Activists Argue Over Group’s Make-up (Press, 2 May 1988)

On 2 May 1988, a dispute among Auckland homosexual rights activists emerged regarding representation on a newly formed advisory group to the Minister of Health, Mr Caygill, on matters related to A.I.D.S. The Auckland Gay Task Force expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of Mr Phil Parkinson, a Wellington Gay Task Force activist, to the National Council on A.I.D.S. This 23-member council was established to succeed the A.I.D.S. Advisory Council, which had been created by former Minister of Health, Dr Bassett. The new council had its inaugural meeting on 28 April 1988, but its leadership and membership remained undisclosed, as did its funding. Reports suggested that the council included representatives from various societal groups, including churches and youth and women’s organisations. Despite male homosexuals being one of the most at-risk demographics for A.I.D.S., only one representative from this community was appointed, which led to discontent within the Auckland Gay Task Force. Mr Wall, the Auckland group's co-ordinator, communicated to the Chief Health Officer, Dr Karen Poutasi, that collaboration with Mr Parkinson was unfeasible. Wall requested an increase in council membership to 24, which would allow him to join, but Dr Poutasi rejected this proposal. A national conference held in Christchurch sought the appointment of three homosexual men to the council, yet Dr Poutasi declined this request as well. The ongoing conflict between the Auckland and Wellington Gay Task Forces had a history of rivalry, with each claiming superior representation of the homosexual community. While the Auckland group focused solely on homosexual men, the Wellington group included lesbian members, resulting in differing views on tactics and organisational structure. Parkinson noted that the council's membership remained confidential as members had been instructed to keep the details private during their initial meeting. This secrecy was linked to legislative requirements for the formal establishment of the council, with expectations for a bill to be introduced in Parliament soon. The council's terms of reference, as outlined by Dr Poutasi to Mr Wall, indicated its role would be to provide advice to Mr Caygill and the Ministry of Health concerning A.I.D.S. matters.

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