The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa has opened its New Āwhina Centre in Wellington, located at 220 Willis Street. The centre is the foundation’s fifth residence in its 37-year journey.
The Burnett Foundation marked the opening of its new premises with a vibrant ceremony. Mayor Tory Whanau led the inauguration, which included community members, sector partners, local government officials, volunteers, and current and former staff.
The event featured distinguished guest speakers and was emceed by the renowned Drag King, Hugo Grrrl. Joe Rich, the Chief Executive of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, reflected on the Āwhina Centre’s evolution in Wellington, emphasising the centre’s commitment to offering a bright, colourful, and inclusive space.
Rich highlighted the centre’s mission of support and assistance, which has now expanded to encompass comprehensive sexual health services for the rainbow community while maintaining a community-led approach to health initiatives.
Significant contributors to the HIV response were acknowledged, including Bill Logan, a founding member of the AIDS Support Network in 1984, and Dr Ayesha Verrall, who played a pivotal role in the HIV Action Plan as the Minister of Health. The non-politicised nature of Aotearoa’s HIV response and the bipartisan support in Parliament were credited for the successful management of HIV transmission rates.
Mayor Tory Whanau and Dr Ayesha Verrall spoke about the importance of supportive community spaces in combating stigma and the collective effort required to achieve ambitious health goals, such as eliminating new HIV infections and stigma in New Zealand.
The ceremony concluded with an acknowledgment of Kiran Morar, the second recipient of the Burnett Foundation Artist Partnership. Morar’s creation, Ganymedes Hand, a collection of oversized playing cards featuring key figures in Wellington’s Queer and Trans histories, was unveiled. The artwork, paying tribute to Bruce Burnett, Carmen Rupe, Chrissy Witoko, and Georgina Beyer, is now proudly displayed at the Āwhina Centre’s entrance, welcoming community members to explore and engage with it.
