Information on Charlie Haigh

Charlie Haigh is best remembered for his long-standing relationship with Robert Gant. This partnership, notable for its duration and the societal context in which it existed, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of LGBTI individuals in early 20th-century New Zealand.

Born a butcher's son from Greytown, Charlie Haigh was 33 years younger than his partner, Robert Gant. Haigh, a draper by trade, worked at the Drapery Importing Company (DIC) in Lambton Quay. He and Gant shared a deep connection that extended beyond mere companionship. They often spent holidays together at Te Rakau Nui, the Haigh family homestead in Greytown. Their life was filled with musical and genteel pursuits, and Gant, a keen photographer, frequently captured Haigh and their friends in photographs that featured religious and classical themes.

Their bond endured until Gant's death in 1936 due to a heart attack. Haigh, who was the principal beneficiary of Gant’s estate, passed away five years later due to heart failure at the age of 53. Their relationship, lasting more than two decades, stands as a testament to their commitment to each other in an era when such relationships were often hidden.