28 November 2010 Media Statement

Five new AIDS Foundation life members congratulated

Labour’s Health spokesperson Ruth Dyson has congratulated the five new life members of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, who were presented with their awards at Government House in Auckland yesterday, and acknowledged the work of the foundation’s outgoing Executive Director.

Three former chairpersons of the foundation have been honoured with 2010 life memberships, including Labour MP Charles Chauvel, who was a trustee of the organisation between 1990 and 1996, and chaired it in 1995.

Mr Chauvel currently serves on the board of the Pacific Friends of the Global Fund Against AIDS, TB and Malaria, and was recently appointed by the United Nations as a Global Commissioner on HIV and the Law. He is also Labour’s Associate Justice Spokesperson.

“I’m delighted that my colleague Charles Chauvel has been recognised for his work over the past 20 years to promote healthy public policy,” Ruth Dyson said. “He has done this through his volunteer work in New Zealand for the NZ AIDS Foundation, and now in the region and internationally through the Pacific Friends and the Global Commission.”

The other life members are Dr Graeme Carpenter (chairperson, 1998-2000); Michael Stevens (chairperson, 2000-2004); Shona Fordyce, a sexual health nurse from Invercargill who has been a key worker in HIV prevention in the South Island; and Tere Strickland, a community worker in South Auckland.

“I sincerely congratulate the recipients of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation’s 2010 Life Membership Awards on the recognition of their work,” Ruth Dyson said.

“I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to Rachael le Mesurier, who leaves her position as Executive Director of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation next week.

“Rachael’s contribution as Executive Director, as chair of the National HIV and AIDS Council, and as a non-government member of the New Zealand delegation to the UN General Assembly Special Session on the global HIV and AIDS pandemic has been of great importance. She will be missed in these roles, and I wish her well.”

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