Taranaki Gay Group (TaGG) – Introductory Letter (c.1982)

Organisation: Taranaki Gay Group (TaGG)

Formed: October 1981

Document Date: c. 1982 (post-formation circular letter)

Location: New Plymouth, Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand

Postal Address: P.O. Box 374, New Plymouth

Item Type: Organisational introduction letter / outreach correspondence

Document Overview

This typed and handwritten letter announces the existence of the Taranaki Gay Group (TaGG), a social organisation operating in the Taranaki province. The letter appears to be a formal outreach communication intended to inform other groups or publications of TaGG’s formation and activities.

The document states that:

• The group was formed in October 1981.

• It operates primarily as a social group.

• Membership is open to males and females.

• Members come from across the Taranaki region.

• Regular fortnightly social gatherings are held.

• Event details are circulated via a newsletter.

The letter also extends a welcome to visitors to Taranaki and offers to send copies of the group’s newsletter to keep recipients informed.

Named Individual

George

• Role: Coordinator

• Contact: Phone XX803 (New Plymouth)
  

Historical Significance

This document provides evidence of:

• Organised gay community presence in Taranaki as early as 1981–1982.

• Mixed-gender membership in a regional gay group during a period when homosexuality was still criminalised in New Zealand (Homosexual Law Reform Act would not pass until 1986).

• Structured, regular social gatherings and newsletter communication.

• Formal outreach to build networks beyond the region.

It represents an early stage of organised LGBTQ+ community infrastructure in provincial New Zealand.