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Timeline: Wellington

14 September 1868

  • Alexander Turnbull is born (Wellington). During his life Turnbull collected a wide variety of manuscripts and documents. He later donated his collection to the country - forming the basis of the Alexander Turnbull Library. Links: Te Ara, GayNZ.net

July 1876

  • Robert Gant arrives in Wellington (Wellington). Gant emigrates from the United Kingdom

14 October 1888

  • Writer Katherine Mansfield (nee Beauchamp) is born (Wellington). Links: Te Ara, PrideNZ

10 July 1895

  • Miles Radcliffe is born (Wellington). Radcliffe was later killed, aged 50, on 5 February 1946

1907

  • Katherine Mansfield has a relationship with Maata Mahupuku (Wellington). Mansfield also begins a relationship with Edie Bendall. Link: Te Ara

July 1908

  • Katherine Mansfield leaves for England (Wellington). Mansfield leaves shortly after her father reads Leves Amores. Links: GayNZ.net, Te Ara

28 August 1908

  • Dennis William Quill appears in court charged with being idle and disorderly (Wellington). Quill was arrested wearing female attire near Pirie Street. He assured the judge that he bought the clothing out of "sheer devilment" and was wearing them for a similar fantasy. The charge was dismissed. Link: Evening Post

7 January 1914

  • Rupert Brooke departs for Tahiti onboard RMS Tahiti (Wellington). Brooke is in Wellington 5-7 January 1914. Links: Wikipedia, Papers Past

October 1914

  • Dr Hjelmar von Dannevill is accused of being a German spy (Wellington). Link: The Spin Off

30 January 1917

  • Writer W. Somerset Maugham and his lover Gerald Haxton briefly visit Wellington en route to Tahiti (Wellington). Links: Wikipedia, GayNZ.net

28 June 1918

23 May 1924

  • A parliamentary inquiry begins into Mental Defectives and Sexual Offenders (Wellington). Link: Parliamentary Papers

27 June 1927

1 October 1929

  • Leonard Hollobon is arrested and charged with indecently assaulting a male (Wellington). Norris Davey (a.k.a Frank Sargeson) is the other party. Both are charged, with Davey later testifying against Hollobon. Links: Papers Past, Te Ara

29 October 1929

  • Norris Davey is convicted of indecent assault on a male (Wellington). Soon after Davey begins using the name Frank Sargeson. Links: Papers Past, Wikipedia

31 October 1929

  • Leonard Hollobon is sentenced to five years reformative detention after pleading guilty to three charges of indecent assault on males (Wellington). Norris Davey had earlier testified against Hollobon. Link: Papers Past

16 April 1935

5 July 1936

9 October 1937

  • Prime Minister M.J. Savage unveils a statue dedicated to "Harry" Henry Holland (Wellington). The nude male figure in Bolton Street Cemetery has been described in a variety of ways, from representing "emancipated youth looking upwards to higher things" to "an extremely buff, naked dude gazing out over his beloved Wellington." A local rainbow walking tour in the 1990s described the work as "the most homoerotic piece of outdoor art in Wellington, and second in Aotearoa only to the Eros outside Auckland Hospital.". Link: Bolton Street Cemetery

1941

1 March 1941

  • Female impersonator and activist Johnny Croskery is born (Wellington). Link: Tapatoru

28 August 1954

  • Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme are convicted of murdering Pauline's mother Honora Rieper (Wellington). Parker and Hulme were given indeterminate sentences in different prisons and released after five years. Links: Te Ara, Wikipedia, Guardian, PrideNZ.com

5 October 1955

November 1957

  • Politician Georgina Beyer is born (Wellington). Beyer would later become the world's first openly transsexual Mayor and Member of Parliament. Links: PrideNZ.com, Wikipedia

1962

  • The Dorian Society is formed (Wellington). The Society is the first documented organisation for homosexual men in New Zealand. Link: Wikipedia

1964

  • The Purple Onion opens (Wellington). Pasi Daniels (a.k.a. Pasi Tunupopo) returns to Wellington after performing at Les Girls and the Purple Onion in Sydney to open Wellington's first drag revue club. Link: Stuff

17 April 1967

  • A public meeting endorses the formation of the Wolfenden Association (Wellington). The Association is soon renamed the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society. Links: Wikipedia, LAGANZ

1968

  • Television news report: a Katherine Mansfield memorial is pulled down to make way for a new motorway (Wellington). Ref TZP107495. Link: TVNZ

1969

  • Television news report: a look at the new Katherine Mansfield memorial (Wellington). Ref: TZP107494. Link: TVNZ

1971

  • Television news report: Rewi Alley speaks to a meeting about life in Communist China (Wellington). Ref TZP454776. Link: TVNZ
  • Up From Under magazine is published by Wellington Women's Liberation Front (Wellington)

1972

  • Television news report: protest at indecent language laws after Germaine Greer's trial (Wellington). NZBC news, ref TZP34614. Link: TVNZ
  • The group Gay Liberation Front Victoria University of Wellington is formed (Wellington)

April 1972

  • The first National Women's Liberation Conference is held (Wellington)

1973

  • The group Sisters for Homophile Equality (SHE) Wellington is formed (Wellington)
  • The Victoria University Feminist Group is formed (Wellington)

March 1973

  • The Gay-Aid phone counseling service is formed (Wellington)

December 1973

  • Circle publication begins (Wellington). Published by Sisters for Homophile Equality (SHE), it is later renamed Lesbian Feminist Circle

