Through the collections: 40 Years of Homosexual Law Reform

Reflect on 40 years of Homosexual Law Reform in Aotearoa this Queer History Month, Pūmahara Ia Te Wā. Explore collection items at your own pace — from ephemera and audiovisual taonga to books — and create your own poetic response.

Programme:

Join in across the day with activities, screenings, and a collection viewing.

Collection viewing

When — 10am to 1pm

Where — National Library Gallery, Ground floor

Explore collections relating to Homosexual Law Reform in Aotearoa with our friendly curators. Featuring collections from the National Library, the Alexander Turnbull Library, Archives New Zealand, Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision and Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa.

Activity: Create your own blackout poem

When — 10am to 1pm

Where — Programme rooms, Ground floor

Take a moment to reflect by crafting your own poetic response to this significant anniversary using found materials from Papers Past. Reinterpret, reimagine, or honour an existing text by picking out your own poem. Presented by Blackout Poetry Aotearoa and supported by Chris Tse (New Zealand Poet Laureate 2022-2025).

Screening: Thin Edge of the Wedge

When — 10:30am and 12:30pm (72 minutes, plus an introduction and time for questions)

Where — Taiwhanga Kauhau — Auditorium, Lower ground floor

Experience the media landscape of 1985 and 1986 following the introduction of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. The documentary Thin Edge of the Wedge — Homosexual Law Reform in Aotearoa New Zealand (1985-1986) features television news bulletins about public events — both for and against reform — held throughout the country. In contrast to the mainstream media coverage, excerpts from a private recording filmed in Auckland by the Auckland Women’s Community Video Collective highlight the work and energy of the many lesbians, queer, and Indigenous activists in the campaign for equality. This screening includes material some viewers may find challenging.

Screenings will be introduced by Gareth Watkins, who curated the programme for Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision in 2016 for the 30th anniversary.

This event is presented as part of Queer History Month Pūmahara Ia Te Wā, in partnership with Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, Archives New Zealand, Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa, and Blackout Poetry Aotearoa. Banner image designed by Sam Orchard.