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Timeline: 1990s

1990

  • Television feature: AIDS babies - somebody's child (New Zealand). Interviewees incldue Warren Lindberg and Dr Elizabeth Kubler Ross. AIDS babies - somebody's child, ref F21288. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision
  • Television feature: Lew Pryme - welcome to my world (New Zealand). Pryme died from AIDS related complications on 23 April 1990. Interviewees include Midge Marsden, Tina Cross, Grahame Thorn, Mark Williams, Sally Metzger and Grant Fox. Ref F34485. Links: NZ On Screen, Nga Taonga Sound & Vision

24 January 1990

  • Expatriate New Zealander Richard Johnson is murdered by a gang of youths (Sydney, Australia)

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

1 March 1990

9 March 1990

3 April 1990

11 April 1990

13 April 1990

  • New Zealand's first Bisexual conference is held (Wellington). The conference is held 13-15 April in Newtown, Wellington

23 April 1990

26 April 1990

2 May 1990

7 May 1990

11 May 1990

15 May 1990

17 May 1990

18 May 1990

20 May 1990

  • A will making workshop for lesbians is held (Wellington)
  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorials are held (New Zealand)

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

29 May 1990

2 June 1990

  • A lesbian gathering and conference is held (Christchurch)

5 June 1990

22 June 1990

  • The Gay Community Centre closes (Wellington)

29 June 1990

2 July 1990

17 July 1990

24 July 1990

1 August 1990

8 August 1990

18 August 1990

  • A lesbian ball is held (Auckland)

27 August 1990

28 August 1990

31 August 1990

September 1990

  • Pink Triangle magazine ends (New Zealand). The magazine was published by the National Gay Rights Coalition. It was an important source of news and feature articles and was distributed nationally. The first issue was published on 14 May 1979. Link: Auckland Museum

1 September 1990

6 September 1990

14 September 1990

18 September 1990

2 November 1990

6 November 1990

1 December 1990

14 December 1990

  • Television news report: working with AIDS babies in Romania (New Zealand). Interviewee Robyn Beckerleg. Holmes, ref F102458. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision

23 December 1990

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
  • The Shining City by Stevan Eldred-Grigg is published (New Zealand)

27 January 1991

  • A write-in for human rights takes place (Wellington). The event is organised by Queer Planet and takes place at the Victoria Club, above the Grain of Salt in Oriental Bay. An advert for the event reads "Join in writing to the select committee considering the amendments to the Human Rights Act. Add your voice through a group submission and/or your own letter." The event runs from 3-6pm

18 February 1991

14 March 1991

16 March 1991

  • The sixth annual Wellington Lesbian and Gay Fair is held in the Newtown School Hall (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. Link: Paul Duncan video

7 April 1991

  • Television current affairs: documentary about a sex worker who is HIV+ (Australia). 60 minutes, ref F103607. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision

9 April 1991

13 April 1991

14 April 1991

15 April 1991

  • Alex Mihailovic and Dean Howard are convicted of the murder of Richard Johnson (Sydney, Australia). Mihailovic and Howard were part of a gang of youths convicted of the murder of the New Zealander in Sydney

10 May 1991

  • Television news report: a Christchurch philanthropist offers refunds on empty packets of condoms (Christchurch). Michael Sherry wants to promote safe sex by offering refunds on empty packets of condoms. Nightline, ref F104366. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision

19 May 1991

20 May 1991

25 May 1991

  • Television item (Otago region). Network News, ref: TZP67889. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television news report: unexpected consequences after actor plays the part of a man with AIDS (New Zealand). Actor Patrick Davies' friends and family thought he had AIDS after media reports about the theatre production. One Network News, ref F104476. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

5 June 1991

6 June 1991

  • Television news report: the first 10 years of AIDS (New Zealand). Interviewees include Dr Rod Ellis-Pegler and Darren Horn. TV3 news, ref F104658. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

13 June 1991

14 June 1991

19 June 1991

25 June 1991

  • Television news report: Eve van Grafhorst makes it to Disneyland (New Zealand). Nightline, ref F105192. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

26 June 1991

  • Man to Man publication begins (New Zealand). It starts out as a 4-page pamphlet but by mid 1995 it has grown into a fully-fledged newspaper called Express. In 2014 Express changes to a monthly magazine format with accompanying website. Links: National Library, Gay Express

27 June 1991

7 July 1991

10 July 1991

18 July 1991

23 July 1991

25 July 1991

26 July 1991

6 August 1991

12 August 1991

18 August 1991

  • A television debate is broadcast on whether there should be ordained homosexual ministers in the Christian Church (New Zealand). The debate was broadcast on TV1
  • Television item (New Zealand). Tagata Pasifika, ref: TZP75359. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

25 August 1991

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

3 September 1991

  • Television news report: condom sales are dropping (New Zealand). Interviewees include Margaret Durden, Margaret Sparrow, Krista Blake and Adie Davis. TV3 news, ref F105875. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision

17 September 1991

  • Television news report: Hollywood stars raise money for AIDS research (United States of America). TV3 news, ref F106019. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision

4 October 1991

  • HIV Alive '91 is held (Auckland). The two week event includes specialist workshops, seminars, celebrations and fundraisers. It also includes the first public unveiling of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

5 October 1991

  • The first unveiling of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt is held (Auckland). The first unveiling is held as part of the HIV Alive '99 event. 88 Australian and New Zealand quilt panels are displayed at the Auckland City Art Gallery. In the three months leading up to the event the number of New Zealand quilt panels had grown from 8 to 32. Soon after the gallery showing, the quilt panels were displayed at the Aotea Centre. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

14 October 1991

25 October 1991

  • Television news report: accident victim was HIV positive - or was he (New Zealand). Interviewees include Brian Persen, Peter Bradley, Phil Wright and Warren Lindberg. Holmes, ref F107530. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

9 November 1991

  • Heather McPherson launches Other World Relations at Unity Books (Wellington)
  • The short fiction book Dangerous Desires by Peter Wells is launched (Auckland). The book would later win the Reed Fiction Award for 1991. Link: National Library

19 November 1991

25 November 1991

29 November 1991

1 December 1991

4 December 1991

  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP79745. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television news report: launch of Kids with AIDS support group and trust (New Zealand). Interviewees include Jeremy Miller and his parents Katrina Miller and Howard Miller. Holmes, ref F107907. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

5 December 1991

  • Television news report: a viewer responds to the new Kids with AIDS support group (New Zealand). Holmes, ref F107913. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

