9.40PM: "Every candle lit reminds us of a life lost; its flame expresses the spark of life of new generations to come." Amongst the largely perfunctory AIDS Candlelight Memorial messages of support from country's political leaders and AIDS Foundation patrons, none of whom were present, the words of Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia came closest to summing up the mood as Aucklanders gathered to remember those lost to the HIV epidemic. Auckland has long been the epicentre of New Zealand's HIV epidemic with hundreds of gay and bi men dead, particularly in the late 1980s and early 90s. Labour leader Phil Goff was the only politico to even tacitly acknowledge the gay communities which have borne the brunt of the epidemic and suffered by far the greatest losses. New NZ AIDS Foundation director Shaun Robinson advised the comparatively small gathering of sixty people plus organisers, entertainers including GALS and MCs Stephen Oates and Michael Bancroft that we need to drill down below the huge global numbers of those aflicted by HIV and remember that "it is about individual human beings and each person counts and is precious." He said it was natural to remember the pain of loss, and the grief, but that those still affected by HIV "can be uplifted by the strength found in adversity" as we continue to fight the disease in our midst. In a short but moving address Positive Women campaigner Jane Bruning observed that "approximately only 1% of those diagnosed with HIV at the start of the epidemic are still alive." She said the major surge in new infections now evident shows we have become complacent and she challenged those present to "reverse that trend." Similar, even smaller, gatherings were held around the country this evening as part of International AIDS Candlelight Memorial day. For instance, in New Plymouth twenty people, mostly close family and friends of gay men lost to HIV, lit candles and spoke of those who have died. "It was a very intimate and gay gathering," says GayNZ.com's observer, "with a number of people particularly drawn to the event to see the AIDS Quilt panels." A Candlelight Memorial has not been held in New Plymouth since the 1990s. In earthquake-devastated Christchurch a small group gathered in the open air under an almost full moon to sing together and remember the city's HIV victims. They then retired to the nearby temporary St Albans office of the NZ AIDS Foundation "for a cuppa and a chat."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 15th May 2011 - 8:10pm