08/10/2026
On Thursday, 1 October, our Executive Director Mark Fisher was honoured at an afternoon Investiture Ceremony at Government House in Auckland, where he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.
The honour recognises Mark’s 34 years of dedicated work in s*xual health and HIV, spanning Australia, Canada and New Zealand, including 14 years with Body Positive.
Throughout his career, Mark has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people living with HIV, expand access to HIV prevention and testing, and challenge the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV.
Under his leadership, Body Positive launched the world’s first HIV-positive s***m bank in 2021, an important milestone in HIV advocacy and reproductive rights.
Mark has also championed equitable policies, increased visibility of HIV through initiatives such as the National HIV Treatment Seminar and AIDS Candlelight Memorial, and helped drive the Te Whare Āniwaniwa Rainbow Hub project.
Congratulations, Mark, on this well-deserved recognition!
We are incredibly proud of your leadership, advocacy and the lasting difference you have made in the lives of so many people.