1974

  • Gay Liberation Front Victoria University of Wellington ends (Wellington)
  • Herstory Press is formed (Wellington)

March 1974

  • The Lesbian Club is formed (Wellington)

1 May 1975

  • Television current affairs: interview with Carmen Rupe (Wellington). Rupe talks candidly about prostitution, homosexual law reform and reveals that there are both gay and bisexual Members of Parliament. She would later have to apologise to Parliament's Privileges Committee. Tonight at Nine, ref TZP4412. This item has been digitised and an online viewing copy can be requested from the archive. Link: TVNZ

June 1975

  • The United Women's Convention is held (Wellington). An estimated 200 women attended the lesbian feminist workshop

April 1976

  • Diana Marvel Speaks magazine begins (Wellington). The magazine is published by a Radical Feminist Caucus including members of the Wellington Feminist Collective

8 August 1976

  • Gay Pride Week takes place, 8-14 August (Wellington). Activities attract nearly 300 people and receive media publicity. Link: Saliant

17 September 1976

  • Gay Liberation Wellington take part in an abortion march to mark Suffrage Day (Wellington). The group marches under the banner "Free Our Sisters - Free Ourselves". Link: Saliant

23 October 1976

  • The fifth National Gay Liberation Conference is held over Labour weekend (Wellington). The conference is promoted with the text: repeal all anti-homosexual laws; ban discrimination against gays! The conference takes place in the Student Union Building at Victoria University. Link: Salient

1977

  • National Gay Rights Coalition Resource Centre opens (Wellington). The Centre later becomes the Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre
  • The Amazons lesbian softball team is formed (Wellington)

January 1977

  • The Campaign to Oppose Persecution begins (Wellington). The campaign was in response to scandals involving allegations of homosexuality against Members of Parliament

April 1977

  • Lesbians Ignite Fire Brigade is formed (Wellington)

May 1977

  • Lesbians picket Parliament for the repeal of abortion laws (Wellington)
  • The Lesbian Club ends (Wellington)

1978

  • The social Victoria Club is formed (Wellington)

25 March 1978

  • The National Coalition for Gay Rights conference is held at Victoria University over the Easter weekend (Wellington). Workshops include gay welfare, coming out, older gays, gays outside the main centres, politics of being gay, gays and other minorities, sexism and sex stereotyping. The conference ended on Easter Sunday with a spontaneous march on Parliament. A marcher was quoted in Saliant magazine as saying "if you are discriminated against, you can't ever take a holiday from that discrimination.". Links: Salient (1), Salient (2), TVNZ

1979

  • Breathing Space, a coming-out group for lesbians is formed (Wellington)
  • Gay Switchboard is formed (Wellington)
  • The first Reclaim The Night march is held (Wellington)
  • The Gay Community Centre opens (Wellington). The Centre is located at 6 Boulcott Street. Link: LAGANZ
  • The Hecate Women's Health Collective opens (Wellington). The Collective is located at 6 Boulcott Street
  • The Women's Resource Centre opens (Wellington). The Centre is located at 6 Boulcott Street

15 April 1979

  • Ascent Wellington is formed for gay and lesbian Catholics (Wellington)

5 September 1979

1980

  • Gay Liberation Wellington ends (Wellington)
  • Herstory Press ends (Wellington)
  • Lesbian Liberation Week is held (Wellington)
  • Behind Enemy Lines newsletter begins (Wellington)

March 1980

  • The Lesbian Centre opens (Wellington). The Centre is located at 6 Boulcott Street

24 April 1980

  • Arthur Ball stabs Miles MacFarlane to death (Wellington). MacFarlane is a total stranger to Ball, who is later found not guilty on the grounds of insanity

25 April 1980

  • A group of lesbians attempt to augment an ANZAC Day service by carrying a coffin and laying a wreath in memory of women raped and killed in wartime (Wellington)

June 1980

  • A street-walk for lesbian visibility is held (Wellington)
  • Lesbians and gay men picket the Russian embassy to protest at the treatment of homosexuals in the USSR (Wellington)

July 1980

  • Mayor Michael Fowler stops a lesbian community notice being displayed on Wellington City Council buses (Wellington). Fowler objects to the notice that invites lesbians to "contact your local community"

7 July 1980

  • Lesbians and gays again picket the Russian embassy in protest at oppression in the USSR (Wellington)

September 1980

  • A group of lesbians join protests against the US nuclear-powered warship Truxtun (Wellington). The group holds a banner reading "Lesbian Activity Today Stops Radioactivity Tomorrow."

10 September 1980

  • Television news report: Wellington City Council refuses to allow a lesbian group to advertise on buses (Wellington). ref: TZP5053. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

16 September 1980

  • Arthur Ball is found not guilty of murdering Miles MacFarlane (on the grounds of insanity) (Wellington)

1 October 1980

  • Television news report: a Wellington lesbian group is not able to advertise on Wellington buses (Wellington). The Town Clerk said it may encourage vandalism, ref: TZP5006. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

3 October 1980

  • Television: Vice Squad seize copies of a "Salient" newspaper containing a comic about homosexuality (Wellington). ref: TZP4997. Victoria University student newspaper "Salient" had all its remaining copies seized by Wellington's Vice Squad, because it contained a comic strip about homosexuality. . Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

10 October 1980

  • 200 women take part in a lesbian march (Wellington). It is followed by a Lesbian Liberation Dance attended by 300 people

November 1980

  • Overnight Wellington City Council buses are covered in stickers promoting the Wellington Lesbian Centre (Wellington)

25 November 1980

  • Television news report: Elton John concert at Athletic Park (Wellington). This is John's third visit to Wellington, ref: TZP4787. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

