Bruce Kilmister of HIV+ advocate group ‘Body Positive’ has spoken out today on important dates in the organisation’s near future – and voiced concern over the possible closure of the NZ AIDS Foundation’s Burnett Centre in central Auckland. Body Positive hosted a well-attended ‘mid winter luncheon’ at the Quest Hotel on Queen Street yesterday. “Fifty-five men and women braved the cold to come out to a lovely warm luncheon and to enjoy each others company,” says Kilmister. “The food and wine were excellent and the occasion provided an opportunity for positive people to meet other positive people and those coming from out of town were especially pleased to make contact.” Looking to the future, two senior officials from the Immigration Department will fly to Auckland to present at a Body Positive seminar on HIV and immigration on Friday 29th June at the University of Otago. “The officials are the experts on the Immigrations Department policy around health issues,” explains Kilmister. “Representatives from Sexual Health, CART, NZ AIDS Foundation, and Positive Women have been invited and all expect to attend. HIV Infectious Diseases physicians will also be present. “It’s important we have this hui, as we are getting inconsistent results for HIV+ partners of New Zealand citizens seeking residency to live in New Zealand.” 21st July sees the start of the International AIDS Society’s 4th conference to be held in Sydney. Body Positive will have representatives at this conference and are keen to learn more about the new HIV medications being trialled in Australia and shortly to be made available in New Zealand, says Kilmister. Body Positive has also spoken out to raise concern over the NZ AIDS Foundation considering the closure of their HIV-testing and counselling Burnett Centre – situated next door to Body Positive. “The NZ AIDS Foundation is negotiating the purchase of its Head Office Building in Hargreaves Street, just off College Hill in Ponsonby, and our concern is accessibility for people to test and seek councelling. “Whilst we agree the decision makes economical sense we are working through the issues with NZAF as we are both keen not to see another “Herne Bay House” scenario where promises were made but not delivered and the community finished up being disadvantaged,” says Kilmister. Body Positive can be contacted on the toll-free phone number 0800 HIVLINE (0800 448 5463) or via email at: office@bodypositive.org.nz. Ref: Body Positive (m)