The New Zealand AIDS Foundation Māori advisory group have announced they are stepping down, saying it is time for new leadership. Te Ropu Ki a Tau o Te Waka announced their departure during a board meeting on Saturday and Chair David Friar thanked them for their many years of voluntary service, noting that the board appreciated their passion and commitment to the NZAF. Outgoing members of Te Ropu —Trevor Wilson, Kevin Haunui, Shannon White and Richard Tankersley — say that the NZAF’s support for takataapui and responsiveness to Māori had come a long way since the group formed in 2010. They each stated that they remain personally committed to the NZAF and fully endorsed the NZAF’s draft strategic plans to end HIV transmissions within a decade and to enhance the organisation’s responsiveness to Māori. “While it has not always been easy, the board has its ears open in a way that was not possible when we began,” they say. Friar says, “With the next Hui Takataapui to be held later this year, NZAF will have strong opportunities to consult with the community about NZAF’s support for takataapui and responsiveness to Maori, the mahi required to end new HIV infections in New Zealand, and Maori leadership on these issues.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 11th April 2016 - 9:20am