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

  • Moving-image footage: interview with author Peter Wells (Sydney, Australia). Filmed in Sydney, the interview looks at his creative output. Ref F54725. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). ref: 9761. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • 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. Links: LAGANZ(1), LAGANZ(2)
  • A pink book : a collection of readings on aspects of EEO and gay men by Phil Parkinson is published (Wellington)

February 1992

  • HERO 2 festival is held (Auckland). The festival includes the first HERO parade. Link: Wikipedia
  • Moving-image footage: Mika - Lava Lover (Auckland). Hundreds of dancers choreographed by Mika at the HERO party. Ref F62152. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

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

1 March 1992

2 March 1992

6 March 1992

17 March 1992

24 March 1992

29 March 1992

31 March 1992

April 1992

  • The Human Rights Commission publishes the discussion paper Discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation (New Zealand)

4 April 1992

16 April 1992

17 April 1992

18 April 1992

  • The National Gay Rights Coalition Hui Aranga Easter gathering is held (New Zealand)

19 April 1992

21 April 1992

24 April 1992

  • The Sheilas Arms begins a women only night (New Plymouth). The Shelias Arms later renames to Club 47. The building is demolished in October 1996. Link: Fiona Clark

26 April 1992

17 May 1992

  • The 9th annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held (New Zealand). Over 200 cities around the world participate, with New Zealand being the first country in the world to hold memorials. Link: Bay Area Reporter

18 May 1992

June 1992

  • The underground newsletter Bog Spy publication begins (Auckland). The newsletter is about sexual activity in Auckland's public toilets

23 June 1992

1 July 1992

4 July 1992

  • Radio Gay Nelson begins broadcasting (Nelson). The programme broadcasts on the local community radio station (later called Fresh FM). In 1994 the programme changed its name to Gaytime FM. Link: NZ.com

6 July 1992

7 July 1992

9 July 1992

13 July 1992

17 July 1992

  • Lawyer and social reformer Frank Haigh dies Among other things Haigh was prominent in the cause of homosexual law reform
  • Television item (New Zealand). Network News, ref: TZP105730. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

28 July 1992

August 1992

  • Moving-image footage: Mika Juiced (Nelson). Footage of the performance at the Nelson STD conference. Ref F62168. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

5 August 1992

  • Former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon dies (Auckland). In 1976 Muldoon revealed in Parliament that prominent Labour MP Colin Moyle had been questioned by the police in regard to possible homosexual soliciting. Moyle subsequently resigned from Parliament in 1977. Link: Te Ara

16 August 1992

24 August 1992

7 September 1992

14 September 1992

17 September 1992

20 September 1992

28 September 1992

30 September 1992

October 1992

  • The Lesbian, Gay and Christian National Conference is held (New Zealand). The theme of the conference is sexism and heterosexism. Link: LAGANZ

9 October 1992

  • The first unveiling of the International AIDS Memorial Quilt takes place (Washington D.C., United States of America). The quilt was unveiled in Washington D.C., USA. New Zealand is one of 20 countries invited to attend. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

11 October 1992

20 October 1992

26 October 1992

1 November 1992

10 November 1992

17 November 1992

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

24 November 1992

25 November 1992

  • The Hero Charitable Trust Incorporated is established (Auckland). The Trust's vision was: A community which, through creative expression and celebration: learns to love, care and support itself. The Trust's kaupapa was: HERO seeks to serve a community characterised by love - the love of a man for a man - the love of a woman for a woman. That service finds expression through creativity and celebration. Through the activities of Hero the mana, health and pride of our community will be strengthened. Link: Hero.org.nz

28 November 1992

1 December 1992

  • Television item (New Zealand). Te Karere, ref: TZP112900. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Tonight, ref: TZP112472. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • World AIDS Day is commemorated (Auckland). Since World AIDS Day 1991, 43 people had died in New Zealand from AIDS-related complications. Father Michael Bancroft leads the first ever AIDS requiem mass in New Zealand. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

8 December 1992

14 December 1992

16 December 1992

1993

  • Douglas Wright's film Elegy premieres (New Zealand). Wright wrote "Since I am still lucky enough to have a body, I decided to make a dance for my friends who have died of AIDS, and this is it." Ref F27589. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision
  • The short fiction book Sweet and Sour Cocktails by Robert Leek is published (New Zealand)
  • Aphrodisia by choreographer Michael Parmenter premieres at the HERO Festival (Auckland)

22 January 1993

1 February 1993

  • The HERO 3 festival is held (Auckland). The festival's theme is: a celebration of diversity

2 February 1993

7 February 1993

19 February 1993

28 March 1993

30 March 1993

April 1993

  • The Taranaki Lesbian Newsletter begins publication (Taranaki region)

16 April 1993

17 April 1993

  • The first national conference of the New Zealand [AIDS] Quilt Project takes place (Auckland). The conference is attended by committee members, volunteers and regional coordinators. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

30 April 1993

3 May 1993

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
  • Television item (New Zealand). 60 Minutes, ref: TZP121014. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

24 May 1993

3 June 1993

  • 282 Cuba Street opens (Wellington). The building houses the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective, the National People Living With AIDS Union and the needle exchange program. Link: Beacons of Hope 1993

6 June 1993

10 June 1993

18 June 1993

22 June 1993

25 June 1993

July 1993

  • The first Waikato University Gay Pride Week takes place (Waikato region). Link: NZ.com

11 July 1993

17 July 1993

18 July 1993

23 July 1993

26 July 1993

28 July 1993

  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP125770. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Counterpoint, ref: TZP126077. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The Human Rights Bill is passed (New Zealand). Among other things, the Bill outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Government is exempt until 31 December 1999

29 July 1993

1 August 1993

25 August 1993

1 September 1993

  • Nicki Eddy becomes the first full-time paid worker for the New Zealand [AIDS Memorial] Quilt Project (Auckland). Eddy is the National Convenor for the quilt. Link: NZQP newsletter

4 September 1993

  • Darren Horn dies (Auckland). Horn was an early convener of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt. In 1992 he wrote "All the quilts speak of love, compassion and memories. Each is composed of recollection, sadness, acceptance and letting go. The quilts help us to learn and accept. They are a guide to the future of coming generations.". Links: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt, Te Papa

