Hundreds of people, including those living with, and affected by HIV, will unite to honour and celebrate the lives of those who have died of AIDS, the majority of whom were gay and bisexual men in New Zealand.
The Candlelight Memorial is one of the oldest and largest worldwide events focused on HIV awareness and advocacy and is a programme of the Global Network of People Living with HIV. Led by 1,200 organisations in 115 countries, the memorial remembers the lost, supports those living with HIV, and moves both individuals and communities to action.
Wayne Otter, National Co-ordinator (Elect) for New Zealand says, “This year has the greatest number of services in New Zealand since the 1990s. This surge in interest shows that New Zealand is making considerable progress in breaking down barriers and raising social consciousness about HIV, and that is fantastic to see.”
March 2011 also saw the death of Elizabeth Taylor, fearless promoter of HIV/AIDS awareness, and founder of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). In remembrance, the New Zealand AIDS Foundation will be taking a signed photograph and letter, on loan from the Ken Beale estate, to the Auckland Candlelight Memorial Service.
Otter says, “The Candlelight Memorial service is about paying our respects to those in our community who have died of AIDS, but it is also about people coming together to share their stories and to express their commitment to HIV awareness. Many people in New Zealand have in some way been touched by the HIV epidemic, none more so then the gay community, and the memorial offers an opportunity and a safe space to gather in recognition of that.”
For more information on Candlelight Memorials in New Zealand please go to:
For more information on International AIDS Candlelight Memorials please go to
NOTES TO JOURNALISTS
• The theme for the 2011 Candlelight Memorial is “Touching Lives”. With this theme, the International Candlelight Memorial wishes to remember how HIV has touched the lives of so many; and how international solidarity has a positive impact on the lives of people living with, and affected by HIV worldwide.
• Times and locations for memorials in New Zealand are as follows:
WHANGAREI
6pm Christ Church
2B Kamo Rd, Regent
AUCKLAND
6pm St Matthew-in-the-City
Cnr Hobson and Wellesley St
Auckland Central
TOLAGA BAY
TBC
NEW PLYMOUTH
7pm Taranaki Base Hospital Chapel
Maternity Entrance
David St, Westown
WELLINGTON
7pm St Andrew’s on the Terrace
30 The Terrace, Wellington Central
CHRISTCHURCH
6pm St Alban’s Park
Edward Ave, Edgeware
DUNEDIN
7pm St Paul’s Cathedral
The Octagon, Dunedin
INVERCARGILL
6pm Bluff Hill
Bluff
