Rachael Le Mesurier 6.25PM: Outgoing New Zealand AIDS Foundation Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier will be remembered for her determination and tenacity during her seven years in the heavily-scrutinised role. Le Mesurier has handed in her resignation to the NZAF Trust Board, saying it has been the most rewarding job of her lifetime, but it feels like the right time to leave. She will finish up at the College Hill headquarters in December. OUTLine General Manager Vaughan Meneses is both surprised devastated that Le Mesurier is leaving, saying she has been a constant advocate for the gay community and HIV. "I'm very sad to see her go, but respect the decision she has made," he says "The thing I'll miss about Rachael is her straightforwardness and her clarity on issues. She's been an incredibly strong leader, I think she's leaving the organisation in a really good position and has made some really strong courageous choices that have worked out really well. "I have nothing but admiration and respect for Rachael, quite frankly. I haven't had a chance to speak to her yet, but I'm looking forward to doing that. I'm sure she's going to go on and doing some incredibly exciting things – and I hope she is." Meneses says OUTLine will miss its relationship with Le Mesurier, but looks forward to continuing working with the NZAF and whoever takes over at the top. Body Positive CEO Bruce Kilmister says he admires her for taking on the role. "It's always going to be a highly critical and contentious job, no matter who is at the helm. And she has been impressive with her strength and her ability to just sail through and keep focused on the benefits of the AIDS Foundation."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 11th October 2010 - 6:21pm