Conversations - Coast Access Radio

The April 2024 episode of “Conversations” on Coast Access Radio features a comprehensive and reflective discussion about the origins, evolution, and impact of PrideNZ, a project dedicated to documenting Aotearoa New Zealand's queer histories. Hosted by Nikki Carrol, the conversation brings together Gareth Watkins and Roger Smith from PrideNZ, for a dialogue that spans several decades of social change, personal experience, and archival dedication. Their exchange highlights not only the technical and cultural development of PrideNZ, but also its deeper purpose as a repository of voices often excluded from mainstream narratives.

Gareth and Roger reflect on their shared backgrounds, both growing up in the 1970s and working in broadcasting during the 1990s, a time when media access for rainbow communities was severely restricted. Their early professional experience at Radio New Zealand, alongside influences from storytelling traditions in their families, laid the foundation for their later commitment to preserving oral histories. Gareth discusses how early resistance from mainstream broadcasters inspired him to explore emerging technologies, such as streaming and internet platforms, as alternative avenues for dissemination. A particularly moving moment arises when Gareth shares a letter from a listener in Arkansas, USA, who recounts the life-affirming impact of receiving audio CDs in the 1990s — a poignant illustration of the far-reaching power of storytelling and connection.

The pair explain how PrideNZ formally launched in 2009. The platform encourages peer interviewing to better reflect shared generational experiences and perspectives. A key early recording includes a 15-year-old participant at Kaha Youth Hui sharing their coming out story, which is handled with nuance and empathy, revealing the significance of supportive family and peer environments. This focus on authentic, lived experiences is a hallmark of the website.

Gareth and Roger emphasise the importance of preserving queer histories, particularly given how often these narratives have been erased or neglected by families and state archives. They recount recording interviews with couples who met in the 1950s and others whose memories stretch back to the 1930s, noting how rare it is for these voices to be heard in official records unless they appear in criminal or medical contexts. Through PrideNZ, these same individuals are presented on their own terms, as active participants in society rather than marginal figures.

As the discussion shifts to the 2000s, Gareth speaks about the role of community access radio in amplifying marginalised voices. Gareth’s time as Programme Director at Wellington Access Radio allowed for the exploration of international models of grassroots media, especially during a Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship visit to California. This exposure helped shape PrideNZ’s direction, reaffirming the value of independent, community-driven media.

More recent recordings, such as the 2021 rally for trans rights and the 2024 Wellington Pride Hīkoi, showcase the vibrant activism and intersectionality characterising today’s queer movements. These events underscore how the struggles for trans rights, indigenous sovereignty, and racial justice are deeply interconnected. Audio from speakers like Tristan-Cordelia highlight not only political urgency but also messages of affirmation, unity, and love within the community.

The episode concludes with a look to the future, focusing on how artificial intelligence can support the accessibility and preservation of archival materials. Gareth discusses how AI has been used to transcribe recordings and generate summaries, thereby enhancing discoverability and long-term sustainability. The PrideNZ archive is now housed both at the Alexander Turnbull Library and the Library of Congress, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Coral Trimmer Gareth Watkins Johnny Croskery Nikki Carrol Peter Kooiman Quack Pirihi Roger Smith Tristan-Cordelia

1930s, 2020s, coast access radio, coral trimmer, gareth watkins, johnny croskery, nikki carrol, peter kooiman, quack pirihi, roger smith, tristan-cordelia, waikanae

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