The ‘NZDating' website has finally responded to GayNZ.com's concerned questions over hundreds of men seeking men of unsafe sex online. NZDating is generally acknowledged to be the largest player in the local internet dating market, claiming to have thousands of members using the site at any one time. An ‘NZDating Administrator' says “HIV/AIDS is only one of many issues that face the average Internet dating member, and NZDating have provided a list of relevant resources for all members linked on every page under the 'Your Wellbeing' link. This is available to members and non-members alike.” The page simply provides links to support organisations including the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Lifeline, and Auckland Rape Crisis. No editorial about safe sex practices is provided. “As far as we know, we are one of the few websites including International sites that provide such easy access to relevant well-being resources and we do hope to improve them over time.” Rachael Le Mesurier, the Executive Director of New Zealand AIDS Foundation, says the NZAF is pleased that NZ Dating puts “Safe sexual practice” at the top of its list on the “Your Wellbeing” page on its website, and has put a link through to the NZAF website under that. “We look forward to continuing discussions with NZ Dating regarding safe sex messages,” she says. “We will continue to use the site to advertise our prevention campaigns and research projects, as it reaches a significant number of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.” Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 30th November 2006 - 12:00pm