A spat has erupted over plans to hold steampunk fashion shows in both Oamaru and Christchurch.
Fabiana Bronte, who is organising a show in Christchurch in October, claims those organising a show in Oamaru in June have plagiarised some wording on their website and it appeared to be an attempt to "stifle or steal the thunder" from other initiatives.
In a statement, Ms Bronte said the Christchurch event was billed as New Zealand's first dedicated steampunk fashion show and the idea had been in the wings for at least a year.
She only became aware of the other show last weekend after receiving emails from confused members of the public.
"It's not that we mind they are having a show but it seems just plain wrong to use the same wording, which has been most confusing for people and frustrating for us.
"Organisers of the Otago show have announced theirs is to be held in June, so of course it is going to be held before ours now, but ours was announced first," she said.
When contacted, Helen Jansen, one of the organisers of the steampunk fashion show and gala ball at The Homestead in Oamaru on June 5, denied any plagiarism, saying they only found out about the Christchurch show at the end of February.
They had not been contacted by Ms Bronte.
After the successful steampunk exhibition at the Forrester Gallery during last November's Victorian heritage celebrations, the question of what to do next arose and it was decided to do a fashion show "because there was a gap in the female side of things".
The League of Victorian Imagineers embraced the fact steampunk was a global phenomenon, and others in New Zealand were "bound to be doing things".
It was "wonderful" Ms Bronte was organising a fashion event, Ms Jansen said.
Organisers of the Oamaru event have already been in touch with fashion schools and designers, and anybody interested in entering must register by April 27 through the website www.steampunknz.co.nz
Only limited by imagination, the costumes must have a Victorian theme but incorporate science fiction.
There are six categories - women's working outfit, women's evening wear, men's evening wear, adventurer-explorer, inventor-scientist and children's.