12 September 1993

28 September 1993

10 October 1993

14 October 1993

19 October 1993

24 October 1993

30 October 1993

November 1993

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

20 November 1993

  • Devotion Dance Party is held (Wellington)
  • Devotion street parade is held (Wellington). The parade occurs in central Wellington (a picture from the time shows the parade by Lambton Quay and Molesworth Street)
  • Eve van Grafhorst dies from AIDS-related complications (Hastings). Link: Wikipedia
  • Television item (New Zealand). Network News, ref: TZP136607. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

21 November 1993

22 November 1993

  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP136666. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP136639. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP136478. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • 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

  • David Halls (Hudson and Halls) is found dead in his apartment (London, United Kingdom). Halls commits suicide after his partner Peter Hudson died from cancer a year earlier. Halls wrote "Without Peter I don't want to go on - he was my life, and I have no regrets. I love him now as much as I always did and I want to be with him for all eternity."
  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP136765. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Network News, ref: TZP137087. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • 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

25 November 1993

  • Eve van Grafhorst's funeral takes place at St Matthew's Church in Hastings (Hastings). Nearly 700 people attended. The Dominion Post reported "Her small white casket lay covered in flowers, candles and one simple smiling photograph of the child whose short life became a symbol to New Zealanders of the fight against AIDS.". Links: Stuff.co.nz, MTG Hawke's Bay
  • Television item (New Zealand). Primetime, ref: TZP137119. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

27 November 1993

  • Television item (New Zealand). Network News, ref: TZP137202. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • 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
  • Television item (Australia). 60 Minutes, ref: TZP137250. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

1 December 1993

  • World AIDS Day is commemorated (Dunedin). The New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt is displayed in St Paul's Cathedral in Dunedin to mark World AIDS Day. The quilt remains on display for a week. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

22 December 1993

23 December 1993

  • MP Chris Carter (Te Atatu, Labour Party) comes out publicly (New Zealand). Carter becomes the first openly gay Member of Parliament in New Zealand. Links: Queer History NZ, Wikipedia

1994

  • Private footage: an interview with Tom O'Donoghue and his partner Kim (New Zealand). Tom was diagnosed HIV positive in 1988. He combined his personal experience with his background as a health worker to take a prevention message to the community. Moa films, ref F53152. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision
  • The poetry book The Body of Man by David Herkt is published (New Zealand)

January 1994

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

6 January 1994

28 January 1994

February 1994

  • The New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt is displayed at the Aotea Centre (Auckland). The Quilt is displayed for one-and-a-half weeks, followed by two days laid out on Aotea Square. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

1 February 1994

  • The Human Rights Act 1993 is enacted (New Zealand). The Act outlaws discrimination on a wide variety of grounds including sexual orientation and disability. The Act also provides protection against discrimination for those living with HIV/AIDS. Links: Wikipedia, New Zealand Legislation, NZ.com

2 February 1994

  • Television feature: All About Eve (New Zealand). A documentary about Eve Van Grafhorst, ref F21298. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision

18 February 1994

20 February 1994

2 March 1994

6 March 1994

7 March 1994

15 March 1994

16 March 1994

  • MP Chris Carter (Te Atatu, Labour Party) gives his maiden speech in Parliament (New Zealand). Carter is the first openly gay Member of Parliament in New Zealand. Link: Wikipedia
  • Television item (New Zealand). Primetime, ref: TZP142762. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Network News, ref: TZP142834. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Primetime, ref: TZP142844. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

17 March 1994

18 March 1994

20 March 1994

23 March 1994

31 March 1994

3 April 1994

5 April 1994

13 April 1994

14 April 1994

May 1994

  • The first National Lesbian Studies Conference takes place (New Zealand)

22 May 1994

  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorial services are held (New Zealand). A memorial service is held at St Matthew-in-the-City in Auckland. Following the service the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt is carried outspread in a candlelit parade via Hobson and Wellesley Streets to Aotea Square. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

23 May 1994

29 May 1994

8 June 1994

12 June 1994

15 June 1994

July 1994

  • The first Stonewall Ball is held (New Plymouth). Links: Queer History NZ, NZ.com
  • The second Waikato University Gay Pride Week takes place (Waikato region). Link: NZ.com
  • Gaytime FM begins broadcasting on Fresh FM (Tasman region). The radio programme broadcasts every Sunday morning at 11am. Links: NZ.com (1), NZ.com (2)

5 July 1994

11 July 1994

12 July 1994

17 July 1994

18 July 1994

20 July 1994

21 July 1994

28 July 1994

29 July 1994

31 July 1994

2 August 1994

  • Richard Leonard kills ex-Aucklander Stephen Dempsey with a crossbow. (Sydney, Australia). Leonard later claims it as was an act of self-defence after Dempsey propositioned him. Leonard was finally captured, tried and found guilty of two murders and sentenced to life in prison. Link: Forensic Investigators

16 August 1994

23 August 1994

31 August 1994

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

11 October 1994

12 October 1994

19 October 1994

29 October 1994

31 October 1994

November 1994

  • The first HIV Walk for Life takes place (Auckland). Link: NZ.com

3 November 1994

18 November 1994

20 November 1994

27 November 1994

29 November 1994

30 November 1994

December 1994

  • The High Court rules that post-operative transsexuals can marry in their adopted sex (New Zealand)

1 December 1994

  • Television item (Auckland). Holmes, ref: TZP151288. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Worlds AIDS Day is commemorated (New Zealand). In Auckland, the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt is is carried outspread down Queen Street for an unfolding ceremony. The global theme of the day is: AIDS and the family. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

5 December 1994

6 December 1994

8 December 1994

9 December 1994

12 December 1994

13 December 1994

14 December 1994

19 December 1994

23 December 1994

1995

  • Birthdaze dance parties are held
  • The documentary A Stitch In Time premieres (New Zealand). The documentary is about the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt and features Nicki Eddy and others. Ref F16107. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • A Long Undressing premieres (New Zealand). The dance and theatre work is created and performed by Michael Parmenter
  • Nights in the Gardens of Spain by Witi Ihimaera is published
  • The Queer Resources - Aotearoa New Zealand web pages are launched on NZ.com (New Zealand). The pages are created and maintained by Mark Proffit, and are some of the first (possibly the first) representations of rainbow communities from New Zealand on the internet. Link: NZ.com

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

8 January 1995

February 1995

  • Devotion 95: a gay and lesbian celebration by Elizabeth Smith and Rachell Rose is published

4 February 1995

  • Television item (Wellington). Network News, ref: TZP153472. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • 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

