Previous Events
June 08
Why there's not much to watch on the Telly
The Crest was a buzz at the June alba meeting when around 40-45 women gathered to enjoy good company, network and hear Harriet Crampton speak on why New Zealand gets the television that we get.
Harriet's got a neat London accent, her easy, listening style, and an openness to questions (we all have views about the telly!!). Harriet's been in New Zealand for over 20 years, and has a career in theatre, television and radio and is currently at The Radio Network. Harriet discussed the issues that television networks are facing, the charter and why reality television is here to stay. She quoted Hunter S. Thompson "television... is a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs". She considered the quote might be relevant to some parts of television production, but when you work in television drama you put your whole life's experience into it and are passionately involved in the end product.
Shortland Street was her example for this. Harriet started on the writing table - the "table of pain". Drama is about conflict, about what hasn't worked in our lives; hence that name. Those on the writing table pour out life experiences, the ghastly stuff that has happened to them and others. Harriet was proud to have contributed story lines that include the life experiences of lesbians - rows with parents, coming out stories, on-going lesbian lifestyles. The pace is hectic with a week's worth of viewing made in a week, so it can be all consuming.
NZ TV dramas, particularly Shortland Street, "have contributed massively to NZ culture". Those involved have a "sense of personal involvement, there's a significant investment of your life in it, and you work your butt off". At the same time there's the TV network side of things with its focus on audience figures.
The Charter "has imposed certain validity around NZ products on our screens" but also "has something to answer for". Harriet considers the Charter created some resentment as the shift to more NZ products was already happening. "You get the impression that the network feels it's been forced on them, and there's some crap being made, because of the focus on quantity. Drama is expensive to make." There's been a massive contribution from reality television, which isn't as expensive. But is it representative of NZ culture? Does NZ Idol say more about us than US Idol? Is it possible to make those types of shows with more of a NZ flavour? The Charter requires a commitment, and there's a temptation to do it as cheaply as possible - the love and devotion to the product can get lost in the mix.
Of course, lots of people watch TV, and there are enormous numbers watching the reality type shows. There's conflict between those who commission work who desperately want it to be good, and the programmers who by necessity want it to have an audience and so control when it goes to air. "It's hard in NZ to be able to sustain the sorts of audiences that are needed by advertisers. At the same time, the loss of the TV licence fee has meant the commercial imperatives have become more important and the environment is less forgiving".
Harriet paid tribute to some of the good telly that's on - Outrageous Fortune of course, and Intrepid Journeys with different well known Kiwis. In response to questions she agreed we often see the same actors, as there is security for an audience in knowing what you are going to get, which can be important in a difficult environment. Harriet also pointed out that advertisers have adapted to creating adverts that work well when muted, and have an advantage in that agencies prefer the TV medium. As to videos, she commented there's a place for being surprised and that that element is lost when young people choose to programme their own entertainment via You Tube and ipods. She was positive about Maori TV which one woman indicated as her single viewing preference.
As to radio, Harriet commented that NZ on Air forced a 20% NZ music quota on to radio, which has contributed to both local and world acceptance of Kiwi music, for example Fat Freddy's Drop. It can be hard to find the ongoing point of difference in radio content - the same music is available anywhere. "Content is king on radio, it's what keeps us relevant - maintaining the surprise element is paramount."
A big thanks to Harriet for a great talk and discussion. Thanks too from the alba committee to all the women giving feedback about the new look alba and website.
Stunning launch night for a revived alba
"We're in the pink" - 14 May 2008
We asked you and you came!! Between 60-70 women joined us to celebrate the launch of alba's new look - a new logo and a new website.
The pink theme carried the day. Women arrived wearing a variety of pinks in diverse places and ways... Plus there were pink balloons, candles, pink notices, pink membership forms, free pink drinks...
The new logo and website are stunningly powerfully pink. This was pink liberation!!
What a great evening. This was the start the newly revived alba was looking for. It certainly reflected alba's new byline: More than just a business organisation.
