Members of New Zealand’s Pacific rainbow communities will gather in Auckland for the long weekend to enjoy the New Zealand AIDS Foundation’s biennial Love Life Fono. The NZAF says it will celebrate the place of a group known as “MVPFAFF”: mahu, vakasalewalewa, palopa, fa’afafine, akava’ine, fakaleiti and fakafifinem, and Pacific gay and bisexual men, in the world. It says the group is one that is often unheard. The theme of Love Life Fono 5 is the Voices of the Third Spirit - representing the unique spirits of the rainbow Pacific people. The NZAF says these voices were an accepted part of Pacific life and culture prior to Western colonisation, but have faced stigma and discrimination in more recent times. “The fono weaves together our cultural heritage and unique flavour to celebrate our place in this world,” says Love Life Fono spokesperson Elton Siataga-Raharaha. “Loving our lives is the first step to owning our power and growing the strength of our rainbow Pacific people.” The three-day conference will be made up of a mix of presentations, discussion, culture, social interaction and celebration. The event is designed to strengthen leadership skills and encourage people to become safe sex ambassadors. The NZAF says it’s committed to working with Pacific people to prevent HIV transmission. Join the Love Life Fono Facebook Page for more information. GayNZ.com - 22nd October 2013