You Sexy Things! Kiwis Flock To Raunchy Sexpo

NZ Truth and TV Extra - 16 November 2001 / Lee Davis

"My word, hasn't it grown? It's twice the size it was before."

No jokes intended that's what the punters were saying about Erotica 2001 last week.

The show that brought sex out of suburban closets was in town again and Truth reporters were there to cover it.

The popularity of the show at Auckland's Expo Centre has proved that Kiwis are gagging for a bit of naughty behaviour.

But Erotica isn't like going to a sex shop or adult store - there's plenty more on offer.

The show is attended by couples of all ages.

And it wasn't all whips and dildos.

There were stands from two motorbike companies, a spa pool company, two charities, and one even promoting cannabis law reform.

There was also plenty of adult entertainment.

Punters at this year's expo were treated to several erotic dances by ex Penthouse model and Truth babe Bree, as well as shows from the New Zealand Angels and other acts.

Erotica was started by businesswoman Fiona Gibb - who had seen a similar show in Australia.

"It's called Sexpo over in Aussie and I thought if it could work over there then why shouldn't it work in New Zealand?" she says.

"But everyone said it wouldn't work over here. Even people in the adult industry in New Zealand said that New Zealanders weren't ready for this type of show.

"They said Kiwis are too conservative to come to a show like Erotica.

"But I was convinced it would work and this year Erotica is double the size it was last year".

"It's not just the crowds that have doubled it's the people who want to show off their products as well," she says.