27 November 1980

  • Television news report: Elton John concert causes crowd injuries (Wellington). Pyrotechnics caused nearly 70 people to be treated for eye irritations, ref: TZP4777. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

December 1980

  • Lesbians paste up anti-Christmas posters (Wellington). Posters appear in Wellington and Hastings

1981

  • The 9th National Gay Rights Conference is held (Wellington)
  • The Women's Place bookshop opens (Wellington). The bookshop is located in Cuba Street

January 1981

  • Gays and lesbians picket the office of the Human Rights Commission (Wellington)

6 February 1981

  • Lesbians carry a "Lesbians Oppose Racism" banner to protest Waitangi commemorations (Wellington)

30 March 1981

  • The Lesbian Gay Media Collective is formed (Wellington). The group produces New Zealand's first Lesbian and Gay radio programme during Pride 1981 for Wellington Access Radio. The group later merges with the Pink Triangle Publishing Collective in 1982

5 April 1981

  • The first broadcast of Wellington Access Radio (Wellington). Wellington Access Radio was the first community access radio station to broadcast regularly in New Zealand. The first broadcast featured the feminist show Leave Your Dishes in the Sink which is lesbian run and lesbian-oriented (although it wasn't explicitly stated)

25 April 1981

  • "Lesbian Liberation" is painted on a war memorial (Wellington)

28 June 1981

  • Possibly the first-ever (by/for/about) gay radio broadcast takes place (Wellington). The Gay Radio programme is broadcast on Wellington Access Radio - New Zealand's first community access radio station. It is produced as part of Gay Pride Week 1981. Link: PrideNZ.com

6 July 1981

22 April 1983

  • The Topp Twins perform at Circa Theatre (Wellington)

14 July 1983

  • Television: Fund to support men charged with homosexual offences set up in Wellington (Wellington). ref: TZP19316. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

22 November 1983

23 November 1983

24 November 1983

1984

  • The Lesbian Community Programme begins broadcasting weekly on Wellington Access Radio (Wellington). The programme is probably the longest running community radio braodcast in New Zealand

7 July 1984

  • MP Fran Wilde meets with members of the gay community to discuss law reform options (Wellington). Link: LAGANZ

1 September 1984

  • The Wellington Gay Task Force is formed (Wellington). The group is formed by John McDavitt, Bill Logan and others. Links: LAGANZ (1), LAGANZ (2)

October 1984

  • The media report that a non-hospitalised person with AIDS is living in Wellington (Wellington). Link: LAGANZ

8 November 1984

  • Television: David Hartnell promoting his book David Hartnell's Guide to Beauty (Wellington). ref: TZP12718. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

2 February 1985

  • Gay BC begins broadcasting a weekly programme on Wellington Access Radio (Wellington). The Gay Broadcasting Collective is formed to connect the community and advocate for homosexual law reform. Links: LAGANZ (1), LAGANZ (2)
  • Jeff Whittington is born (Wellington). Whittington was later murdered in Wellington by Jason Meads and Stephen Smith in May 1999. Link: Wikipedia

15 March 1985

  • Television: gay community of Wellington fearing climate of violence and prejudice ramped up by anti-reform campaigners (Wellington). ref: TZP12902. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

11 April 1985

  • Television news report: Norman Jones and fellow anti-reform petitioners clashes with gay activists (Wellington). ref: TZP13083. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

14 April 1985

  • A public debate is held on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill at the Wellington Town Hall (Wellington)

May 1985

  • A street march takes place to support homosexual law reform (Wellington)

6 May 1985

  • A lesbian and gay commemoration of the Holocaust is held on the steps of the National War Memorial (Wellington). Link: LAGANZ

17 May 1985

  • Television: Gay Task Force and Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child (SPUC) are accidentally given space at Wellington Show (Wellington). ref: TZP8646. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

21 May 1985

  • A rally in support of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill is held (Wellington). The rally is held in Wellington Town Hall, starting at 8pm. The rally is billed as "entertainment, speakers, and lots of fun". Link: Te Papa
  • The pro-homosexual law reform Bigot Busters rally is held at the Wellington Town Hall (Wellington). Links: PrideNZ.com, LAGANZ

24 May 1985

  • A march in support of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill takes place (Wellington). People are asked to assemble in Bunny Street at 6.30pm. Link: Te Papa
  • Television news report: protest march in support of Homosexual Law Reform Bill in Wellington (Wellington). ref: TZP12496. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

7 June 1985

  • Television news report: a women against pornography vigil is held at Parliament (Wellington). ref: TZP14596. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

11 July 1985

  • Television news report: Accidental Phantasies - a new play on the issue of pornography (Wellington). ref: TZP13372. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

24 July 1985

  • The media reports New Zealand's first locally-contracted case of AIDS (Wellington). The Health Department says the man from Wellington hadn't been overseas - but this is disputed by a Gay Task force spokesperson

30 August 1985

  • The national gay and lesbian Bigot Busters Conference is held (Wellington). Approximately 150 people attend the conference at Victoria University. Link: LAGANZ

11 September 1985

  • A picket in support of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill takes place (Wellington). The picket takes place at the Queen Victoria statue on Cambridge Terrace

13 September 1985

  • A march in support of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill takes place (Wellington). People assemble in Bunny Street at 6.30pm. They then walk along Lambton Quay. Some scuffles break out between marchers and anti-reform protesters. Link: Te Papa

