A hui to discuss HIV and AIDS issues with gay and bisexual Maori men was well supported by the takataapui community, enabling the New Zealand AIDS Foundation to move forward with future campaigns, says the Foundation. The hui was attended by 15 men, which compared favourably with other NZAF community forums, which attracted around 25 men in each of the main centres. “In attendance were older men, younger men, urban and rural dwellers, conservatives and liberals, men who are comfortable with their sexuality and men who are newly out, those who identify strongly with Maori culture and tikanga and those who do not,” says Te Herekiekie Herewini, Tumuwhakahaere for the Foundation. The feedback from the hui will be incorporated into the full community forums report, due for release within a few weeks. “I feel comfortable enough in saying we have support from the hui to move forward with our future campaigns,” says Herewini. “At the end of the day, our most valuable resource is the people who carry our safe sex message to their networks and communities.” The NZAF is part of coalition of health providers organising a national takaatapui hui in Wellington later this year, says Herewini. “It is hoped that a takataapui tane caucus will emerge from that.” Ref: GayNZ.com (d)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 26th July 2006 - 12:00pm