11 February 1995

12 February 1995

16 February 1995

23 February 1995

1 March 1995

18 March 1995

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

21 March 1995

22 March 1995

23 March 1995

  • Writer Eric McCormick dies McCormick wrote biographies on Alexander Turnbull and Frances Hodgkins. Link: Te Ara

3 April 1995

5 April 1995

18 April 1995

  • The domain name nz.com is registered (New Zealand). In the mid-late-1990s nz.com hosted the first internet pages for numerous rainbow LGBTI groups. Link: WhoIs

22 April 1995

  • Tai Tahi Marsters attacks Jim Curtis (Napier). Marsters hit Curtis using a glass decanter. Curtis is left with brain damage while Marsters is later acquitted of both attempted murder and assault. At his trial Marsters uses the provocation/gay panic defence, claiming Curtis made a sexual advance. Links: Parliamentary debate, GayNZ

10 May 1995

11 May 1995

  • The first annual Out Takes film festival takes place (Wellington). The festival runs from 11-18 May and is held at the Paramount Theatre and the Continuum City Cinema (in City Gallery). Link: Out Takes

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

21 May 1995

  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorials are held (New Zealand). This is the 12th anniversary of international memorials. In Auckland, five blocks of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt are carried from St Matthew-in-the-city to Aotea Square where a Beacons of Hope service is held. Link: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt

22 May 1995

23 May 1995

26 May 1995

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

28 May 1995

2 June 1995

4 June 1995

6 June 1995

16 June 1995

19 June 1995

21 June 1995

  • The Dunedin Pride festival is held (Dunedin). The festival runs from 21 June - 15 July 1995. Link: NZ.com

22 June 1995

  • The last issue of Man to Man is published (New Zealand). It is replaced by the fully-fledged newspaper Express. In 2014 Express changes to a monthly magazine format with accompanying website. Links: National Library, Gay Express

24 June 1995

  • The first Man to Man Gay and Lesbian Writing Festival is held (Auckland). The festival is New Zealand's first gay and lesbian writing festival. It is held at the Auckland College of Education and features Paula Boock, Witi Ihimaera, Renee, Noel Virtue and Peter Wells. Link: NZ.com

1 July 1995

  • A day-long seminar takes placed called Exceptional Lesbian and Gay Lives (Christchurch). The seminar is advertised as a "one day affirming seminar" and features Robin Duff, Kathleen Quinlivan, Brent Skerten, Ross Palmer, Andrew Carstairs McCarthy, Linda James, Sue Lovelock Marshall, Jo Drayton and Jane Ferrier. It takes place in the Elizabeth Kelly Room above Annies Wine Bar in the City Arts Centre. Link: NZ.com
  • The second annual Stonewall Ball is held (New Plymouth). The ball is to celebrate "gay, lesbian, bisexual and transpeople pride." It will be held at The Mill, 2 Powderham Street in New Plymouth. Link: NZ.com

11 July 1995

13 July 1995

22 July 1995

  • The Hawke's Bay Queer Event takes place (Napier). The event is advertised as "meeting, dancing, drinking and generally doing some wild stuff in Napier, at the Bay City Club from 9pm.". Link: NZ.com

24 July 1995

  • The third annual Waikato University Gay Pride Week takes place (Waikato region). The week is organised by the Waikato Student Union and Queers on Campus. Link: NZ.com

26 July 1995

27 July 1995

3 August 1995

4 August 1995

7 August 1995

  • The University Of Canterbury Gay Pride Week is held (Canterbury region). The week is advertised as a "celebration of lesbian, gay and bisexual sexuality." It takes place in the Student Union Building, and runs from 7 - 11 August. Link: NZ.com

10 August 1995

16 August 1995

19 August 1995

  • The fifth annual AIDS Benefit Concert for the Hamilton branch of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation takes place (Hamilton). The concert is hosted by broadcaster Lianne Clarke and held at the Trustbank Community Theatre. The Governor General Dame Catherine Tizard attends in her capacity as patron of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. Link: NZ.com

21 August 1995

22 August 1995

26 August 1995

  • The twelfth annual Auckland Lesbian Ball takes place (Auckland). The ball is held for the third time at the Hyatt Convention Centre. Proceeds from the event go to the support group LESO - Lesbian Education and Support Organisation. Link: NZ.com

30 August 1995

3 September 1995

  • Pianist Michael Houston performs a benefit concert for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (Auckland). The performance takes place at the School of Music, University of Auckland. Link: NZ.com
  • Television item (New Zealand). 60 Minutes, ref: TZP160857. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

11 September 1995

  • The Auckland University Pride Week takes place (Auckland). The week is organised by a combined group from Unigays, Women loving Women, Dykes on Campus and Uni Goblet. It runs from 11 - 16 September. Link: NZ.com

30 September 1995

  • The third annual Hamilton Pride Party takes place (Hamilton). The party takes place in the Quadrangle next to the gay Next Door Bar. The theme is Greek gods and goddesses. Link: NZ.com

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
  • The Queer News Aotearoa (QNA) website begins (New Zealand). Link: QNA

10 October 1995

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

  • Georgina Beyer is elected Mayor of Carterton (Carterton). Beyer becomes the world's first openly transexual mayor. Link: Wikipedia
  • 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

5 November 1995

  • Martin Dickson is licensed as a Presbyterian minister (New Zealand). Dickson is the first openly gay man to be licensed in New Zealand by the Presbyterian church. In 1999 the Sunday Star Times reported that despite being licensed as a minister, no congregation wanted him. "One thing I've learnt is people often have quite good intentions, but the last thing they want in their Church is conflict.". Link: Sunday Star Times

10 November 1995

12 November 1995

  • Lesbian's on the Land takes place (Tasman region). The event is held over a weekend at Felicity's farm in Golden Bay with workshops on alternative housing and energy, and natural/holistic health. The group grew out of the second National Lesbian Studies Conference held in May 1995. Link: QNA
  • Television item (New Zealand). 60 Minutes, ref: TZP166107. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

15 November 1995

25 November 1995

  • Television item (Auckland). One Network News, ref: TZP163767. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The second annual HIV Walk for Life takes place (Auckland). Broadcasters Anita McNaught and Neil Waka start the Walk from Victoria Park at 11am. The route goes up College Hill, along Ponsonby, K' Rd and Queen St to Aotea Square. Link: NZ.com