24 September 1985

  • The Coalition of Concerned Citizens present an anti-homosexual law reform petition to Parliament (Wellington). The petition reportedly has 800,000 signatures, but this is later discredited. Link: Te Papa

March 1986

  • The first annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held (Wellington). According to Des Smith, one of the founders, the fair took place on either the 8th or 15th March 1986. The fair was promoted as "a fair for a fair law" which referred to homosexual law reform. The fair was generally held in the second week of March so that it didn't clash with Sydney's Mardi Gras

11 September 1986

  • The Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre is damaged by arson (Wellington). Links: LAGANZ (1), LAGANZ (2)

March 1987

  • Gay rights activists demonstrate against visiting evangelist Leighton Ford (Wellington)
  • The second annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held (Wellington). According to Des Smith, one of the founders, the fair was generally held in the second week of March so that it didn't clash with Sydney's Mardi Gras

11 April 1987

  • The Awhina Clinic opens (Wellington). The HIV/AIDS clinic is later renamed the Awhina Centre

May 1987

  • Glad Rag magazine begins publication (Wellington)

August 1987

  • Wellington City Council grants same-sex partners of bus-drivers the same free travel passes as opposite-sex partners (Wellington)

18 November 1987

  • Television news report: a Wellington surgeon says he has the right to refuse to treat a patient suspected of having AIDS (Wellington). Draft guidelines have been earlier sent out 5,000 doctors around the country. Eyewitness news, ref F90570. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

1988

  • The Dorian Society ends (Wellington)

March 1988

  • The third annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held (Wellington). According to Des Smith, one of the founders, the fair was generally held in the second week of March so that it didn't clash with Sydney's Mardi Gras

October 1988

  • New Zealand Prostitutes Collective opens its first community base (Wellington). Located at 282 Cuba Street Wellington, the venue also became the location for the first needle exchange in Wellington and the National People Living with AIDs Union (1989-ca.1994). The Collective was based at 282 until 1994 when the building was sold

31 October 1988

  • Peter Cuthbert dies (Wellington). Cuthbert is remembered in the first panel of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt. Link: NZ AIDS Memorial Quilt

1 December 1988

  • The New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt is launched on World AIDS Day (Wellington). Inspired by the NAMES Project, the New Zealand quilt is established by the People With AIDS Collective. The first panel is presented by Daniel Fielding for his partner Peter Cuthbert who had died in October 1988. Link: NZ AIDS Memorial Quilt

1989

  • The Gay and Lesbian Community Centre opens (Wellington). The Centre utilises space at the Evergreen Coffee Lounge
  • The Women's Place bookshop closes (Wellington)

24 February 1989

  • The Lesbian Club ends (Wellington). The Club ends for the third time

March 1989

  • The fourth annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held (Wellington). According to Des Smith, one of the founders, the fair was generally held in the second week of March so that it didn't clash with Sydney's Mardi Gras

13 March 1989

  • Lesbian and gay visibility week takes place (Wellington)

21 March 1989

24 March 1989

13 May 1989

  • The Young Lesbian and Gay Festival is held in Newtown School Hall (Wellington)

2 June 1989

  • Singer Judy Small performs at St Patricks Hall (Wellington)

3 November 1989

  • A national hui for Maori Lesbians is held (Wellington). The hui takes place at Tapu Te Ranga Marae

March 1990

  • The fifth annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held (Wellington). According to Des Smith, one of the founders, the fair was generally held in the second week of March so that it didn't clash with Sydney's Mardi Gras

20 May 1990

  • A will making workshop for lesbians is held (Wellington)

21 May 1990

  • An AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held in the foyer of the Beehive, Parliament (Wellington). The service features Sir Paul Reeves - the first patron of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, MP Fran Wilde, plus five panels of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

22 June 1990

  • The Gay Community Centre closes (Wellington)

1991

  • The Ever so slightly naughty Gay BC cookbook is published (Wellington). The book is published by the Gay Broadcasting Collective (Gay BC) who have a weekly programme on Wellington Access Radio

March 1991

  • The sixth annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held (Wellington). According to Des Smith, one of the founders, the fair was generally held in the second week of March so that it didn't clash with Sydney's Mardi Gras

25 August 1991

  • Singer Sue Dunlop performs at the North by Northwest cafe (Wellington). Dunlop's performance includes Better than normal

9 November 1991

  • Heather McPherson launches Other World Relations at Unity Books (Wellington)

7 December 1991

  • The first Devotion dance party is held (Wellington). The party is held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Tickets cost $20-$25. The party was headlined by DJ Clinton Smiley, aka Jason Harding. Link: Stuff.co.nz

14 December 1991

  • The Bring and Buy lesbian fair is held (Wellington)

21 December 1991

  • The Dominion Dance is held at the Dominion Hotel (Wellington). The dance is organised by Dykes Out Of Debt (DOODS)

1992

  • The Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand (LAGANZ) trust is established (Wellington). The initial core of the collections goes back to an initiative of the National Gay Rights Coalition in 1977. It developed into a research library and archives known as the Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre which was placed in the care of a trust in 1984. In 1988, to ensure the collections a secure home, the trustees made an agreement with the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington for their permanent accommodation. Link: LAGANZ
  • A pink book : a collection of readings on aspects of EEO and gay men by Phil Parkinson is published (Wellington)

March 1992

  • The seventh annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held (Wellington). According to Des Smith, one of the founders, the fair was generally held in the second week of March so that it didn't clash with Sydney's Mardi Gras

21 November 1992

  • The second Devotion dance party is held (Wellington). The party is held at Shed 26 on the waterfront and includes a merry-go-round. Link: GayNZ.net

