Fri 11 Dec 2009 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
A proposed gathering next year of influential government officials and representatives of glbt community organisations to discuss the needs of glbt people has the backing of Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye. Nikki Kaye MP Kaye, a new National MP who represents the gayest electorate in the country, enthusiastically embraced the proposal at a meeting of representatives of some of Auckland's glbt organisations this evening. Acknowledging that government funding for such initiatives is scarce due to the economic downturn, Kaye told the meeting she was sure resources could be found. "We'll make it happen," she said. Suggested subjects for discussion at next year's gathering include health, bullying, education and the invisibility of glbt people in government statistics including the census. Diana Rands of the Community Alcohol and Drug Service and Miriam Saphira of the Charlotte Museum both made the point that "government data nearly always assumes that everyone is heterosexual." Concern was also voiced this afternoon that the Ministry of Social Development's 'gay and lesbian desk' is in danger of being dis-established, with one of the two staffers overseeing glbt issues for the 'super-ministry' already diverted to other work. Kaye said she would look into the matter. Kaye also promised to pursue any specific instances where glbt people or issues were given short shrift by government agencies. "Give me the details of actual examples which I can then follow up," she told the meeting, adding: "My door is open."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 11th December 2009 - 11:07pm