Tue 9 Aug 2016 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Lexie Matheson Proper process was followed and the possibility of conflict of interest was checked into before she was appointed to the Auckland Pride trust board last week, Lexie Matheson - who also denies an accusation of racism - says. Matheson, a transgender rights activist and events management educator, was a founding board member of Auckland Pride who resigned in December 2014 to distance herself from decision-making she disagreed with. She has now been targeted for criticism by another ex-board member, Phylesha Brown-Acton, who stepped down from the board recently. Brown-Acton, who is of Niuean descent, yesterday criticised Matheson, claiming she posted "racist, inappropriate and unforgiving" statements about her during Brown-Acton's time on the board. She also queried the appropriateness of the process leading up to Matheson's appointment. "The Auckland Pride board positions were widely advertised," says Matheson in a strongly-worded response this morning. "I've met with a number of board members and the previous festival director over the past year in relation to roles within the festival including directing [a] 2016 Gala. The conversations have been amicable and informative. I submitted my CV, was interviewed by two board members and subsequently appointed on the basis, as far as I can ascertain, that my skill sets contribute to the vision the board has, a vision I fully support." On the matter of possible of conflict of interest between her roles of Ak Pride board member and her involvement with an Auckland City community advisory group - Auckland City provides funding towards the Parade component of the Auckland Pride festival - Matheson says she believes there is no problem. "I have confirmed with both bodies that there is no conflict of interest between my role as a member of the Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel and my position as a board member of Auckland Pride." She notes that "virtually all" of the advisory panel members "hold positions in LGBTQI organisations, it's the nature of the panel, and conflicts of interest, should they occur, are declared pro forma as required in the kaupapa." On Brown-Acton's accusation of racism, Matheson says she has no interest in commenting on that claim. "I'm happy to let my history of support for Maori and Pacific people and organisations speak for itself," she says. Brown-Acton has also voiced her concern regarding the representation of Maori and Pasifika communities within queer and trans community events and organisations including the Auckland Pride Festival Board.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 9th August 2016 - 9:11am