23 May 1993

  • Beacons of Hope is held at Frank Kitts Park (Wellington). Beacons of Hope is held as part of the 10th International AIDS Memorial commemorations. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Wellington members of the New Zealand Youth Choir perform at Frank Kitts Park. The event begins at 7pm and includes people carrying flaming torches representing those that have passed away. Links: Archives New Zealand, New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

November 1993

  • Devotion: a lesbian and gay celebration is published (Wellington). It's published by Sprung! Productions and Caspers

22 November 1993

  • The Look Out! Gaze In exhibition of gay men's art opens (Wellington). The exhibition was held in a Wellington City Council building in Civic Square next to the present Public Relations Office. The exhibition was part of the Devotion festival. Link: National Library

24 November 1993

  • The Homophony concert takes place (Wellington). The concert at St Andrew's was part of the Devotion festival, and was organised by Matthew Soeburg and Gareth Farr. It featured Soeburg on the piano. Link: National Library

27 November 1993

  • The third Devotion dance party is held (Wellington). The party is held at Shed 21 on the waterfront. (Note there was no Devotion party held in 1994). Link: GayNZ.net
  • The Love Parade is held as part of the Devotion festival (Wellington). People gather for the parade in Civic Square. Link: National Library

28 November 1993

  • Artist Arthur Tauhore dies (Wellington). The Devotion dance party was happening in Wellington at the time Tauhore passed away. Link: NZ AIDS Memorial Quilt

January 1994

  • Buddies - New Zealand's first gay massage parlour opens (Wellington)

17 September 1994

  • The Lesbian Information, Library and Archives Centre (LILAC) opens (Wellington). The Centre is for women-oriented women and holds the largest accessible collection of lesbian books and other materials in New Zealand. Link: LILAC

28 September 1994

1995

  • The first annual Out Takes film festival takes place (Wellington). The festival was held at the Paramount Theatre. Link: Out Takes

1 January 1995

  • Dancer Warren Douglas dies (Wellington). The Warren Douglas Scholarship Fund was subsequently established in May 1995 to help those who wanted to make the transition from performer to arts administrator, as he had done. Douglas is remembered on the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt. Links: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt, Warren Douglas Scholarship Fund

4 February 1995

  • The fourth Devotion dance party is held at Civic Square and the Wellington Town Hall (Wellington). (note there was no Devotion party held in 1994). Link: GayNZ.net

18 March 1995

  • The tenth annual Gay and Lesbian Fair is held (Wellington)

19 May 1995

  • The second National Lesbian Studies Conference takes place (Wellington). The conference takes place at the Student Union Building at Victoria University. It runs from the 19-21 May. One of the things to come out of the conference was the group Lesbians on the Land. Links: Queer History NZ, QNA

26 May 1995

  • Poor Superman by Brad Fraser opens at Circa Theatre (Wellington). Link: National Library

October 1995

  • Gays and Lesbians in University Employment at Victoria University of Wellington (GLUE-VUW) is established (Wellington). The group is set up by Victoria University staff. Link: NZ.com

11 October 1995

  • A coming out party is held to celebrate National Coming Out Day (Wellington). The party is held at the National Library of New Zealand and organised by the National Library Lesbian and Gay Network, and the Friends of the Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand (LAGANZ). The party starts at 5.30pm. Links: NZ.com, Wikipedia

21 October 1995

  • The Riding the Rainbow conference takes place (Wellington). The Pink Health conference focuses on lesbian and gay health and is held at the Wellington College of Education. Speakers include Raz Bloomfield and Neville Creighton. Link: NZ.com

9 December 1995

  • The controversial Robert Mapplethorpe Retrospective exhibition shows at the City Gallery Wellington (Wellington). City Gallery Director Paula Savage said "His work documents a pre-AIDS era in New York when homosexuality was given a social acceptability unseen for decades, perhaps centuries, and gay cultural blossomed." The exhibition runs from 9 December 1995 - 20 February 1996. Links: NZ.com, Wikipedia, City Gallery

19 January 1996

  • The play Eugenia premieres at Taki Rua Depot Theatre (Wellington). Eugenia is written and stars Lorae Parry. It's based on the life of Eugenia Falleni. Link: Wikipedia

10 February 1996

  • The fifth Devotion dance party is held at Shed 6/Queen's Wharf Events Centre (Wellington). Link: Stuff.co.nz

22 February 1996

  • The Gay Association of Professionals (GAP) is formed in Wellington (Wellington). The Association changes its name to Rainbow Wellington in the mid-2000s. Links: Queer History NZ, LAGANZ

6 July 1996

  • The Gays and Lesbians Everywhere in Education (GLEE) National conference is held (Wellington). The theme of the conference is: empowering lesbians and gays in education. Links: NZ.com (1), NZ.com (2)

8 March 1997

  • The Devotion dance party is held at Wellington Town Hall and Civic Square (Wellington). Link: Stuff.co.nz
  • The Devotion parade is held through the inner city on Devotion day (Wellington). The parade started at 12:30pm at Chaffers Park. It then moved around into Courtenay Place, through the centre of town, ending at Civic Square. A group of fundamentalist Christians protested along the parade route. Link: National Library

26 March 1997

  • The Awhina Centre at 35 Mein Street, Newtown is badly damaged by a suspected arson (Wellington). The Centre moves to 45 Tory Street

13 April 1997

  • Alyson Murrie-West is licensed as a Presbyterian minister at St Andrews-on-the-Terrace (Wellington)

