Message from the Governor-General Tena koutou katoa My warmest welcome to everyone gathered here and throughout New Zealand for the Candlelight Memorial Services. Tonight is a special night. It is a time for us to remember those New Zealanders who have lost their lives to AIDS since the first death in 1985. It is also a time for our country to reflect on the threat this virus continues to pose. AIDS has been a reality for New Zealand for many years now. It is much better understood than in the first frightening years of its discovery. However, we are still at war with an epidemic for which we are yet to develop a cure. As our knowledge and understanding of AIDS grows, so does the toll this virus takes on human life, both in New Zealand and around the world. Just last year, new diagnoses in NZ reached an all-time high. This is an avoidable tragedy not just for those New Zealanders who contracted the virus, but for their families and friends too. That is why the work of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation is so important. We cannot ignore AIDS. On-going education is critical, as is support for those who deal with the every-day reality of AIDS. Thank you to all who are here tonight. Your determination to stop this virus honours those who have lost their lives and their loved ones to AIDS. Tena koutou katoa Silvia Cartwright Governor-General Patron of the New Zealand Aids Foundation

Prime Minister

Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.

21 May 2006

AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2006 Today, in services around the country, we remember those who have died from AIDS since the first death in New Zealand in 1985. Today we must also acknowledge the significant work of the New Zealand Aids Foundation in educating and informing all New Zealanders about HIV/AIDS, and in helping those who live with the disease every day. HIV/AIDS remains one of the world's most pressing public health issues and is recognised as a significant problem in our own region. It is critical that we do not become complacent here at home in New Zealand. The number of people in New Zealand diagnosed with HIV hit a record high in 2005. This is a very worrying trend and one we cannot ignore. New generations of New Zealanders need to be informed about prevention and reminded about the painful past lessons we have learned. It is important for us to build on our considerable past achievements in combatting the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as learning from international experience as we move to meet these challenges. I thank the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, the community-based groups, and the people living with HIV/AIDS who play a pivotal role in promoting measures to combat HIV/AIDS.

Helen Clark Prime Minister

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3 April 2006

ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICES NEW ZEALAND, 21 MAY 2006

HIV/AIDS is a universal concern. The Queen made our response to it the centrepiece of her

annual Commonwealth Day Message delivered in Sydney during her recent visit.

But many people think it is all over for us in New Zealand and Australia. This is far from the

case. We need more science; more social support; cheaper therapies and an effective

vaccine; more awareness in the new generation at risk; and a new and heightened

international approach.

Basically, this requires more love for fellow human beings. The work of the New Zealand

AIDS Foundation is more important than ever in tapping our feelings of love and

identification. One day HIV/AIDS will be beaten. In the meantime, we must remember those

who live with HIV. We must inform and protect those who are at risk.

MICHAEL KIRBY

The Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG

PO Box E435 Kingston ACT 2604 Telephone +61 2 6270 6969 Website: www.lawfoundation.net.au/resources/kirby Facsimile +61 2 6270 6970 High Court Homepage: www.hcourt.gov.au E-Mail kirbyj@hcourt.gov.au