Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa Delivering s*x-positive content that keeps us all safe ✨

Authorised by Liz Gibbs, 31 Hargreaves St, St Marys Bay, Auckland 1011

It takes a village, in most cases, to effect lasting change 🌱Members of our Executive Leadership Team have been on a rou...
11/06/2026

It takes a village, in most cases, to effect lasting change 🌱

Members of our Executive Leadership Team have been on a round trip this week, engaged in meaningful hui with leaders from across the public service spectrum.

First up: Liz Gibbs and Mary Haddock-Staniland met with Labour Health Spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall to discuss the future of HIV prevention and care in Aotearoa. Next, while in Pōneke, we met with Judy O'Brien, the CEO of InsideOUT Kōaro, to discuss how we can work more closely and strengthen outcomes for the q***r community.

With the New Zealand Police offices sitting a stone’s throw from the Burnett Centre here in Tāmaki, we’ve been enriching our relationship with the force. Given the many complex threads that make up policy (and policy change), our whakaaro with Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers add up to advancing our efforts toward decriminalising HIV in Aotearoa.

Finally, we were grateful hosts to Andrew Old, the Deputy Director-General at the New Zealand Ministry of Health. Pictured with Liz, Mary, Reremoana Ormsby - Lam Sheung, and Nik Webb-Shephard, the hui touched on our combined momentum (and responsibilities) in fulfilment of the HIV Action Plan. Further, we grounded kōrero in ways to strengthen our service delivery, such as testing initiatives that best meet our most in-need communities.

To each of the fine folk who heard what we had to say, we extend a profound thanks. As we approach the 40th anniversary of Homos*xual Law Reform in Aotearoa, open conversations, like these, signpost a future in which publics approach their s*xual health (and identity) with fact, not fear!

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou - we can’t wait for the next tour!

New Zealand Labour Party New Zealand Police Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora

‘I don’t know, I think the big spoon needs some love too' 🤔 Our packathons are always a rich spot for friendly kōrero - ...
07/06/2026

‘I don’t know, I think the big spoon needs some love too' 🤔

Our packathons are always a rich spot for friendly kōrero - not to mention a great test for nimble fingers. From sessions past, we’ve found that when the hands are moving, people get talking!

For as long (or as little) time that you can contribute, we’d love for you to join us at the Burnett Centre on Saturday, 13 June, to make a huge difference across Aotearoa.

This is a great opportunity to do something good and give back to the community. Come on down, meet some friendly people, have a bit of fun, and share some kai on us. We can’t wait to see you!

Check out the link below for more info x

https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/articles/news/condom-pack-a-thon/?utm_source=Meta&utm_campaign=double_jump_facebook

and BFA had another talanoa today, unpacking the mahi we do from our respective spaces within the community.✨ We uncove...
04/06/2026

and BFA had another talanoa today, unpacking the mahi we do from our respective spaces within the community.✨
 
We uncovered areas in which our services align, as well as shared challenges that we both face. Our Pasifika sisters from TVC noted on the barriers their key services can come up against; often, these sit at the complex intersection of whānau, faith, and community. 🏘️
 
When it comes to these pillars of identity, our mahi will always be made better together, so stay tuned as we weave strength into each other’s kaupapa. 🫶 And slay for the beautiful day!

On this day, 41 years ago, Aotearoa lost one of its brightest stars.During the early days of New Zealand’s HIV and AIDS ...
31/05/2026

On this day, 41 years ago, Aotearoa lost one of its brightest stars.

During the early days of New Zealand’s HIV and AIDS response, Bruce Burnett led our community through nights of fear, stigma, and miseducation, with no shortage of kindness or compassion.

By account of friends and whānau, Bruce was one to give more than he ever expected from others. He would bake delicious treats for guests at his Avondale home, having worked as a pâtissier overseas. He would meditate amongst his lush gardens and tūī whistle on crisp, West-Auckland mornings – a mindfulness habit that no doubt braced him for the storms that were to follow.

