On-site accommodation at the annual HIV+ men's retreat this Waitangi weekend is almost full to capacity, says the organiser. Bruce Kilmister of Body Positive says upwards of seventy attendees have registered to join the three-day event from 2 to 4 February at Vaughan Park, on Auckland's North Shore. “The retreat's important because it provides an opportunity for HIV positive men to network and meet other HIV positive men,” says Kilmister. “It creates a sense of support and an opportunity to update and share information and anecdotes of what's good for them. “We do workshops that cover well-being, we have physical instructors, and hairdresser, masseur, a range of workshops designed to maximise health, as well and bush walks, kayaking, and swimming. We also discuss treatment issues of concern to us, and the range of Body Positive programmes for those needing assistance. Kilmister says all the workshops are completely voluntary: “If people don't want to participate, they can just do whatever else they want to. “We just simply have a great fun weekend. The whole thing is catered for, too.” The cost is $60 waged, $30 unwaged, $20 for Marae-style sleeping arrangements, or ask about the free scholarships available. There's still time to register for the few place left at the retreat, by calling Body Positive on 09 309 3989. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 11th January 2007 - 12:00pm