New Zealanders For Sex (Press, 29 June 1976)

At a conference for doctors in Auckland on 29 June 1976, Father Felix Donnelly, a senior lecturer in community health at Auckland Medical School, presented alarming insights into the attitudes of New Zealand men towards emotional expression and sexual behaviour. He argued that many New Zealand men have been socialised to repress their emotions, resulting in a concerning detachment from understanding the sexual needs of women. Father Donnelly highlighted that this emotional inadequacy often leads to reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. He further stated that New Zealand society exhibits a pervasive fear of sexual matters, contributing to widespread sexual maladjustment. Drawing from his extensive experience in counselling, working with youth, and his involvement in various social and cultural settings, he noted that emotional suppression is particularly pronounced among New Zealand males. Father Donnelly suggested that the impact of religious upbringing on sexual morality is minimal and indicated that those raised in strict religious environments might even display higher levels of promiscuity and difficulty in handling their sexuality. The statistics he presented reflect significant trends: around 90% of young people engage in premarital sexual activity, with a notable number of marriages under the age of 21 occurring due to unplanned pregnancies. He pointed out that marital sexual fidelity has become rare and that marriages are breaking down at an increasing rate, frequently exacerbated by alcohol abuse and extramarital affairs. Father Donnelly also observed that homosexual experiences are becoming a more accepted aspect of young people's sexual development, with sexual activity starting at increasingly younger ages. He suggested that most couples facing sexual issues avoid seeking professional help, instead escaping their problems through unhealthy means. He called for a shift in the handling of sexual education, urging for a more transparent approach that empowers families rather than relying solely on state control. He recommended that universities in New Zealand establish dedicated departments for human relationships, incorporating sexology, to address the growing emotional crisis reflected in societal issues. Lastly, he expressed disappointment over Auckland University's prioritisation, believing that human relationships are in a state of crisis that leads to significant human suffering. He argued that the current landscape allowed unqualified practitioners to address sensitive sexual and personal issues without adequate oversight. In another story, yachting news highlighted that Graham Deegan finished second to Britain's Chris Law in the Finn dinghy class at the Kiel regatta in West Germany, with sailing on the final day cancelled due to insufficient wind.

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