28 November 1995

1 December 1995

  • Television item (New Zealand). One Network News, ref: TZP164114. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • World AIDS Day is commemorated (Auckland). This year's theme is: shared rights, shared responsibility. In Auckland, the Quilt and Baton of Hope march is held. The Quilt is carried up Queen Street with 400 placards representing people who have died from AIDS related conditions in New Zealand. Events also take place in Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin and Nelson. Links: NZ.com, New Zealand AIDS Quilt

2 December 1995

  • The first Freedom dance party takes place (Christchurch). The event is held at the Ministry for "lesbians, gays, bisexuals and their friends.". Link: NZ.com

3 December 1995

  • Television item (Auckland). One Network News, ref: TZP164085. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The Coming Out Day parade takes place (Auckland). The parade begins at 2pm from Three Lamps Plaza, goes along Ponsonby Road and ends at Western Park. The 1994 parade attracted approximately 3,000 people. Links: NZ.com, Wikipedia
  • The AIDS Media Awards take place (Auckland). The New Zealand AIDS Foundation event is hosted by Ginette McDonald and Anita McNaught. It also features Michael Parmenter performing a dance from his work A Long Undressing. The event is held at the Sheraton Auckland Hotel and Towers. Link: NZ.com

4 December 1995

6 December 1995

8 December 1995

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

23 December 1995

  • The Dyke Ball takes place (Christchurch). Link: NZ.com

1996

  • Mani Bruce Mitchell publicly comes out as Intersex (New Zealand). Mani is recognised as the first out Intersex person in New Zealand. Link: PrideNZ
  • Patrick Clotworthy stabs Wayne Cowan six times while shouting anti gay comments (Auckland). Clotworthy later pleads guilty in 1997 and was initally sentenced to a 2 year suspended sentence but this was appealed by the Crown. In June 1998 his sentence was increased to 3 years imprisonment. Link: Sensible Sentencing Trust
  • Television current affairs: The Faces of Love (New Zealand). The feature looks at children with AIDS in Romania. 20/20, ref: F48397. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television feature: For Arts Sake: Douglas Wright (New Zealand). An interview with choreographer Douglas Wright. The feature also includes Wright performing. For Arts Sake, ref F40348. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision
  • Television feature: AIDS and Love (New Zealand). Features an interview with Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross about her work with children with AIDS. Ref: F26300. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television feature: AIDS in the Community (New Zealand). Features an interview with AIDS counsellor Dick Johnstone, ref: F26299. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television feature: For Arts Sake: Michael Parmenter (New Zealand). An interview with choreographer Michael Parmenter. The feature also includes Parmenter performing excerpts from A Long Undressing. For Arts Sake, ref F42337. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision
  • Television feature: Women and AIDS (New Zealand). Filmed in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. Ref: F26298. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The first Miss Riwaka Beauty Pagent is held (Nelson). The first pageant was held as a private function. Link: NZ.com
  • The Topp Twins television series begins (New Zealand). The series features the twins as Camp Mother and Camp Leader
  • 10 Years Since The Bill is published by Spectrum (Nelson). The booklet is published on the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, and recalls the campaign and perspectives of people in the Nelson region. The text is later published online. Link: Spectrum
  • Growing up gay : New Zealand men tell their stories by James Allan is published
  • Queer Nation begins screening on TVNZ It became the world's longest running free-to-air TV programme for an LGBT audience

January 1996

  • Labour MP Judith Tizard proposes legalising same-sex marriage (New Zealand)

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

22 January 1996

24 January 1996

25 January 1996

  • Composer Jonathan Larson dies (New York, United States of America). Larson's musical Rent was just days away from opening on Broadway when he passed away. Link: New York Times
  • Television item (New Zealand). One Network News, ref: TZP165700. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP165756. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

27 January 1996

  • Television item (United States of America). One Network News, ref: TZP165929. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The Spectrum website is launched (Nelson). The website is one of the earliest group websites for gay and bisexual men in New Zealand. Link: Spectrum

31 January 1996

3 February 1996

4 February 1996

5 February 1996

  • The first broadcast of Express Report occurs (New Zealand). The programme is a regular rainbow tv news and current affairs show. It is later called Out There

6 February 1996

8 February 1996

  • Pride Stories our Mothers never told Us takes place (Auckland). The event is organised by the Pride Centre as part of the HERO Festival. It takes place at Footsteps Nightclub and features Mary O'Hagan, Clare Bear Reader, Robert Leak, Karin Kahurangi and Frankie Hill, poet and activist Uma Kali-Shakti, and comedian Philip Patston. Link: NZ.com

10 February 1996

  • Television item (Wellington). One Network News, ref: TZP166180. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The fifth Devotion dance party is held at Shed 6/Queen's Wharf Events Centre (Wellington). Link: Stuff.co.nz

11 February 1996

13 February 1996

16 February 1996

17 February 1996

18 February 1996

March 1996

  • Tai Tahi Marsters is acquitted of attempted murder and causing Jim Curtis grievous bodily harm (New Zealand). Marsters hit Curtis using a glass decanter. Curtis is left with brain damage while Marsters is acquitted of both attempted murder and assault. At his trial Marsters uses the homosexual panic defence, claiming Curtis made a sexual advance. Link: Parliamentary debate

4 March 1996

5 March 1996

  • The Census forms are constructed so the number of same-sex couples can be counted (New Zealand). Every person in a household is provided with their own individual form which includes questions about who they are living with. By cross-referencing data the number of same-sex couples living together can be calculated. Link: Stats NZ

13 March 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

27 March 1996

1 April 1996

5 April 1996

6 April 1996

8 April 1996

15 April 1996

19 April 1996

  • Television item (New Zealand). One Network News, ref: TZP168589. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The Pride Centre opens at its new premises (Auckland). The Centre is located at 33 Wyndham Street,between Albert and Hobson St, inside the Peoples Centre. Links: NZ.com (1), NZ.com (2)

24 April 1996

  • Television item (Auckland). One Network News, ref: TZP168808. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The High Court hears an application by three lesbian couples seeking a ruling on the legality of their marriage applications (New Zealand)

26 April 1996

3 May 1996

5 May 1996

11 May 1996

12 May 1996

15 May 1996

16 May 1996

  • Television item (New Zealand). Assignment, ref: TZP169785. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Sexual Healing? a documentary featuring former homosexual Noel Mosen is broadcast on TV One (New Zealand). A number of people complain to the Broadcasting Standards Authority about the content. The complaints are upheld in November 1996. Link: BSA