There were new and old faces, the Crest had a real buzz, and there was lots of networking. Women arrived wearing in your face pink, you'll have to search for me pink, shining pink, sedate pink, flippant pink, subtle pink!!
The new logo with the two "a"s in alba sporting a woman's symbol and the new website in shocking pink supported by red and purple went down a treat. Bright, bold, clear. No shrinking violets here!! You can even fill out a membership form on line on this website, and pay separately using internet banking (or you can post a cheque).
Having a survey on the launch night was very popular - 38 (non committee) women filled it in and there are some great ideas. What's below gives a flavour of the survey responses.
27 women are open to having people who are not lesbian speaking at alba. 20 of these women are open to having gay men, bisexuals, straight women, straight men and transgendered people speak. 14 others are ok with some groups. Nine women are against having non lesbians speak.
A number of women while being open to other groups, are concerned to ensure that if possible a lesbian speaker be chosen, and that if speakers from other groups are chosen, that they be sensitive to their lesbian audience and respectful of lesbians. There were over 15 names of possible speakers given (though very few had contact information). The committee is hoping women will get used to using the website email - to provide names of possible speakers, give feedback, etc.
No-one would leave alba if there are non lesbian speakers; 14-16 may not attend that meeting, five might attend and express their concerns. A further 20 did not respond to the question (but had indicated openness to other groups); one woman added her own option - "that of learning something from my being uncomfortable." Further information about the survey results can be found on the website.
The committee agrees alba's point of difference is that alba is lesbian, and that there are very few times and spaces for lesbians to be in lesbian only settings. The committee is committed to alba as a lesbian organisation, and will continue to look first and foremost to the lesbian community for speakers. We appreciate the suggestions made for possible speakers in the survey. This will hopefully help secure lesbian speakers for alba events for a long while to come. We have women willing to coach and/or support those who volunteer as speakers or panel members.
The committee takes the feedback given seriously. We're hopeful speaking slots can be filled by lesbians. But if not, and at some stage in the future we were to ask a speaker who is not lesbian to speak, we would clearly indicate this in publicity material, and ensure their topic is one that is of keen interest to lesbians. We'd also seek to ensure any such speaker is inclusive in their approach and respectful of lesbians and lesbian space.
alba would like to thank quite a few women for their help in getting us to the launch: Sue Hart at Caravan Creative for the new logo design; Gay Hamilton at Brazen Image for the website design; Dianne from Soar Printing for design & production of the alba business cards and membership forms; Sara Donaghey for valuable input into the alba herstory Kathleen edited; and Robyn Hill for assisting alba to get access to our domain address from Free Parking.
Finally to the alba team who worked on the launch - Megan, Fiona, Jilly and Nancy with Wendy on venue - congratulations and a big thank you.
alba May 08 Survey Results and alba's response
The material below is organised as follow:
1. Key messages from the alba committee in response to the survey
2. Summary of the 14 May 2008 alba survey results
3. More information about the May 2008 alba Survey Results
1. The alba committee's response to the survey:
- We are committed to maintaining alba as a lesbian organisation. Being a lesbian organisation is alba's point of difference, and we want that!!
- We really appreciate the women who took part in the survey. Thank you very much - we appreciated your enthusiasm for the task and the feedback.
- We are committed to looking first and foremost to the lesbian community for speakers for alba meetings.
- We appreciate the suggestions made for possible speakers in the survey. This will hopefully help us secure lesbian speakers for alba events for a long while to come.
- We are very willing to coach and/or support those who volunteer as speakers or panel members (and we also have another volunteer).
- If we ask a speaker who is not lesbian to speak at an alba meeting, we will clearly indicate this in the publicity material, and ensure their topic is one that is of keen interest to lesbians. We will also seek to ensure such speakers are inclusive in their approach and respectful of lesbians and lesbian space.
