Pan Pacific HIV Positive Peoples Gathering

Speech at the opening of the Pan Pacific Gathering for HIV Positive People, Auckland University Marae

Talofa lava, Malo le soifua, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Kia orana, Ia Orana, Gud de tru olgeta, Taloha ni, Talofa, Kia ora tatou and Warm Pacific Greetings to you all this afternoon.

It is absolutely wonderful to be able to join you for the Pan Pacific Gathering for HIV Positive People 2008 conference. It is an honour to be asked to open the conference, and I would like to thank the organisers for inviting me here today.

I would like to acknowledge the passing over the weekend of Sister Paula Brettkelly of the Sisters of St Joseph of Nazareth. Sister Paul was a long-time advocate for people with HIV and for human rights.

She was a strong advocate for the 1986 Homosexual Law Reform Act and the 1993 Human Rights Act – campaigning for the inclusion for discrimination against sexual orientation in the legislation.

As you begin your conference remember Sister Paula and all that she stood for. Let her be your inspiration.

I would like to extend a special welcome to all the Pacific people and delegates from other countries that have travelled to Auckland for this conference. Welcome and thank you for supporting this opportunity to join together, share experiences, and work collectively to combat the spread of HIV in the Pacific.

And of course, welcome to our New Zealand delegates.

Congratulations to all those who have been involved in arranging the excellent programme. You have an impressive line up of speakers from around the region.

I note the conference streams reflect the key areas identified by the 2005 Pan Pacific Regional HIV Conference, which was also held here in Auckland.

Stigma and discrimination, HIV in the workplace, treatments, and advocacy were identified in the Positive Peoples 2005 Declaration as the key areas for future work.

It is important to acknowledge the progress that has been made over the past few years in mounting an effective response to HIV/AIDS in the Pacific Region.

New Zealand regards HIV as a domestic and regional development priority. Our overseas development agency (NZAID) has a core geographical focus on New Zealand’s immediate neighbourhood, the Pacific region, with which we have close historical, family and community links. Let us not forget that New Zealand is also Pacific country, and that our Pacific peoples make an enormous contribution to our sense of national identity.

Effective relationships with our Pacific neighbours and kin, access to lessons learnt from the New Zealand response to HIV (including work with our New Zealand based Pacific communities) and recognition of the borderless nature of the Pacific region underpins New Zealand’s support and encouragement for the Pacific’s response to HIV.

There is, however, still much more that needs to be done particularly in mobilising leadership across all levels and sectors of society. Stigma and discrimination also remain discouraging obstacles to an effective response to HIV.

We know the causes of stigma and discrimination: it’s a fear of those who are different, the feeling that these others are some how inferior, or a danger.

And we know the impact of stigma and discrimination: people are made to feel outsiders, excluded, or like they are second best.

No one should be made to feel like this, and as a society we all have a fundamental responsibility to protect the rights of all citizens, giving everyone the opportunity to succeed in a society which is open, tolerant and innovative.

I became a Labour Member of Parliament because I wanted to provide a voice for Pacific people, the poor and all marginalised communities.

In my maiden speech to Parliament I said that I would pursue a permanent interest in advocating and promoting the interests of, women, Pacific people, Maori, the elderly, ethnic minorities and all New Zealanders, who are struggling to live a life of dignity.

Our nation and region needs a politics of honesty, hope and healing - a politics that brings our communities, nations and region together so that we can all fully participate and live a life of dignity.

More attention does need to be paid to reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and to address cultural and religious barriers to safe-sex practices which are essential strategies for successful prevention efforts.

Reduction of stigma and discrimination requires strong political, religious and community leadership and advocacy.

It is essential that we develop a supportive environment by acknowledging the impact of discrimination and the stigmatisation of vulnerable groups in the policy setting and legislative context.

We need to ensure that those living with HIV have a central role in developing programmes that reduce stigma and discrimination. This conference is an important step in this process.

Sadly some people living with HIV still report experiencing less favourable treatment in a range of settings such as the workplace, health services and accommodation.

Misconceived and poor attitudes towards people with HIV need to be changed.

Knowledge is power in the struggle to cope with and contain HIV. With accurate information about HIV and AIDS, stigma and discrimination can be challenged.

People who are well informed about HIV and AIDS are able to know how best to avoid infection; or if they are HIV-positive, how to look after themselves and their partners and families. For individuals to be able to act effectively on what they know, they need supportive environments.

I pay tribute to all those who work as advocates in their communities and whose work helps combat the HIV epidemic and its spread. Many of the gains made in reducing stigma and discrimination have come from work within and by the communities most affected.

It is the Pacific way to care for one another. As a New Zealand born Samoan, I know my community is based on families and extended families, aiga, aigapotopoto.

Our community in turn is based on the Samoan values of alofa, fa’aaloalo, and agaga. Love, respect, reciprocity and spirituality. These values are demonstrated through tautua – service.

I had been involved in the church and the community all my adult life. I apply the simple principle of caring for one another to my work as a MP and as a Minister, and work in a way that is consistent with my spiritual beliefs.

Changing perceptions about HIV through open discussion and raising awareness are important factors that help create an environment of acceptance and support throughout our communities.

As I've already said, we all have a role to play in making this happen. I wish you all the best and trust that you will have engaging and productive discussions over the duration of the conference.

I now have the pleasure of declaring the Pan Pacific Gathering for HIV Positive People 2008 conference open.

Ia Manuia.