10.00AM: The Out Games in Wellington will ramp up a notch today with the start of the associated Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Conference and everything is so far "playing out well, with some wonderful surprises along the way" according to Games co-Chair David Hindley. "All the things we wanted to create have happened and a lot more besides. There have been things we did not expect which have added to the event enormously," says Hindley. He points to a lunch hosted by the Dutch ambassador at which "some very high powered people" including US ambassador David Huebner, the 1st Secretary of the Australian High Commission and some senior NZ diplomats, attended+. The discussion subject was what can be done to assist the efforts of glbt people in the Pacific to advance their rights. Another unexpected event was a gathering in which US ambassador David Huebner and his partner invited all the American and American Samoan competitors and copnference delegvates to his official residence. "David and Dwayne are wonderful hosts and it must have been an wonderful experience for those people who might otherwise never socialise with any of their Ambassadors," says Hindley. He says he has also noted that the Games, and especially the Pacific and Asia Trans and Intersex Hui held yesterday, have been an emotional experience for many people. "'Ive seen so many smiles and shared moments and tears of joy and sorrow," he says. Meanwhile, the one Japanese delegate to the Human Rights Conference has yet to arrive. The organising committee has been in touch with her and passed on the concern of glbt New Zealanders for the devastation in her country. "She said as late as last evening that she still plans to be here," Hindley says, but as of10.00am she had not yet been through conference registration. The Wellington AsiaPacific Outgames will end with a massive Revolution party at Estadio on Saturday night and GayNZ.com has two double passes to give away! To enter just email gaynz@woosh.co.nz telling us the best thing you have overheard at the games, for our Overheard at the Outgames file! - 16th March 2011