- We need the ongoing input of alba members if we are to be successful in the ongoing search for lesbian speakers, and for ideas for lesbian events. This also means members continuing to give names and contact details of possible speakers to the committee - and thinking about whether you would be willing to be a speaker or on a panel. Use the email link on the website to give us your suggestions and feedback.
2. Survey summary:
- A majority of women - 27 out of 38 - are open to having people who are not lesbian speaking at alba.
- 20 of these women are open to having gay men, bisexuals, straight women, straight men and transgendered people speak at alba. 14 others are ok with some groups, with the least chosen group among the 14 being straight men (o) and the most chosen group being gay men (5½).
- A minority - 9 women or around 20-25% - are against having non lesbians speak at alba; however 5 of these women also indicated some openness by choosing to include some groups in Q2. This group of women considers alba's point of difference is that it is lesbian, and that there are very few times and spaces for lesbians to be in lesbian only settings.
- A number of women while being open to other groups, are concerned to ensure that if possible a lesbian speaker be chosen, and that if speakers from other groups are chosen, that they be sensitive to their lesbian audience and respectful of lesbians.
- There were over 19 names of possible speakers given, but very few with contact information.
- If there are non lesbian speakers, no-one indicated they would leave alba; 14-16 may not attend that meeting, five might attend and express their concerns. A further 20 did not respond to the question (but had indicated an openness to other groups) or considered the question not applicable, while one woman added her own option - "that of learning something from my being uncomfortable."
- It is not known whether the openness or concern about having non lesbian speakers is a reflection of age, socio-economic status etc as no questions were asked about this; nor were women asked if they were alba members.
3. The questions and summary of responses can be found in the Survey Results PDF document.
April 08
Some Really Cool Stuff your Council does
alba's April meeting saw Sue Bidrose, Director Strategic Performance at Waitakere City Council, provide a lively and entertaining account of the really cool stuff your council does, that we either often forget, or just haven't been told. Sue is a recent convert to local government, being wooed to join Waitakere a few years ago by Ann Magee. Sue's professional background has been wide and varied working in the not for profit sector in areas of drug and alcohol treatment, and rape crisis, studied psychotherapy and counselling and then psychology at Uni and then moving to central government working in research and policy roles with Ministry of Social Development. She is so obviously passionate about the special role of local government for communities and local people's lives that she can't see herself going back to central government.
Sue explained the value for money she considers ratepayers get for their rates bill, by comparing the value for money and range of services received by two big bills, the average power bill of $160 per month which you get power and perhaps gas provided, or for the same price each month, a mere average $160 per month rates/water bill residents get, or have access to, the full range of councils services including storm water and sewage taken away, your rubbish and recycling collected weekly, local parks bought and maintained, local roads and footpaths maintained, community centres bought and maintained, libraries with their books and computers, growth management for a sustainable city, stadiums, pools, museums, zoo, dog and noise control, support for community organisations, advocacy to government , graffiti removal - the list goes on. Sue is so passionate about the great things councils do she reckons they should be advertising this stuff so everyone actually knows where their rates bill goes.
Sue also talked about Council's role in urban growth management, including urban intensification, She thinks this whole concept is poorly understood, but really important for all of us to understand. The Auckland region is one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in the southern hemisphere, in the next 20 years about 400,000 new people are expected to live in Auckland, that's the whole population of Wellington and Dunedin, coming to live in Auckland!.
Where will all those people go and how can they be accommodated without using up all the productive farmland and greenspace, like the Waitakere Ranges or Hunuas, around Auckland? That is where urban growth management, and intensification in 'key centres' comes in. The Auckland Regional Council and all the city and district Councils in Auckland have signed up to Metropolitan Urban Limits that put a boundary of urban growth to protect farmland and greenspace and help focus new development in areas close to good public transport. By accommodating growth in this way, it will help us move to a more sustainable city. This will mean a change to the way some of us live with more apartments and townhouses.