7 May 1997

  • The Intersex Society of New Zealand is launched (Wellington). The Society is launched by the Minister of Health Hon. Annette King at a function in the Council Chamber at Victoria University. The Society subsequently became a Charitable Trust on 26 March 1998. Link: ITANZ (pdf)

14 February 1998

  • The dance party Sprung at Devotion is held (Wellington). The party is held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. It followed on from the earlier Devotion dance parties of the 1990s. Link: Stuff.co.nz

March 1998

  • The 13th annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held (Wellington)

5 March 1998

  • Cabaret artist Mika donates a personal collection of materials to LAGANZ (Wellington). A ceremony is held in the National Library Auditorium. The collection consists of manuscripts and typescripts from Mika's shows, audio and video recordings, posters, photographs, personal memorabilia and curiosities. There are also props and costumes from the cabarets, such as Carmen's costume jewelry and "Carmen's aerobics leotards" press kits. Link: LAGANZ

27 April 1998

  • Anti-homosexual stickers are distributed across Victoria University campus (Wellington). Salient magazine reports that at least a dozen commercially produced stickers which describe homosexuality as shameful and unnatural have been distributed across campus, one targeting Shane Town who had recently completed his PhD research on the difficulties faced by young gay men in New Zealand's secondary schools

5 December 1998

  • The Awhina World AIDS Day variety concert is held (Wellington). The concert takes place in Soundings Theatre at Te Papa, with funds raised going to the Awhina Centre. Link: Te Papa

9 May 1999

  • Teenager Jeff Whittington dies (Wellington). Whittington was murdered in Wellington by Jason Meads and Stephen Smith. Link: Wikipedia

3 December 1999

  • Jason Meads and Stephen Smith are found guilty of murdering teenager Jeff Whittington (Wellington). Link: Wikipedia

6 June 2001

  • Composer Douglas Lilburn dies (Wellington). Lilburn, described as the "grandfather of New Zealand music," dies peacefully at his home in Wellington. Lilburn was a composer, teacher, philanthropist and advocate for social justice. Link: Te Ara

22 February 2002

  • The Minister of Health Annette King opens the new Awhina Centre (Wellington). The Awhina Centre is the New Zealand AIDS Foundation's Wellington Regional Office. Link: Beehive.govt.nz

11 August 2002

  • GayNZ.com reports that Newtown Primary School has declined to host future Gay and Lesbian Fairs (Wellington). The fair had utilized the venue for the last 17 years. Link: GayNZ.com

11 September 2002

  • Newtown Primary School withdraws support for next years Wellington Gay and Lesbian Fair. (Wellington). The school declines a request for the school hall to be used for what would have been the 18th fair at the site. Link: Gay NZ

17 October 2002

  • The Jimmy hosts a farewell event for people going to the Gay Games in Sydney. (Wellington). Link: Gay NZ

31 October 2002

  • GayNZ.com reports that the Newtown School Board will now allow the Gay and Lesbian Fair to take place at the school (Wellington). The school had previously declined a request to hold the annual fair at the school (something which had occurred for the last 17 years). Link: GayNZ.com

5 November 2002

  • Chrissy Witoko dies (Wellington). Witoko owned (among other businesses) the Evergreen Coffee Lounge in Wellington. Links: Friends of Chrissy, Te Papa

15 February 2003

  • The Outlines conference takes place (Wellington). The conference is about lesbian and gay history in Aotearoa. Link: LAGANZ

12 March 2003

  • An advert from Wellington City Council supports the annual Gay and Lesbian Fair (Wellington). Published in Capital Times, the text reads "Wellington City Council is proud to support the Gay and Lesbian Fair. Best Wishes Kerry [Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington]."

15 March 2003

  • The 18th Gay and Lesbian Fair takes place at Newtown School (Wellington). Link: GayNZ.com

13 March 2004

  • The 19th Gay and Lesbian Fair takes place at Newtown School (Wellington). This year the fair is organised by the Gay Association of Professionals (GAP). Link: GayNZ.com

23 August 2004

  • Destiny Church's Enough is Enough march takes place (Wellington). Followers of Destiny Church march from Civic Square, down Willis Street, Lambton Quay to the steps of Parliament. Links: GayNZ.com, NZ Herald

25 August 2004

  • The Dominion Post publishes a Tom Scott cartoon mocking the Enough is Enough march (Wellington). The text on the cartoon reads "I know this is not the right place or time, Kev, but you're really hot in those black pants". Link: Alexander Turnbull Library

12 March 2005

  • The 20th Gay and Lesbian Fair takes place at Newton School (Wellington). The fair includes the cutting of a civil union cake, celebrating the upcoming passing into law (next week) of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005. This year the fair was organised by the Gay Association of Professionals (GAP). Link: GayNZ.com

4 June 2005

  • The fundraising Black and White Ball is held (Wellington). The event takes place at Pipitea Marae in honour of the late Chrissy Witoko. Attendees include Frankie Stevens, Carmen, Mayor Kerry Prendergast, Hon Marian Hobbs, MPs Tim Barnett and Georgina Beyer. Links: Friends of Chrissy (1), Friends of Chrissy (2)

5 October 2005

  • Justin Dalley is found not guilty of criminal nuisance (Wellington). Dalley used a condom during sex with a woman but didn't tell her of his HIV-positive status. It is the first time in New Zealand that anyone is charged with criminal nuisance following protected sexual intercourse. The case set a significant legal precedent: that HIV-positive people can choose not to tell sexual partners about their HIV status, as long as they wear a condom. Link: NZ Herald
  • Television news reports: Justin Dalley is found not guilty of criminal nuisance (Wellington). One news, ref F89515 and TV3 news, ref F89517. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision (1)

