Breaking the stigma around HIV

The rate of new HIV transmissions is at its highest level ever in New Zealand. The increase is bucking global trends, and NZ has increasing levels while other countries are going down. Approximately 3500 people are in NZ living with HIV, and Rapid testing allows for a person to know their HIV status in less than 20 mins. There still remains a stigma around the disease, and many don’t know how it works. A week long festival is hoping to smash the sitgma around HIV, called Puawai. The Festival centres on raising awareness for those living with HIV, their allies, and the challenges they face. Running from the 27th November to the 2nd December and including World AIDS day on December 1st, Puawai provides safe spaces for conversation and performance with the aim to finding growth, worth, and self-expression. Harry spoke last week with the producer and curator of the festival Borni Te Rongopai Tukiwaho to find out more.