A good example is New Lynn, one of the growth centres identified in the regional growth plan. Over the next 20 years New Lynn will have more apartments close to the rail station and a vibrant commercial centre. There are likely to be 20,000 new residents and 14,000 new jobs, a new underground rail station. The art of city and regional planning is to make sure that these new apartments and townhouses are done well, are pleasant and easy places to live and meet the needs of communities and individuals and provide high quality urban environments. These changes will see more people living and working in local centres like New Lynn. Other areas of urban growth out west include Ranui and Glen Eden.
Sue sees the future out west as positive, is obviously committed to council's roles in helping to make Waitakere and the whole of Auckland a more sustainable and fabulous place to live, a pace that recognises and celebrates its diversity.
March 08
STUNNING FIRST NIGHT FOR alba AT OUR NEW VENUE - THE CREST
The alba meeting on Wednesday 12 March was a great start at the new venue, upstairs at The Crest. Around 30 women turned up despite having only two days email notice of the change in day and venue. We also had a special treat in the form of two games devised by Megan and Nancy. The Grid, a sort of meet-the folks type of Bingo, got everyone buzzing. Rosemary had the best memory for details and won the bottle of wine - though there were others who were close to finishing the puzzle. Congratulations Rosemary.
We've had really positive feedback about the new venue - about the seating along the walls, the spaciousness of the room, the stage which means it's easy to see the speaker, being up one floor and able to look out over K Road, and the separate outdoor space that's enclosed by adjacent buildings and surrounded by a green wall of ivy.
We're chuffed that alba is now back to its traditional second Wednesday of the month meeting. GALS women, we're hopeful we'll see you back!! And that others will choose to join us, at what looks like becoming the new gay venue in Auckland. (We've heard that GABA and Flirt have followed in our footsteps and headed to the Crest.)
Actually, the fact that the March alba meeting happened at all was a small miracle - or a series of them. So some thank yous.
First off, thanks to Fran Hazid for noticing that Diablo's had closed and getting in touch with Linde, just a week out from the meeting. Thanks too to Megan and Wendy - a great mix of the old and new alba team! - for finding and arranging for this venue. And finally thanks to The Crest for being willing to take us on at such short notice.
If you're wondering where The Crest is, it's easy to find. It's the old Family & Naval Hotel on the corner of K Road and Pitt Street. To find alba simply walk west of the K Road corner, and you'll see a separate entrance - a hallway leading upstairs. Head upstairs one floor and alba's to the right. So don't bother to go into the ground floor public bar - that's not it!!
As for parking, there are a number of options. K Road itself often has parking between the motorway overbridge and Pitt St. Or there's Beresford St pay-&-display. At the bottom of Beresford St, on Hopetoun St there's parking that's free after 6pm. Alternatively, there's the Mercury Lane carpark. Or you could walk or bus or get a ride with a friend...
We're still hoping that we can retrieve the alba sign from the Diablo owner's lockup, and have it out on the K Road footpath. Regardless, we'll have some signage at the door and at the bottom of the stairs - and may like last time, have a couple of women to welcome you. We apologise to anyone we don't have an email address for, and so who might have gone to Diablo's for the last meeting. The email list needs some updating, so now that we have a venue we'll be updating your details on the night.
Feb 08
Heroes Out West and other lesbian venues over the years
alba got off to a great start for 2008 with Cissy Rock, one of six women who have been the driving force behind Heroes Out West held on Sunday 17 February at the Falls Park.
Cissy talked about why it was time for a Hero event out west. She first set the scene by facilitating a reminiscence of fabulous lesbian venues over the last three decades, drawing on the spectrum of experience among the alba members and friends at the February meeting. First up, were venues from the late 70s including the KG Club - Lindsey Rea recalled being on the door and over 300 women regularly packed in. Rosemary Ronald's House was another gathering place. Other popular venues were the Alex, the Shakespeare, and the Empire on Victoria St, where the very young Topp Twins sang. There was also the Customs St coffee bar, in those days ahead of its time.