15 October 2005

  • Daniel Fielding dies (Wellington). Fielding helped establish the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt project in December 1988. Links: GayNZ.com, Tributes Online

11 March 2006

  • The 21st Gay and Lesbian Fair is held at Newtown School (Wellington). This year the fair was organised by the Gay Association of Professionals (GAP). Link: GayNZ.com

7 October 2006

  • Carmen Rupe's 70th birthday party is held at the Boatshed, Wellington (Wellington)

10 October 2006

  • Carmen Rupe visits Parliament on her 70th birthday (Wellington). 32 years earlier Carmen had been brought before Parliament's Privileges committee because she had suggested there were gay and bisexual MPs

1 December 2006

  • A conference to mark the 20th anniversary of homosexual law reform is held (Wellington). The 20 Years On - Homosexual Law Reform Conference is hosted by LAGANZ at the National Library. Link: LAGANZ

10 March 2007

  • The 22nd Gay and Lesbian Fair takes place at Newtown School (Wellington). This year the fair was organised by Rainbow Wellington - formerly the Gay Association of Professionals (GAP). Link: GayNZ.com

20 May 2007

  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held (Wellington)

13 February 2008

  • The Awhina Centre opens at Level 1, 187 Willis Street (Wellington)

1 March 2008

  • Out in the Square takes place (Wellington). Out in the Square grew out of the Gay and Lesbian Fair which had been run annually in Wellington since 1985. The fair changed its name in 2008 from the Gay and Lesbian Fair to be more inclusive. Links: GayNZ.com, Wikipedia

12 March 2011

  • Queen of the Whole Universe (a slightly queer beauty pageant) takes place at the Opera House (Wellington). Link: Scoop

20 October 2011

  • Around 200 people march on parliament campaigning for gay marriage and adoption. (Wellington). The march was part of the LegaliseLove campaign. Link: GayNZ

29 October 2011

  • Frank Lund (a.k.a. Toni Roget) dies (Wellington). Frankie was a female impersonator who created elaborate outfits (a number of them now are held by Te Papa)

19 April 2012

  • Johnny Croskery dies (Wellington). Croskery was a female impersonator, volunteer and activist. Link: Tapatoru

7 July 2012

  • Hui Putahi is held at Tapu te Ranga Marae (Wellington). The hui runs from 7-10 July. Link: PrideNZ.com

30 November 2012

  • Former MP Katherine O'Regan apologies for not including transgender people in the anti-discrimination measures of the Human Rights Act 1993 (Wellington). Link: PrideNZ.com

31 August 2013

  • A quiz night raises $1,500 for the new Body Positive office in Wellington. (Wellington). Link: Gay NZ

10 September 2013

  • A tour of Archives New Zealand is held as part of the inaugural Queer Heritage Month. (Wellington). The tour is organised by the Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand. Link: Gay Express

28 September 2013

  • A tour of Archives New Zealand is held as part of the inaugural Queer Heritage Month. (Wellington). Link: Gay Express

11 October 2013

  • The Beyond conference takes place (Wellington). The conference is organised by the Queer Avengers (Wellington) and aims to address the lived experiences of queer/trans people in relation to identity, race, disability, the media, healthcare, parenting, education and imprisonment (among others). Link: PrideNZ.com

26 October 2013

  • Dramatist and performer Paul Jenden dies (Wellington). Jenden was a lyricist, writer and choreographer of numerous New Zealand productions. Links: GayNZ.com, Stuff

7 May 2015

  • Composer Jack Body receives the Icon Award - the Arts Foundation of New Zealand's highest honour (Wellington). The ceremony takes place at Mary Potter Hospice. Body dies three days later after a long battle with cancer. Links: SOUNZ, Wikipedia

10 May 2015

  • Composer Jack Body dies (Wellington). Link: Wikipedia

22 January 2016

  • Trans Prisoner Day of Action is marked (Wellington). Link: Indy Media

11 March 2016

  • The first ever intersex workshop is held in New Zealand (Wellington). Link: PrideNZ.com

22 April 2016

  • Shift hui takes place (Wellington). The annual hui is organised by InsideOUT and is for young people of diverse sexualities, sexes and genders. The hui takes place at Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Island Bay. Link: PrideNZ.com

6 July 2016

  • The rainbow flag is flown for the first time at Parliament (Wellington). The rainbow flag is flown for the first time on the forecourt of Parliament to mark the 30th anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform

17 May 2017

  • The rainbow flag is flown at Parliament to mark IDAHOBIT (Wellington). The rainbow flag is flown for the second time at Parliament to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and Intersexphobia (the first time the flag flew was on 6 July 2016 to mark the 30th anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform)

21 May 2017

  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorial service is held at Tararua Tramping Club (Wellington). This is one of only two memorial services held in New Zealand. Link: PrideNZ

16 June 2017

  • LGBTI rainbow advocate Aaron Fleming receives a Blake Leader Award from the Sir Peter Blake Trust (Wellington). The award was presented to Fleming by the Governor General Her Excellency Dame Patsy Reddy at Government House in Wellington. Link: Stuff
  • Purple Onion - a dance work inspired by the drag venue - is performed by Le Moana at the Hannah Playhouse (Wellington). The dance work had two performances - Friday and Saturday night at 9.30pm. Link: Stuff

