Category: The Sweet Power of Change: The Story of James Laverty & The Legend of Miss Chocolate Box

The Sweet Power of Change: The Story of James Laverty & The Legend of Miss Chocolate Box

In the landscape of Aotearoa’s social history, few figures have managed to be both a high-fashion icon and a serious policy architect. While many know Miss Chocolate Box as the “Face of New Zealand,” her strength was built on the resilient journey of a man named James—a “broken kid” from Ireland who transformed his struggles into a blueprint for national change.

From Ireland to Wellington: Finding a Family

Twenty-seven years ago, James arrived in New Zealand seeking a better life. At the time, it was a different world; employment was often hard to find based on how you walked or looked. “I was no more than a broken kid,” James recalls, “shy, struggling with my identity.”

The turning point was a role at The Chocolate Cake Company. It was more than a job; it was a lifeline. In Wellington, James was “adopted” by pioneers like Carmen Rupe, Georgina Beyer, and Des & John Smith, who taught him that community is a bond of respect.

The “Aunty Helen” Era: James in the Public Eye

Before the persona of Miss Chocolate Box was born, James spent ten years in the Wellington spotlight. Under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, James became a force in fundraising and advocacy. This era was defined by “Aunty Helen’s” gift for bringing people along with her. During this time, James served as Mr. Gay Wellington and mixed with global icons like Sir Ian McKellen at Premier House for World AIDS Day, developing the strategic mind needed for high-level leadership.

The Birth of an Icon: Auckland and the “Mask” of Freedom

After a period of reflection and volunteering in Kenya and Tanzania, James moved to Auckland. It was here that the nickname “Chocks” evolved. With a spark from UK style icon Gok Wan, Miss Chocolate Box was officially branded.

In Auckland, James found a different kind of family. Thanks to the generosity of Wayne Clark, the Family Bar became a sanctuary where James could finally “run away” from the pressures of the world. Behind the layers of makeup, James didn’t have to wear a business hat; he found the fun, the quick wit, and the side of himself that just wanted to be free.

The Auckland Icons

Chocolate’s voice and wit were sharpened by a sisterhood of icons: Cindy of Samoa, Buck Wheat, Fonda, Venus, Miss Ford, Kola, Miss Ling Ling, Miss Ribena, Karen Richie, and Niccole Duval. While it is heartbreaking to see so many of these faces pass, their influence remains in the fierce community bond Chocolate carries forward.

The Silent Architect: Leading the NZ Police

James was the architect, but Chocolate became the voice. Meeting Tracey Phillips and Geoff Bray launched a historic partnership. With Tracey’s relentless support, Miss Chocolate Box made history:

  • The First Diversity Award: Chocolate was the first recipient of the NZ Diversity Award for thousands of hours of unpaid policy work.

  • The Police Reform: While the world saw the stunning outfits, Chocolate was drafting policies for Police, Corrections, and Schools, humanizing the badge and building a bond of trust.

The Message: “Your Past Does Not Define You”

Through countless public speaking events, Miss Chocolate Box has shared the raw truth of James’s upbringing. This message is the ultimate legacy: The “bad parts” of your life do not define your destination. > “Performing took the shy kid from Ireland and turned me into a voice of substance who could stand before a Prime Minister or a room of struggling students and say: ‘You can change the course of your life, no matter what.’“

A Legacy of Substance

  • First Diversity Award Recipient (NZ)

  • The Face of the NZ Police Pride Car Launch

  • Policy Consultant for Government & Education

  • Bridge Between the Legends of Wellington and the Future of Auckland

Still Cracking It: Book Miss Chocolate Box

Despite the deep history and the serious policy work, don’t think for a second the heels have been hung up! Miss Chocolate Box is still very much alive, well, and cracking it for a packed house. Whether you need a keynote speaker with a voice of substance, a high-energy host for a major event, or a touch of that legendary Wellington-to-Auckland wit, she is ready to bring the magic.

Feel free to book Miss Chocolate Box for your next event and be part of the on

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