Lesbian gathering places in the 1980s included the Mamata Bakery on Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn, established and operated by 5 lesbians for over 12 years. The bakery is still an institution, despite changing hands several years ago. Once the sun went down pool and dancing could be had at The Midnight Club, open 7 days a week, with Dahlia and Raewyn on the bar.
The 1990s had the Phoenix Club, Sinners, The Staircase, Kamo and Surrender Dorothy. The naughties (2000 and on) have seen Katz and Flirt as venues. Other fabulous gathering places include alba of course, the Wild Women retreat and Rainbow Weekend at Whatipu, and more recently the annual lesbian Hero event The D-Thing at the Marco Trust.
But until now, for those of us out west, the most consistent lesbian gathering place appeared to be Henderson Pak'N'Save. Cissy and a few others thought it was high time the west was reclaimed as a safe place for lesbians and time to show a visible lesbian presence out west, as Cissy and others realised that the heroes of the west are just not well known or visible. So Heroes Out West was born: a sophisticated event providing a counterpoint to the bogan image of the west.
However, there have been hurdles. The Heroes Out West event itself has had to overcome what could be construed as homophobic responses, one over the venue and 5 of the 6 billboards being vandalised. But the show must go on and after regrouping and finding a new location at the Falls Park the Heroes Out West event went ahead on Sunday 17th February. It was a fabulous success, with over 200 Waitakere lesbians and their friends enjoying an evening of entertainment.
Nov 07
You can't touch this (.... or can she?)
Lisa Gerrard is a solicitor in a small inner city practice, with a passion for family law. At the November alba meeting Lisa gave a broad brush overview of important things lesbians should know about property relationship law. The Property Relationship Act (the Act) definitely applies to lesbian relationships, whether civilly unionised or de facto. As a general rule it applies to relationships longer than 3 years, although there are situations where it can apply to shorter relationships. This is important to remember given the pace of many lesbian relationships.
The definition of a de facto relationship is also very broad, it can include situations where partners share a house, divide domestic chores, have a sexual relationship and where there is a public perception of a relationship. So what about a flatmate, you lent her your car once, and there was that one night when you both had too much to drink and things happened? Although this situation has many features of a de facto relationship, it is missing the public perception. Deciding when the Property Relationships Act applies is not straightforward.
Lisa illustrated a range of possible situations for famous couples we all know and whether the Act would apply: Melissa Etheridge and Tammy; yes they've been together for ages, and they have the kids to think about; Patty and Selma from the Simpson's, (are they sisters or aren't they?), one could argue that the Act applies to them; and what about Bett and Tina from the L word, you'll remember Bett was willing to give Tina everything!; Portia and Ellen, the Act is definitely relevant; and how about the couple in Bound (the movie)? The Act wouldn't apply to them, as they had a really short intense relationship, and then rode off, separately, into the sunset.
So, does she get all my stuff? Basically she is entitled to 50% of all relationship property, which is any property, whenever it was acquired, that is used for the benefit of the relationship. Separate property is all other property not used for the benefit of the relationship. An in-between category is where separate property becomes intermingled. This is where a partner contributes to the benefit of the property. An example of intermingled property is where you own the house and share with your partner who pays you rent. Your partner but also paid for the bathroom renovation. She is then entitled to 50% of the increased value of the house due to the bathroom renovation.
Other situations that might be relevant to the Property Relationships Act include inheritance, situations where a business is owned by one partner and the other works in the business. The other important situation is where there are children. This changes everything, regardless of whether they are of that relationship, from a previous relationship, fostered, or adopted.
So how can you, and your partner, protect your property should you split at some point? Lisa advised that the only certain way is to have a Property Relationship Agreement (Section 21 of the Property Relationship Act). Where the Court becomes involved it can consider the equity of a settlement, can recognise non-financial contributions to a relationship and can adjust a Property Relationship Agreement if necessary.