28 October 2017

  • Aunty Danas Op Shop opens (Wellington). The shop is located in the community centre at 128 Abel Smith Street. The shop raises funds for the national takataapui, transgender, and intersex organisation Gender Minorities Aotearoa. Link: Aunty Danas

11 February 2018

  • Zena Campbell dies (Wellington). Campbell is found in a car in Aro Valley. Her partner was subsequently accused of murder, but the judge dismissed the charge on the day the High Court trial was due to start (12 February 2019). A pathologist said the death was "likely due to methadone and alcohol toxicity, or neck compression or some combination of the two.". Link: Stuff

12 February 2018

  • Dana de Milo dies (Wellington). Link: Facebook

24 February 2018

  • The Wellington Pride Festival Tu Whakahihi e Te Whanganui-a-Tara takes place (Wellington). The festival begins with Out in the Park and runs until 10 March. Links: Wellington Pride Festival, PrideNZ.com

9 March 2018

  • Wellington Mayor Justin Lester announces a Rainbow Crossing on Cuba/Dixon Streets as part of a new rainbow precinct (Wellington). The pedestrian crossing is due to be unveiled in the middle of 2018. Links: PrideNZ.com, Stuff

10 March 2018

  • The Wellington International Pride Parade takes place (Wellington). The parade begins at 7pm in Tennyson Street, moves into Cambridge Terrace, then through Courtenay Place until turning at Taranaki Street towards the waterfront. Link: PrideNZ.com

20 March 2018

  • A vigil is held for Zena Campbell who died on 11 February 2018 (Wellington). The vigil was organised by Bella Simpson and held in Civic Square. Link: PrideNZ.com
  • The outside of the Michael Fowler Centre is lit in blue, pink and white lights in memory of Zena Campbell (Wellington). Wellington Mayor Justin Lester wrote on his Facebook page "We're standing side by side, shoulder to shoulder with the pride and trans community.". Link: PrideNZ

26 March 2018

  • The Topp Twins: an exhibition for New Zealand is launched at the National Library (Wellington). The exhibition runs from the 27 March 2018 - 22 September 2018. Link: PrideNZ.com

9 April 2018

  • Award-winning hairdresser Derek Elvy dies (Wellington). Link: Stuff

17 May 2018

  • The transgender, bisexual, intersex and rainbow flags are flown at Parliament (Wellington). The flags are flown to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This is also the first time in the world where the intersex flag has been flown in front of the seat of government. Links: PrideNZ.com, Human Rights Commission, Stuff.co.nz

23 July 2018

  • UniQ Victoria pride week takes place (Wellington)

9 September 2018

  • Activist Chelsea Manning holds a speaking engagement at the Embassy Theatre (Wellington). Manning is interviewed by Georgina Beyer. Manning toured both Australia and New Zealand. Links: Stuff.co.nz, Think Inc

10 October 2018

  • Wellington's rainbow crossing is launched (Wellington). The crossing on lower Cuba Street is New Zealand's second rainbow crossing (the first being in Queenstown). Link: Stuff.co.nz

12 February 2019

  • A judge dismisses the murder charge against the partner of Zena Campbell (Wellington). Campbell's body was found in a car in Aro Valley on 11 February 2018. Her partner was subsequently accused of murder, but the judge dismissed the charge on the day the High Court trial was due to start. A pathologist said the death was "likely due to methadone and alcohol toxicity, or neck compression or some combination of the two.". Link: Stuff.co.nz

8 March 2019

  • Wellington Pride Festival takes place (Wellington). The festival runs from the 8 March - 24 March. To date, it is the largest Pride festival the city has seen with 128 events. Links: PrideNZ.com, Wellington Pride Festival

16 March 2019

  • Out in the Park and the Pride Hikoi are cancelled following the Christchurch mosque massacres (Wellington). The Wellington International Pride Parade is also postponed indefinitely. Link: NZ Herald

17 March 2019

  • A Pride church service takes place at St Andrews on the Terrace (Wellington). Rev Dr Susan Jones reflects on Pride and the Christchurch massacre. The service happens less than 48-hours after the massacre of 51 people at two Christchurch mosques. Link: PrideNZ.com

18 March 2019

  • The ILGA World Conference takes place (Wellington). The conference marks the 40th anniversary of ILGA, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York. This is the first time the World Conference is held in Oceania. Link: IGLA conference
  • The Lesbian Community Radio Programme changes its name to the acronym QUILTED BANANAS (Wellington). The acronym stands for "Queer, Intersectional, Intersex, Lesbian, Takataapui, Trans, Enby (non-binary), Diverse ... Bisexual, Asexual, and Nanas (because a lot of us also identify as nanas). As a metaphor, the name QUILTED BANANAS is about celebrating all the slippery overlaps these communities can have, and how finding your identity within them can be as messy - but also as fun - as trying to quilt with bananas.". Link: Facebook

7 April 2019

  • Historian Gavin McLean dies (Wellington)

11 May 2019

  • The Wellington International Pride Parade takes place (Wellington). The parade was originally meant to take place on 16 March 2019, but after the Christchurch terror attacks on the 15th March, it was moved to 11 May. Links: PrideNZ, WIPP

20 March 2020

  • Sex-on-site venue Checkmate closes due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Wellington). The venue re-opens on 22 June 2020

9 April 2020

  • Former Vice Squad Detective Trevor Morley dies (Wellington). Link: PrideNZ.com

22 June 2020

  • Sex-on-site venue Checkmate re-opens (Wellington). The venue had closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but re-opened after New Zealand returned to Alert Level 1
URL:http://www.pridenz.com/timeline/wellington.html