Before the Homos*xual Law Reform Bill was first passed in Parliament, Bruce Burnett shared his s*xuality and AIDS diagnosis openly. By remembering his legacy, we gain strength to continue advocating for a better future.

To learn more about Bruce, his life, and the many other wonderful people that make up our history, have a listen to ‘Our Forgotten Epidemic’ - a six-part podcast series about key parts of the HIV and AIDS response in Aotearoa.

https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/articles/news/our-forgotten-epidemic/

That total? Yikes. The good news: many prevention options are free or low-cost.Condoms, testing, PrEP access, DoxyPEP - ...
28/05/2026

That total? Yikes. The good news: many prevention options are free or low-cost.

Condoms, testing, PrEP access, DoxyPEP - support is available, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Find out what’s accessible to you at the Staying Safe hub. Link below x

https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/learn/staying-safe/

Towards an Aotearoa with zero local HIV transmissions, every voice matters.⁠⁠Whakauae are hosting 1-hour interviews to h...
26/05/2026

Towards an Aotearoa with zero local HIV transmissions, every voice matters.⁠
⁠
Whakauae are hosting 1-hour interviews to help design better, more responsive HIV prevention services for Māori. We're stoked to promote this important kaupapa, and encourage all tāngata whenua to get involved.⁠
⁠
If you're interested, click the link below.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N36DGJM

Today we’re celebrating Pans*xual & Panromantic Pride Day 💗💛💙Pan isn’t just “another word for bi” - and bi isn’t just “b...
23/05/2026

Today we’re celebrating Pans*xual & Panromantic Pride Day 💗💛💙

Pan isn’t just “another word for bi” - and bi isn’t just “basically pan.” While there can be overlap, they’re distinct identities with their own histories, meanings and communities.

Language matters. Self-definition matters.

If you’ve ever wondered about the differences (or why conflating the two can be frustrating), the blog linked below is a great place to start!

https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/articles/culture/bi-or-pan-girl-so-confusing/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=pan_awareness

The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa unequivocally condemns The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill, wh...
21/05/2026

The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa unequivocally condemns The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill, which passed its first reading in Parliament, last night.

Following the democratic process, a public submissions stage will open next. This is where the voice of our community can shine.

As headlines, like this one, erupt into public discourse, it’s vital to keep our gaze fixed on a common sense of humanism. To know what bills like this mean is one thing, to interrogate why - in the broader political landscape - is quite another.

We will continue to platform the tender, powerful, and genuine stories of what it means to be gender-diverse in Aotearoa, and advocate for change that brings this future to light.

Of 233 new HIV notifications recorded in the last year, 80 were first diagnosed in Aotearoa.Eighty. In 2024, it was 99. ...
14/05/2026

Of 233 new HIV notifications recorded in the last year, 80 were first diagnosed in Aotearoa.

Eighty. In 2024, it was 99. The year before, 103. As our communities take up prevention methods like condoms, PrEP, and PEP, it’s encouraging to see the (recorded) transmissions of HIV decrease.

However, closer inspection of the data tells a different story. Although local diagnoses overall have been in steady decline, a disproportionate increase in notifications for Māori highlight inequities we still need to address.

Since 1984, back when we went by ‘The New Zealand AIDS support network’, the Burnett Foundation has fought for the rights of people living with HIV. In 2026, we’re continuing to call for greater investment in HIV testing, with a specific focus on community-led services that best meet our people where they are.

“We’re heading in the right direction, but progress is fragile,” said our Chief Executive, Liz Gibbs. “Now is not the time to step back. We need bold action on equity, stigma reduction, better outreach to all communities, and smarter testing so no one is left behind as we work towards an HIV‑free Aotearoa.”

For a full breakdown on the data, head to our site now

https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/articles/news/progress-is-fragile-2025-hiv-aids-epidemiological-data/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=news+article&utm_campaign=2025+HIV+epidata

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31-35 Hargreaves Street
Auckland
1011

Telephone

+6493033124

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