Taranaki Gay Society Papers (1978–1979)
Collection Reference: LAGANZ MS Papers 0064
Organisation: Taranaki Gay Society
Location: New Plymouth, Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand
Date Range: 1978–1979
Physical Extent: One folder
The Taranaki Gay Society was established (or revived) in Spring 1978, operating from PO Box 676, New Plymouth. The group evolved directly out of Gay Liberation Taranaki, which had gone into recess in 1976.
Following a period of inactivity, the group was briefly known as the Gay Social Group Taranaki before adopting the final name Taranaki Gay Society.
This collection documents a significant moment of transition in Taranaki’s queer organising — from radical liberation politics toward a more formalised community organisation model, influenced by national networks such as the National Gay Rights Coalition of New Zealand.
What’s in the collection
The papers include:
📜 Constitution outlining aims and organisational structure
📰 Newsletters (Nos. 1–3 and two unnumbered issues, Sept 1978 – Feb/March 1979)
🗞️ Press statement (17 November 1978) on candidates’ positions on gay rights
🎄 Printed invitation to a Christmas party
📎 Supporting materials related to membership and governance
Notable features of the constitution include:
A formal organisational structure
Aims focused on social support, liberation from discrimination, and legal reform
A strong prohibition on any association with marijuana, reflecting the group’s concern with public perception and legitimacy
Secretary/Treasurer: Les
