Fri 24 Nov 2006 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
Neil Denney Neil, 45, is the new general manager of the Gay and Lesbian Welfare Group. He's got big shoes to fill, but with 25 years of experience with community groups, he's certainly qualified! When did you start at Gayline/lesbianline? What have your first few days been like? I started this role on 20 November 2006. The first week has been full and busy with a huge learning curve. Thankfully Neville has stayed on to hand over the ropes to me this week. What did you do career-wise before Gayline/lesbianline? Immediately before joining AGLW I have been working as a Social Worker supervisor in the youth sector. I have spent the last 25 years working in community organisations in New Zealand and Australia. I have worked in various roles in health, disability/rehabilitaton, youth and aged services. So what are your plans for the organisation going forward? "If you build it they will come" (is that too obscure a reference?). I hope to build on the wonderful platform left by Neville to enlarge our services and to become community focused. I hope to make it a premier service for Gay and Lesbian people in Auckland by Gay and Lesbian people. It would be wonderful to see the facilities well used by community groups and special interest groups. What's your background? Are you an Aucklander by birth? My turangawaewae is Parramatta New South Wales I am a 5th generation Australian who has lived here in this beautiful country nearly 14 years. What do you think is the most pressing issue currently facing our GLBT New Zealanders? I think I would have to say it is the rise of the new right, the new morality and fundamentalism and GLBT complacency about the many issues facing us. What's your relationship status? Alone and unloved, seriously I am a single Gay male. Favourite food and drink? French food and Scotch and dry ginger ale (remember the scotch part if you see me out) Worst habit? Correcting people when they mispronounce Te Reo Maori (it drives people mad) Favorite TV programs? House, and Triangle TV programs (oh and Praise Be of course!) Favorite movies? Shrek, Chicken Run, Blossoms in the Dust (an oldie but a goody). What do you do to relax and unwind? Meditate, play squash, swim and read Who in the world (including NZ) would you most like to get on the phone with? (what would we be discussing?) ummmm, Robbie Williams? If you could have one wish granted what would it be? That everyone could live in harmony and be tolerant of each other. The Gayline/Lesbianline number is (09) 303 3584, or Freephone nationwide 0800 802 437. Matt Akersten - 24th November 2006