The NZ AIDS Foundation's outgoing chief executive was this afternoon farewelled in a function during which her qualities of "humility, tenacity and a sense of justice" were repeatedly lauded. Rachael Le Mesurier has departed the organisation she led for the past seven years as its Executive Director. With his voice choking with emotion a tearful Simon Harger Forde, the Foundation's Director HIV Prevention and Communications, praised Le Mesurier for her willingness to keep out of the limelight and let others step forward, for her determination to see the job done despite many obstacles, and for her innate sense of social justice. His sentiments were endorsed by several of the speakers representing the staff and Trust Board of the Foundation as well as associated organisations and individuals. The farewell was steeped in Maori protocol and procedure, including the draping of a ceremonial cloak around Le Mesurier's shoulders and the presentation of taonga including a small waka huia. Later she was also presented with gifts from the Pacific islands. High-profile faces amongst those farewelling Le Mesurier included past NZAF chairs Kate Leslie, Michael Stevens and Jonathan Smith, past Executive Director Warren Lindberg, Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye and District Court Judge Bill Hastings, who was until earlier this year the Chief Censor. Until Le Mesurier's replacement is appointed by the Trust Board the Foundation will be primarily helmed by Harger Forde and Eammon Smythe, the Foundation's Director, Positive Health. You can discuss this New Zealand gay community news story in the GayNZ.com Forum.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 1st December 2010 - 9:26pm