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PICTURED (L-R): Andy Boreham, Tim Barnett, Aaron Hailwood

New award celebrates Tim Barnett

The Pink Wellington Award, a new honour designed to celebrate services to Wellington’s rainbow (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) communities, was launched on Saturday night at the queer prom by Out Wellington Inc.

The inaugural award was presented to outgoing MP Tim Barnett by Andy Boreham and Aaron Hailwood, who have worked closely with Tim over the past few years on many of Wellington’s rainbow events.

“He has done so much for our community,” Andy said during the quick ceremony. “Including spear-heading human rights initiatives such as prostitution law reform, civil unions, relationship property laws and the clean-slate act."

"He is someone who will leave a great void but also a great legacy."

Barnett was excited to receive the award, especially at a "young" event like the queer ball—an event largely attended by high school and university students.

"I didn't 'come out' until I was 24," Barnett recalled while addressing the audience. "It's so great to see such young, active and happy queer people enjoying yourselves and who you are."

"This is my third queer award," Barnett said. "But it is one that will definitely sit with pride of place."

The Pink Wellington Award will now be given out sporadically by Out Wellington Inc.—a committee who also run the capital’s gay and lesbian fair—to those who provide exceptional service to Wellington’s rainbow communities.

ENDS

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