Tributes are flowing from across Aotearoa’s rainbow and HIV communities following the passing of Michael Bancroft, a deeply respected advocate, celebrant, former priest, and guardian of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Bancroft, who lived from 19 September 1949 to 7 July 2026, is being remembered for decades of care, compassion and service during some of the most painful years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Aotearoa.
Known affectionately by many as “Father Mike”, Bancroft played a significant role in supporting people living with HIV and AIDS. At a time when stigma, fear and discrimination surrounded the virus, he was among those who stepped forward to offer dignity, comfort and humanity to people who were often abandoned by others.
He conducted many funerals for those who died of AIDS-related complications, cared for people in their final days, supported grieving partners, friends and whānau, and became a steadfast presence in community spaces, memorials and gatherings.
Bancroft was also the final convenor and guardian of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt before it was entrusted to Te Papa Tongarewa in 2012. The Quilt, made up of panels remembering New Zealanders who died of AIDS, was formally welcomed into Te Papa’s national collection in May 2012. Te Papa described the Quilt as a taonga made up of 16 blocks of eight panels, each representing a person who died of AIDS.
Speaking to YOUR EX, Body Positive Executive Director Mark Fisher said:
“Today is a sad day for the HIV and Rainbow communities.
“Michael was a prominent name and relentless voice in Aotearoa’s HIV/AIDS crisis for decades, and a long-standing friend to Body Positive. Before and after life-saving medication became available, he cared for so many people in their final days. At a time when many turned away, Michael turned toward our community, showing that people living with HIV deserved care and dignity by conducting many funerals during the hardest years of the pandemic. He became Kaitiaki, Guardian of the NZ AIDS Memorial Quilt, providing 35 years of care and support to those remembered in its panels before carrying it to its final home, Te Papa Tongarewa, in 2012. Michael was always generous of his time and hosted the Auckland AIDS candlelight memorial on many occasions. Michael also dedicated part of his life to his faith, fondly referred to as ”Father Mike”, and conducted over 500 Weddings, Civil Unions and Blessings. Rest in peace, Michael.”
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa also paid tribute to Bancroft, highlighting his commitment to honouring people who had been rejected or forgotten by wider society.
“Our condolences go out to the friends and whānau of Michael Bancroft today.
Michael was legendary figure, known to many queer folk in Aotearoa for his immense contributions to our national HIV & AIDS response, as well as his mahi as a celebrant for over 500 weddings & civil unions.
In his early life, he was ordained as a parish priest. He was invited to join the AIDS Ministry Team in 1988 – a kaupapa that delivered end-of-life support for people diagnosed with AIDS. He was one of the first in Aotearoa to deliver funeral services for people who passed from AIDS-related complications.
At a time when fear and stigma dominated public discourse, Michael reached into a sense of common humanity to honour the lives that much of society had already abandoned. His friendliness, warmth, and pioneering commitment to his community will be missed dearly.
Haere rā, Michael. Your legacy will not be forgotten.”
Bancroft was also remembered warmly by Urge Events:
“The passing of Mike Bancroft yesterday is a sad and timely reminder to live your best life, for all. Mike or (Father Mike to many) was one of those people. He was always there to listen, add a gem on life or a cheeky quip depending on the situation.
Michael was a regular at Urge Bar and our Bear events and even dance parties.
He always presented us with a sweet birthday card each November for the Urge birthdays.
Some of these will go to the LGBTI archives.
You are loved Mike, by so many. Shine on us all wherever you may be now.
Hugs
Paul, Everett and all the Urge crew you knew.
RIP X”
Across the many tributes, Bancroft’s legacy remains stitched into the history of Aotearoa’s rainbow community, carried in the memories of those he comforted, celebrated, and stood beside.
Moe mai rā, Michael Bancroft.
PHOTO | Gareth Watkins
