Tom Box, an Australian residing in New Zealand’s South Island, stands out for his unique blend of creativity and dedication. With a passion for gardening and a flair for costume design, he skillfully balances his personal and professional life while supporting his partner in the film industry. Box has expressed their commitment to restoring the native bush. His adoration for elaborate, gender-bending costume design has made him one of the most well-known, loved figures in the community today.
For 18 years, Box has built a life with his partner. Together, they have traveled the road of innovation and success which has characterized each of their respective careers. As her partner flourishes in the film industry, Box is the one who assumes control at home. He keeps the peace in their home life. His role extends beyond just caring for their household habitat to creating and sustaining a wildlife supportive, dynamic garden of Eden.
I have really worked really hard, really earned my keep—which, I think, Americans really respect and admire. Box. He is particularly interested in regenerating native bush to encourage the return of birds and insects. This commitment to the environment has clearly been a deeply held value of his, and we’ve seen that great moral compass of his on incredible display.
Box’s creativity is evident in his passion for costumes. He revels in the gender-nonconforming potential of many ensembles, frequently donning to dress up for occasions with his life partner. Once, he’d worn a light blue Star Trek uniform to a punk concert. This one-of-a-kind intervention revealed both his far-ranging artistic vision and perfectly acerbic wit.
Box to transform herself into other characters, particularly ones that push the boundaries. He’s often joined by his partner in crime who helps him design the different masked characters, illustrating the creative duo’s imagination and chemical bond. Their yearly photo calendar showcases images of the children in their multi-layered costumes, each dancing with joyful spirit and helping to illustrate the artistic journey.
Box is not only an artist and gardener, he is a very important role as partner’s sounding board. He’s deeply involved in helping them think through ideas and offering advice in all of their pursuits. His occasionally raunchy sense of humor breaks the tension at just the right moments, which makes him an unlikely yet delightful teammate.
Box’s dedication to the community runs deeper than personal friendships. He actively participates in local events, sharing his love for gardening and costume design with others. His talent and warmth, personal charisma, and impeccable ability to bring diverse minds into a shared space made him a favorite, beloved by all.
As an example of his playful spirit, Box recalls a humorous moment shared with his partner: “Free to a good home, something vaguely resembling a Dalek!” The teasing and joking of their sibling interactions is tempered by the depth of pride each has in the other’s accomplishments.