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| irn | 8086 |
| master_filename | 001035_MIX_vinegar_hill_darby_bracken.wav |
| master_md5 | 496E528A8279896A8063BBDF5C0BAA30 |
| master_duration | 6:02 |
| master_sample_rate | 44.1 kHz |
| master_bit_depth | 16 bit |
| master_channels | 1 |
| media_reference | 001035 |
| media_source | PrideNZ.com |
| copyright_position | In copyright |
| copyright_ownership | Gareth Watkins (PrideNZ.com) |
| copyright_ownership_note | |
| submitted_to_nlnz | 25-02-2026 |
| public_url | https://www.pridenz.com/vinegar_hill_darby_bracken.html |
| meta_url | https://www.pridenz.com/data/media/meta/8086.html |
| plain_text_url | https://www.pridenz.com/plaintext/vinegar_hill_darby_bracken.txt |
| production_date | 29-12-2025 |
| production_day | 29 |
| production_month | 12 |
| production_year | 2025 |
| recording_type | Interview |
| series | Vinegar Hill |
| sub_series | |
| title | Vinegar Hill - Darby Bracken |
| description | Will Hansen talks to Darby Bracken about camping at Vinegar Hill. |
| summary_computer_generated | In conversation with interviewer Will Hansen, Darby Bracken reflects on attending Vinegar Hill for the first time in 2025, describing the emotional impact of arrival, the experience of queer camping community in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the deep importance of belonging after many years living in the south. Awareness of Vinegar Hill stretches back many years, with earlier near visits that never quite eventuated. After fifteen years living and working across Southland, Otago and Fiordland, a move north for employment created the opportunity to finally attend. Arrival on 27 December marked a long anticipated first experience for Darby of this iconic rainbow gathering. Driving into the site proved unexpectedly emotional for Darby. Passing over the bridge and through the bush tunnel before emerging onto the open flats created a sense of transition. The visual impact of flags, tents, vehicles and people spread across the grasslands felt overwhelming in the best way. In small town and remote New Zealand, visible rainbow symbols can be rare. Seeing an entire landscape filled with queer flags and openly LGBTQIA+ campers generated what Darby describes as “sweaty eyes” and a surge of feeling. The realisation that this was a whole space belonging to queer people carried significant weight. The layout of the camp itself adds to the atmosphere. After turning off the road and crossing the bridge, the bush corridor opens into a large green area divided informally into different sections, including what is colloquially known as the gay side. Across the flats, colour dominates, with rainbow flags and other queer symbols flying above campsites. The scale of the gathering surprised Darby. Initial expectations of a small group of a few dozen people gave way to the reality of hundreds. The camp feels expansive, almost magical in size, with new faces constantly appearing. Life at Vinegar Hill quickly settled into a relaxed rhythm. Days have included resting in a hammock, cruising around the grounds, reconnecting with acquaintances and meeting many new people. River tubing provided adventure and laughter. Participation in organised activities such as a murder mystery event added structured fun, while informal socialising created ongoing connection. Even simple routines like sitting at a central table with a coffee and striking up conversation demonstrate the openness of the community. The campsite itself reflects a preference for simplicity and comfort. Positioned at the far end of the gay section, slightly elevated above the river and surrounded by willows and trees, the site offers shade even during hot weather. A gazebo set against a vehicle, fairy lights for atmosphere, a seat and a hammock create a cosy retreat. Sleeping in a car keeps arrangements straightforward for Darby. Observing the diversity of camping styles across the hill, from elaborate caravans to minimal pop up tents, adds to the sense of creative expression within the gathering. One of the most striking aspects of Vinegar Hill is the sheer number of people present. For someone accustomed to rural and remote communities, the density of queer campers feels extraordinary. Yet despite the numbers, friendliness prevails. Greetings of kia ora and good morning are common. Smiles are easy. There is a sense that even strangers share common ground. Dogs roaming between campsites add further warmth and delight. Weather challenges, including rain and forecast wind, form part of the experience. Concerns about sleeping under trees during gale force conditions sit alongside acceptance that weather cannot be controlled. Even with damp and chill in the air, departure holds little appeal. The reason for staying extends beyond events or scenery. At the core of this interview lies a powerful reflection on community. After fifteen years in Southland surrounded by friends and family, Darby distinguishes between friendship and community. Moving north, including to the wider Wellington region, was motivated partly by a search for deeper connection. Vinegar Hill provides tangible evidence of what community feels like. People look out for one another. Shared identity under the rainbow umbrella creates immediate understanding. Even without prior acquaintance, there is recognition and solidarity. Age brings heightened awareness of the necessity of connection. The interview expresses a clear realisation that life cannot be navigated alone. Queer community spaces such as Vinegar Hill offer more than entertainment. They provide belonging, safety, visibility and shared resilience. In a country where rural isolation can limit LGBTQIA+ visibility, the hill stands as a vivid counterpoint: a temporary village filled with colour, conversation and mutual care. |
| interviewer | Will Hansen |
| voices | Darby Bracken |
| tags | queer; 2020s; camping; Vinegar Hill / Putai Ngahere Domain; Aotearoa New Zealand; Kapiti Coast District; Manawatū; Manawatū-Whanganui; Wellington; Darby Bracken |
| tags_computer_generated | gay; family; straight; cruising; friends; community; murder; cars; camp; rainbow; Otago; Stuff; fun; walking; other; flags; work; fairy; sleep; Job; God; coffee; Space; Rainbow flag; People; Events; time; wind; Wellington region; seat; bonfire; tent |
| location_name | Vinegar Hill / Putai Ngahere Domain |
| location | |
| broader_location | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| location_lat | -39.933526246606284 |
| location_long | 175.6397045706399 |
| precise_locality | false |