replication cycle of the virus, which will reduce the chance that it will take hold in your body. For more information on how PrEP works and to watch a 5-minute video that explains it all, visit: whatisprep.org FOR MORE INFORMATION

STARTING PrEP Firstly, and most importantly, it is essential that you are tested for HIV prior to commencing PrEP. When you have your HIV test, discuss with

guysersgaystay.com

www.nzaf.org.nz

Guysers Gazette

29

LAKEFRONT Rotorua’s #1 gay-friendly nightspot offers the city’s best cocktails, wines and premium beers, with daily happy hours (4-7pm). Owned by Tamati Coffey and his partner Tim Smith, Ponsonby Rd’s relaxing fun atmosphere stars live local DJ’s or musicians most nights. Come experience it for yourself.

30

Guysers Gazette

GoNaked Magazine Kiwi Experience New Zealand

On Eat Streat

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018

Hosted homestay for men RotoRua City • New ZealaNd

Your ‘home away from home’ https://guysersgaystay.com

www.gaystay.co.nz

RAGS Rotorua Area Gay Society (RAGS)

Rotorua’s monthly gay men’s social group The RAGS group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 5 pm at a selected bar for a few drinks followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

This social get-together is for both Rotorua locals and tourists/visitors alike who would like to join us.

To attend the monthly RAGS group please email info@gayrotorua.com with your name and mobile number and we’ll be in touch with details.

guysersgaystay.com

Kiwi Experience Bus, New Zealand

Guysers Gazette

31

q

SPUNK Lube Hybrid SPUNK Lube Hybrid is a water based hybrid lube that resembles the look and feel of natural lubrication. It’s white and creamy - just like cum, and feels unlike any other lubricant available.

q

SPUNK Lube Hybrid is safe to use with all sex toys and condoms. It’s non-staining and reactivates with water or saliva. SPUNK Lube Hybrid contains the perfect blend of water and silicone.

It’s smooth and slick and not sticky or messy. It’s the perfect all- round personal lubricant for any occasion.

SPUNK Lube Hybrid uses the highest quality ingredients and will leave your skin feeling soft and conditioned.

ml 6 3 2 29 $ Z N

Orders within New Zealand are available from us at

Guysers Gaystay

enquiries@guysersgaystay.com Postal charge is additional.

32

Guysers Gazette

Nudist, Naturist, Naturism, Gay, Naked, GoNaked

Issue 13 • Autumn 2018