Doctor Wants Teen-A.I.D.S. Advice (Press, 27 May 1986)

In a provocative stance for 1986, Dr Paul Goldwater, a prominent A.I.D.S. researcher, advocated for 13-year-olds to read his book, “A.I.D.S: The Risk in New Zealand.” Having transitioned from a consultant role at Auckland Hospital to his current position in Australia, Dr Goldwater highlighted that by age 13, ten per cent of boys may identify as homosexual and hence should be informed about A.I.D.S. His views, described as "wildly radical," challenge the conventional conservatism pervasive in New Zealand, and he stressed the necessity of addressing these challenges head-on. The book is written in an accessible manner, designed for high-risk groups to understand the realities of A.I.D.S. Dr Goldwater was unapologetic about using explicit slang terms to clarify various sexual practices. His proposal to temporarily exclude children who test positive for A.I.D.S. antibodies from school was particularly controversial. He suggested this measure would remain until more is known about the transmission dynamics of the disease, referencing a French study that indicated no transmission of A.I.D.S. between schoolchildren, though some transmission of hepatitis B was noted. Dr Goldwater theorised that distinct differences between New Zealand children and their northern hemisphere counterparts, such as their attire and behaviour, may affect the transmission of bloodborne diseases. He contended that New Zealand children typically dress more lightly, often go barefoot, and exhibit more aggressive behaviour, contributing to an increased risk of injury. In response to critics who likened his recommendations to “Nazi tactics,” he insisted that his suggestions were made in the interest of public welfare. In addition to the school exclusion proposal, Dr Goldwater endorsed community measures to prevent A.I.D.S. spread, including the provision of clean needles for drug addicts and the widespread availability of affordable condoms. He argued for the legalisation of homosexuality, asserting that self-esteem is crucial for effective risk education amongst gay individuals. Dr Goldwater proposed that the age of consent for homosexual acts be set at 18, addressing the complexities and potential legal issues of having differing ages of consent for homosexual and heterosexual acts. Highlighting comparative success in A.I.D.S. prevention, Dr Goldwater pointed to New Zealand, Australia, and San Francisco, while emphasising that Australia allocated substantial funding for A.I.D.S. research. He noted the influence of Australian Minister of Health, Mr Blewett, on New Zealand’s health policies. As a strong critic of the New Zealand health authorities, Dr Goldwater warned that inadequate support for research might lead to a significant talent drain within the sector. He referenced his unsuccessful application for funding from the Medical Research Council, which sought support for an epidemiological study on A.I.D.S. in New Zealand. This study aimed to gather vital information regarding the disease's transmission, the infection rates, and the effectiveness of prevention campaigns. Concluding his statements, Dr Goldwater noted that shortly after his funding proposal was declined, he left New Zealand to assume his new role in Australia.

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