Kellie Blizard
Love doesn’t always follow a straight line. For acclaimed Kiwi artist Hayley King – best known as Flox – and fellow creative Pierre Hadlow, aka Sweats, their story has meandered over nearly three decades of friendship, distance and different lives… until one message changed everything.
The pair met as 19-year-old art students at Unitec, although it wasn’t the coursework that left the greatest mark. It was each other, reveals Hayley.
“We were besties and part of a group that spent every waking hour together for about five years. It felt like forever.”
Life takes them apart
But after being inseparable at uni, life carried the talented duo in different directions. Hayley – who nicknamed her friend “Pies” for his love of the classic Kiwi staple – laughs, “All the boys left Auckland and got sucked into the Wānaka vortex.”
Nodding, Pierre adds, “The mountains were calling and we all migrated down there.”
Over the next few years, the couple remained in sporadic contact, catching up whenever they were in the same city.
Hayley says, “Pies was always in my heart as the guy who got away. But by this time, we were living our own lives and having babies with other people.”
Reconnecting after years
Then, in 2020, Hayley received a life-changing message.
“I’d been single for about a year when I got a text from Pies, who was living in Wellington. He said he was single too and I nearly fell off the couch. I set about wooing him, although he didn’t need much wooing!”
Once they reconnected, everything just slotted into place, explains Hayley.
“The stars finally aligned and it was our time. With our deep friendship as a base, we have such a lovely relationship. People often comment on how chill we are.”
Pierre agrees, “It’s cruisy and easy. We never fight. We’re always laughing and smiling.”
Creative power couple
Now based in Auckland, the pair are both 46 and were born 48 hours apart, with Pierre enjoying the two days each year he gets to be with an older woman, grins Hayley. Over the past 20 years, Hayley has become one of New Zealand’s most in-demand artists. She’s built her business Haus of Flox into a thriving brand, with her vibrant stencil and aerosol creations instantly recognisable for their stunning native birds and flowers, inspired by her childhood spent in nature in the Far North.
Pierre is also a multi-disciplinary artist who makes everything from fine art and murals to sculpture and collectables. He says he couldn’t be prouder of Hayley’s success.
“She’s built her brand all by herself and hasn’t relied on the traditional paths. It’s a rare skill to have a business side that matches the creative side, but Hayley’s nailed it.”
Blending family and work
Today, Hayley and Pierre’s personal and professional lives are fully entwined. Their shared Grey Lynn workspace, Haus of Flox, is just a five-minute walk away from where they live with Hayley’s youngest son Indiana, 11, and they’re regularly joined by Pierre’s daughters, Rudy, 12, and Juno, nine, when they visit from Queenstown.
“The three youngest ones have gelled really well and my eldest son Bo, who is nearly 19 and works in the film industry in Wellington, is a great big brother,” says Hayley.
The couple’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Just before they reconnected, Hayley started having debilitating migraines, with Pierre supporting her through years of constant pain and endless scans.
“I thought I was going to die,” remembers Hayley.
“It’s still with me but it’s so much better now. I’ve had to really listen to my body, take more downtime and even change some of my processes at work.”
Showcasing their art at Art in the Park
The creative couple are excitedly gearing up for their independent exhibitions at Art in the Park at Auckland’s Eden Park this week. Now Australasia’s largest curated artist-led show, it’s expected to draw more than 15,000 visitors.
“This show is a massive opportunity for artists,” enthuses Hayley.
“To have that many people see your work over just a few days is amazing. It’s like walking into a candy shop of art.”
Pierre adds, “Art in the Park is an incredible chance to connect directly with people and showcase the range of what we do.”
He’s also excited that his Nelson-based mum Mary Hadlow, who’s been reading Woman’s Day since he was a kid, will see her son in the magazine.
“She’ll be thrilled!”
A love worth the wait
It may have taken time for them to finally get together, but for Hayley and Pierre, the wait has been worth it.
“When I was single, I put it out to the universe that all I wanted was a man who makes me laugh,” reveals Hayley.
“Then Pies came back into my life and now I’m often crying with laughter. He’s slowed me down in a good way, and is so kind and loving. He’s such a rare man.”
Art in the Park is on at Auckland’s Eden Park from Thursday to Sunday. For more info and tickets, visit artinthepark.co.nz.