17 May 1996

18 May 1996

19 May 1996

  • The 13th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held (New Zealand). This year's theme is: AIDS discrimination is a global epidemic - together we can overcome it. Blocks of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt are displayed in New Plymouth, Wellington, Invercargill and Auckland. Events take place in Taranaki, Waikato, Canterbury, Wellington, Auckland and Nelson. Links: New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt, NZ.com

25 May 1996

28 May 1996

29 May 1996

30 May 1996

  • The High Court rules that marriage in common law means between a man and woman (New Zealand)

1 June 1996

8 June 1996

15 June 1996

22 June 1996

23 June 1996

  • The Dunedin Pride festival takes place (Dunedin). The festival runs from 23 June-6 July. The festival begins with a dog show and soccer match and ends with a Masquerade Ball. Link: NZ.com

29 June 1996

1 July 1996

3 July 1996

4 July 1996

5 July 1996

  • Television item (New Zealand). Tonight, ref: TZP171698. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The Presbyterian Church rules that lesbian and gay people may not be licensed or ordained as elders or ministers or put in positions of leadership (New Zealand). The decision was to be reviewed again in 1998

6 July 1996

  • Television item (New Zealand). Express Report, ref: TZP174399. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • 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 July 1996

9 July 1996

10 July 1996

13 July 1996

15 July 1996

18 July 1996

  • Singer Shona Laing comes out as bisexual during a concert performance (New Zealand). Laing's coming out was reported in Express magazine. Link: Wikipedia

20 July 1996

27 July 1996

August 1996

  • Gays and Lesbians in Business (GLIB) is formed (Christchurch). Link: Queer History
  • Mani Bruce Mitchell attends the world's first international intersex retreat (United States of America). During the gathering the documentary Hermaphrodites Speak was filmed which documented the experiences of seven people – including Mani's. Links: ITANZ, Youtube (1), Youtube (2), Youtube (3), WorldCat

3 August 1996

10 August 1996

17 August 1996

19 August 1996

21 August 1996

23 August 1996

24 August 1996

31 August 1996

1 September 1996

3 September 1996

7 September 1996

14 September 1996

15 September 1996

20 September 1996

21 September 1996

  • Television item (Auckland). Out There, ref: TZP175483. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). One Network News, ref: TZP174774. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The Riding the Rainbow '96 conference takes place (Christchurch). The Pink Health conference's theme is self esteem. Link: NZ.com

24 September 1996

28 September 1996

October 1996

  • The building that housed Club 47 is demolished (New Plymouth). The building also used be the home of the Shelias Arms in 1992. Link: Fiona Clark

4 October 1996

5 October 1996

7 October 1996

12 October 1996

  • MP Chris Carter (Te Atatu, Labour Party) is defeated in the first MMP General Election (Auckland region). Carter was New Zealalnd's first openly gay Member of Parliament. He returned to Parliament in 1999. Link: Wikipedia
  • Television item (New Zealand). Out There, ref: TZP176729. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Tim Barnett (Christchurch Central, Labour Party) is elected in the first MMP General Election (Christchurch). Barnett, who is openly gay, would subsequently introduce the Prostitution Reform Act (2003) and was heavily involved in the passing of the Civil Union Act (2004). Links: Wikipedia, Parliament

19 October 1996

20 October 1996

26 October 1996

2 November 1996

4 November 1996

  • Bryan James Gardner murders David Shore in a hotel room (Christchurch). Gardener is sentenced to life imprisonment in May 1997. Link: Sensible Sentencing Trust

9 November 1996

14 November 1996

  • A complaint against the Sexual Healing? documentary is upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Authority (New Zealand). The documentary featured former homosexual Noel Mosen, and broadcast on TV One on 16 May 1996. Link: BSA

16 November 1996

23 November 1996

  • Television item (New Zealand). Out There, ref: TZP178962. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (Auckland). One Network News, ref: TZP177719. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The third annual HIV Walk for Life takes place (Auckland). The Walk leaves from Victoria Park. Broadcaster Anita McNaught announces the start of the walk. Link: NZ.com

30 November 1996

  • Television item (New Zealand). Out There, ref: TZP179769. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (Christchurch). One Network News, ref: TZP177952. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The first annual Pride Weekend takes place (Auckland). The Staircase Nightclub hosts a Pride Party. A Pride Parade takes place on 1 December at 2pm - from Three Lamps Ponsonby to Western Park. It's followed by a Pride Picnic. Link: NZ.com

1 December 1996

2 December 1996

7 December 1996

13 December 1996

14 December 1996

  • Television item (New Zealand). Out There, ref: TZP179771. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Teaser, a pre-Freedom dance party is held (Christchurch). The party is held at Bar Particular on 14 December 1996. Link: NZ.com

21 December 1996

1997

  • Television footage: funding is being withdrawn from the HERO parade (New Zealand). The Drum, series 1 - episode 6, ref F86621. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The Government stops funding Consistency 2000 - the Human Rights Commission's investigation into discriminatory legislation (New Zealand)
  • Broadsheet publication ends (New Zealand)
  • Emerging tribe: gay culture in New Zealand in the 1990s by Nigel Gearing is published (New Zealand)

2 January 1997

  • Morals campaigner Keith Hay dies (Auckland). Hay took a lead role in campaigning against homosexual law reform in 1985/86. Link: Te Ara

15 January 1997

24 January 1997

31 January 1997

February 1997

  • Television coverage: 1997 HERO parade (Auckland). Edited coverage of the 1997 HERO parade (22 February), featuring Anita McNaught, the Topp Twins, Petra Bagust, Jon Bridges and Nathan Rarere. TV3, ref F29050. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

1 February 1997

  • The second Freedom dance party takes place (Christchurch). The party is at the Civic of Canterbury on Manchester Street. Link: NZ.com

7 February 1997

12 February 1997

  • Television item (New Zealand). Midday, ref: TZP180355. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Best Mates: Gay Writing in Aotearoa New Zealand edited by Peter Wells and Rex Pilgrim is launched (Auckland). The book is launched in the Wintergardens at the Auckland Domain

13 February 1997

14 February 1997

21 February 1997

22 February 1997

  • Television item (New Zealand). One Network News, ref: TZP180651. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The HERO parade takes place (Auckland). The parade runs from Crummer Road, into Ponsonby Road and then down to Three Lamps. It's broadcast on TV3. Link: New Zealand AIDS Quilt

23 February 1997

27 February 1997

  • Labour MP Tim Barnett gives his maiden speech in Parliament (New Zealand). Link: Parliament
  • Television item (New Zealand). One Network News, ref: TZP181656. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

