Auckland businessman Richard James has returned to the Auckland Pride Festival board to replace Lexie Matheson as Treasurer, after she resigned over concerns about its practices. “The board thanks Lexie for her services to Pride and her work in directing the 2014 Pride Opening Gala,” a media statement issued today says. Richard James (left) with GABA President Heather Carnegie accepting his 'GABA gold card' “Lexie will be replaced by inaugural board member, Richard James, who has volunteered to reassume his role as Pride’s treasurer. Richard is an experienced accountant and independent director. He is well known in our community and was recently awarded a GABA life membership.” The board says the 2015 Auckland Pride Festival and Parade is on-track to be its biggest and most successful to date. “We have received a record number of Parade float applications, including entries from outside of Auckland. Rotorua's Chamber of Pride entry is certainly one to watch.” It will be led by TV personality Tamati Coffey, with around 40 plus participants representing the Rotorua legend of Hatupatu and Kurangaituku "the Birdwoman". The board says it is working on the significant annual funding the event requires. “While a good profit was achieved last year, the board is continuing to build relationships with key sponsors to secure consistent funding for the future. As a volunteer organisation, we have identified that professionalism and business acumen are key to our on-going success. As such, Pride is transitioning to a more effective model to support our rapidly growing organisation.” It goes on to mention the appointment of appointment of Linda Heavey as Pride's Executive Officer, saying all board members voted in favour of her appointment, except a co-chair who abstained. “The vote was recorded in Pride's July minutes and subsequently confirmed as correct by then board member, Lexie Matheson. Since Linda’s appointment, Linda has increased community engagement and furthered Pride's internal policies and procedures. She has also temporarily assisted the board with the treasurer role following Lexie’s departure.” The board says it has much more exciting news to share in the New Year. The media release is the only statement it will make about other concerns Lexie Matheson expressed after she resigned. An official announcement about the appointment of Ta'i Paitai as the new Pride Festival Director is expected soon, after the information was leaked last week.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 8th December 2014 - 12:34pm