Because every relationship is different, it is important to seek legal advice for Property Relationship Agreements. Lisa recommended that everyone in a relationship should consider a Property Relationship Agreement, and to also remember other tools to protect your assets and your wishes. This includes ensuring you have a valid Will and to consider having a Power of Attorney, should you become incapacitated. For more information you can contact LisaGerrard at Holmes Dangen & Associates on email lisag@hda.co.nz or 09 984 0502.
Oct 07
Genetic Engineering - Out of the Closet
Robin MacDiarmid, a genetic engineer with HortResearch, a Crown Research Institute, gave an engaging and stimulating talk about genetic engineering and the stigma it carries in society. A stigma she equated with homophobia. Robin has had to come out of the closet not only as a lesbian, but also as a genetic engineer, due to hostility towards her profession.
Robin talked about her background and what led her to become a genetic engineer. She grew up in Kerikeri, the daughter of a citrus and subtropical fruit grower, where she experienced firsthand the taste of pesticides sprayed to control disease in the orchard plants. This set her to wondering about better ways to protect the fruit that didn't require large quantities of pesticides. Her PhD research at Auckland University investigated opportunities to protect plants without chemicals by using a small part of DNA from a disease causing virus to effectively "immunise" plants against the virus. The field trials showed this method was effective. She continued this work in post doctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley. This is the same method used for the Hawaiian papaya farming industry, made up of small landholding farmers, by "immunising" papaya with parts of the virus DNA.
Robin returned to NZ in the mid 1990s at a time when there was increasing public interest and concern about the use of genetic engineering in New Zealand and overseas. In New Zealand it led to a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Genetic Modification which considered the potential risks and opportunities and resulted in the current control system for genetically modified organisms.
Robin's perspective, as a concerned and committed scientist who obviously believes in the potential benefit her work has for society, is that the use of genetic engineering needs to be considered as just one of many tools to protect our food. She challenged us all to consider some of the broader questions in relation to our food, such as where our food comes from, how it has been treated, for example, whether it has been irradiated, or treated with chemicals, as well as the benefits and risks of any genetic modification. All these questions deserve our concern and attention. She considers that as a society we need to debate what is safe, healthy, and wholesome food and ensure consumers have the information to choose food that meets their needs, including whether it is genetically engineered.
Robin strongly advocated a greater role and responsibility for scientists to explain the nature of their work to ordinary people and to listen to our concerns as a society. Open debate about the benefits and risks of emerging technology are the best way to ensure science contributes to a common good for society and scientists are better able to respond to society's concerns.
There are many arguments for and against genetic engineering. Robin gave us a very personal and informative perspective on genetic engineering and showed the human face of science. It seems that not all genetic engineering is in the hands of multi-national corporations.
Sep 07
alba AGM
The alba AGM on Wednesday 12th September was well attended by over 50 women and was ably chaired by Charmaine with humour and verve.
Retiring committee member and founding member Sara summarised the years events which included speakers from various groups and a mid-winter dinner at Bolliwood in June. She also provided an historical summary of alba, noting key people who played a part in alba's establishment in 2000. Special tribute was paid to Sara for the leadership, vision and dedication she has shown. Thanks also go to the other retiring committee members Jacqui, Robin and Liz.
A new committee was elected on the night with a mix of new and continuing members. The new committee are Catherine (Secretary), Linde (Treasurer), Yvonne and Wendy all continuing members, with new committee members Megan, Fiona, Jilly, Kathleen, Lisa, and Nancy joining them.
The strong attendance at the AGM signals a positive future for alba after recent concern about its future. alba will continue to be an inclusive organisation and strive to meet the needs of a wide range of lesbians as we move into the next phase of our future.
Please note that in order to keep the fabulous venue and hospitality that Diablo provide us it has been necessary to change the meeting day for alba. We will now meet on the second Tuesday of the month.
We're looking forward to another year of fun and networking and hope to see you there, so why not come along.
Copyright 2008 alba