28 February 1997

3 March 1997

4 March 1997

7 March 1997

8 March 1997

  • Television item (Wellington). One Network News, ref: TZP180882. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • 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

9 March 1997

14 March 1997

17 March 1997

  • The Waipareira Rainbow branch is established (Auckland). It is established within Labour MP Chris Carter's Auckland electorate. The establishment of the branch marks the birth of Rainbow Labour. A Christchurch branch is formed by Tim Barnett on 3 October 1997. This led to the formation of a Rainbow Sector Council within the Labour Party, which gave the branches a nationwide focus and co-ordinating body

21 March 1997

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

28 March 1997

1 April 1997

4 April 1997

6 April 1997

8 April 1997

11 April 1997

13 April 1997

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

18 April 1997

May 1997

  • Patrick Clotworthy pleads guilty to assaulting Wayne Cowan in a side street off Karangahape Road (Auckland). Clotworthy stabbed Cowan six times in 1996 while shouting anti gay comments. He was initally sentenced to a 2 year suspended sentence but this was appealed by the Crown. In June 1998 his sentence was increased to 3 years imprisonment. Link: Sensible Sentencing Trust

4 May 1997

  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorials are held (New Zealand). The memorial is moved earlier in May this year to accommodate dates in the USA calendar (generally the memorial is held on the 3rd Sunday in May). Link: New Zealand AIDS Quilt

5 May 1997

7 May 1997

  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP183457. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • 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)

12 May 1997

22 May 1997

  • The third annual Out Takes film festival takes place (Wellington). Films were shown at the Paramount Theatre and City Cinema

26 May 1997

  • Bryan James Gardner is sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering David Shore in November 1996 (Christchurch). Gardner tried unsuccessfully to use the homosexual panic defence. Link: Sensible Sentencing Trust

28 May 1997

8 June 1997

15 June 1997

16 June 1997

23 June 1997

9 July 1997

11 July 1997

11 August 1997

13 August 1997

18 August 1997

29 August 1997

September 1997

  • Auckland City Council refuses to fund the Hero Parade (Auckland). The organisers had asked for $32,000 to crowd barriers and cleanup

1 September 1997

3 September 1997

25 September 1997

3 October 1997

  • A Christchurch Rainbow branch of the Labour Party is established by Tim Barnett (Christchurch). The first Rainbow branch was established in Auckland by MP Chris Carter on 17 March 1997. The establishment of the branches marked the birth of Rainbow Labour. The Rainbow Sector Council within the Labour Party was formed shortly afterwards, which gave the branches a nationwide focus and co-ordinating body

10 October 1997

24 October 1997

  • Television item (New Zealand). Midday, ref: TZP191714. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television item (New Zealand). Breakfast, ref: TZP191183. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The first episode of Queer Nation is broadcast (New Zealand). Queer Nation began as a broadcast segment Express Report on Horizon TV in February 1996. It expanded into a half-hour format called Out There, and then became Queer Nation. ref TZP193773. Link: Nga Taonga

26 October 1997

31 October 1997

  • Television item (New Zealand). Queer Nation, ref: TZP193774. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The domain name GayNZ.com is registered (New Zealand)

1 November 1997

  • The second Miss Riwaka Beauty Pageant is held (Nelson). The event is held at Braemar Gym, with formal dress (ball gown or suit). Link: NZ.com

2 November 1997

7 November 1997

10 November 1997

  • Richard Leonard is found guilty of killing Stephen Dempsey with a crossbow in 1994 (Sydney, Australia). Leonard claimed it was an act of self-defence after Dempsey propositioned him. Leonard was also found guilty of murdering a taxi driver. He was sentenced to life in prison. Link: Forensic Investigators

12 November 1997

  • The Rev. David Bromell, an openly gay man, is ordained in the Methodist Church (New Zealand)

13 November 1997

14 November 1997

21 November 1997

24 November 1997

28 November 1997

29 November 1997

30 November 1997

1 December 1997

  • Television item (New Zealand). Breakfast, ref: TZP193004. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The domain name nzaf.org.nz is registered (New Zealand). NZAF is short for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation

12 December 1997

17 December 1997

19 December 1997

26 December 1997

1998

  • Television programme: Queer Nation, series 2 - episode 9 (New Zealand). Features the Ettie Rout organisation promoting safe sex in Christchurch, gays in the military, and lesbians in the film industry. Queer Nation, ref F38924. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television: Queer Nation, series 2 - episode 10 (New Zealand). Features Ben Hoadley, gay run guest houses, and the latest HIV/AIDS drug in New Zealand. Queer Nation, ref F38925. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision
  • Vanity fierce by Graeme Aitken is published (New Zealand)

1 January 1998

  • Jacquie Grant becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) (West Coast region). Grant is honoured for her work as a foster parent to more than 60 children. In 2018 she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). Links: Te Ara, A Gender Variance Whos Who

13 January 1998

5 February 1998

  • The HERO festival takes place (Auckland). The festival runs from 5 - 21 February. Link: NZ.com

7 February 1998

  • The Freedom festival and dance party take place (Christchurch). The Freedom dance party takes place on 14 Feburary at the Civic of Canterbury on Manchester Street. Various other events take place: an art exhibition 3 - 21 February, a film festival 7 - 13 February, a picnic on 8 February, a cocktail party on 9 February and Bar Olympics on 12 February. Link: NZ.com

8 February 1998

9 February 1998

10 February 1998

11 February 1998

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

15 February 1998

19 February 1998

20 February 1998

21 February 1998

  • Television item (Auckland). One Network News, ref: TZP195550. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The HERO parade takes place (Auckland). The parade begins at 8.45pm and runs along Ponsonby Road. It includes 60-plus floats. Links: NZ.com(1), NZ.com(2)

22 February 1998

26 February 1998

March 1998

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

1 March 1998

3 March 1998

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

12 March 1998

13 March 1998

14 March 1998

  • The Out of the Comfort Zone conference takes place (New Plymouth). The conference is organised by Taranaki Pride Alliance and is advertised as "a 2 day conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, takataapui and transpeople focusing on community building.". Link: NZ.com

25 March 1998

8 April 1998

9 April 1998

  • Television item (New Zealand). Holmes, ref: TZP197442. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Dare, Truth or Promise by Paula Boock wins the NZ Post Children's Book Award (New Zealand). Link: Wikipedia

12 April 1998

14 April 1998

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

28 April 1998

May 1998

  • The Government announces a Human Rights Amendment that will prolong the Government's exemption from the Human Rights Commission Act indefinitely (New Zealand)

3 May 1998

13 May 1998

17 May 1998

  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held (New Zealand)

20 May 1998

3 June 1998

7 June 1998

10 June 1998

14 June 1998

17 June 1998

20 June 1998

23 June 1998

24 June 1998

July 1998

  • Camp Mother (a.k.a. Lynda Topp) announces that she will run for Mayor of Auckland (Auckland). Topp decides to run against Les Mills who was against the HERO festival. She withdraws two weeks before the election
  • The Defacto Property Bill is introduced (New Zealand). It aims to standardise disposal of property on death or separation of unmarried couples (but not same-sex ones)
  • The Labour Relations Bill is introduced, granting same-sex partners leave for partners' sickness (New Zealand)

1 July 1998

5 July 1998

6 July 1998

7 July 1998

8 July 1998

9 July 1998

10 July 1998

  • Presbyterian General Assembly bans ordination of practising gay men or lesbians for one year (New Zealand)
  • Television item (New Zealand). One Network News, ref: TZP201454. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

12 July 1998

16 July 1998

23 July 1998

24 July 1998

30 July 1998

1 August 1998

  • Alt My Heart, one of the forerunners of PrideNZ.com is awarded a Rainbow Award (New Zealand). Founder of PrideNZ.com Gareth Watkins had a number of audio site in the late 1990s and early 2000s before PrideNZ.com was launched. The site Alt My Heart won a Rainbow Award in August 1998. Link: Internet Archive

2 August 1998

  • Television current affairs: Chris Arneson is being denied his US pension because of his HIV status (New Zealand). Arneson cannot return to the US to collect his pension because his HIV status is regarded under US law as "loathsome and contagious". 20/20, ref F36788. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

5 August 1998

  • Hamilton District Court rules a lesbian is liable for maintenance of a child born to her ex-partner during their relationship (Hamilton). There are no corresponding custody rights

6 August 1998

13 August 1998

19 August 1998

  • National Government introduces a Human Rights Amendment saying it will bring Government into line with HRC Act (with some exceptions) (New Zealand)

20 August 1998

27 August 1998

30 August 1998

  • Artist Toss Woollaston dies (Tasman region). Link: Te Ara

1 September 1998

6 September 1998

15 September 1998

17 September 1998

12 October 1998

  • Matthew Shepard is killed in Wyoming (United States of America). Link: Wikipedia

21 October 1998

22 October 1998

  • New Zealand Navy announces a gay-friendly policy (New Zealand). It includes the issuing of pink triangle stickers to identify "safe places"
  • Television item (Australia). Holmes, ref: TZP205580. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

23 October 1998

13 November 1998

22 November 1998

26 November 1998

  • The Government's Human Rights Amendment Bill is defeated (New Zealand)

27 November 1998

  • Auckland City Council, under new Mayor Christine Fletcher, grants $15,000 for Hero Parade cleanup (Auckland)
  • Television item (New Zealand). Breakfast, ref: TZP207210. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

28 November 1998

  • The fifth HIV Walk for Life takes place (Auckland). The Walk starts at 11am, leaving from Victoria Park. Link: NZ.com

1 December 1998

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

21 December 1998

23 December 1998

  • Television news report: fears that patients have come into contact with a worker who is HIV+ (New Zealand). One news, ref: F38793. Link: Nga Taonga Sound & Vision

1999

  • Get used to it! children of gay and lesbian parents by Pat Rosier and Myra Hauschild is published (New Zealand)
  • OUT! Magazine ends publication (New Zealand). Link: LAGANZ
  • When two men embrace: the New Zealand anthology of gay and lesbian poetry by Jonathan Fisher published (New Zealand)

3 January 1999

February 1999

  • Documentary: Follow The Yellow Brick Road (Auckland). The Auckland HERO parade. Includes interview material and footage of the parade. Produced by Triangle Television. Follow The Yellow Brick Road, ref F48156. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • Television feature: coverage of the HERO parade (Auckland). Coverage of the HERO parade, with Mika, Hori Ahipene, Georgina Beyer and Louisa Wall. TV3, ref F40007. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

1 February 1999

10 February 1999

11 February 1999

13 February 1999

14 February 1999

16 February 1999

21 February 1999

23 February 1999

25 February 1999

28 February 1999

2 March 1999

7 March 1999

9 March 1999

16 March 1999

19 March 1999

  • Dancer Freda Stark dies Link: Te Ara

23 March 1999

30 March 1999

4 April 1999

6 April 1999

13 April 1999

14 April 1999

19 April 1999

20 April 1999

27 April 1999

28 April 1999

29 April 1999

30 April 1999

3 May 1999

4 May 1999

9 May 1999

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

11 May 1999

16 May 1999

  • International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is held (New Zealand)

17 May 1999

18 May 1999

20 May 1999

  • Television item (New Zealand). One Network News, ref: TZP213326. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision
  • The fifth annual Out Takes film festival takes place (New Zealand). The festival runs in multiple centres: Auckland 4 - 13 June (Village St James Theatre), Wellington 27 May - 7 June (Paramount, Te Papa, City Cinema), Christchurch 20 - 26 May (Lumiere Cinema)

25 May 1999

1 June 1999

3 June 1999

4 June 1999

  • Television programme: Behind the Wheel - segment on a man planning on going in drag to the HERO parade (New Zealand). Behind the Wheel, ref F41334. Link: Nga Taonga Sound and Vision

8 June 1999

13 June 1999

14 June 1999

15 June 1999

28 June 1999

29 June 1999

30 June 1999

1 July 1999

2 July 1999

3 July 1999

5 July 1999

6 July 1999

12 July 1999

13 July 1999

20 July 1999

26 July 1999

27 July 1999

1 August 1999

3 August 1999

4 August 1999

10 August 1999

13 August 1999

17 August 1999

20 August 1999

24 August 1999

31 August 1999

7 September 1999

14 September 1999

21 September 1999

5 October 1999

12 October 1999

18 October 1999

19 October 1999

22 October 1999

23 October 1999

26 October 1999

30 October 1999

2 November 1999

3 November 1999

4 November 1999

9 November 1999

16 November 1999

17 November 1999

21 November 1999

23 November 1999

28 November 1999

30 November 1999

2 December 1999

3 December 1999

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

4 December 1999

12 December 1999

16 December 1999

  • The domain name gaynz.net.nz is registered (New Zealand). Link: WhoIs
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