New Zealand’s longest running LGBT rights association Malgra has lost its President after she has had to step down from her role.
The Manawatu Lesbian and Gay Rights Association Malgra, based in Palmerston North, has been running for 38 years and Jane Johnston has been involved for the past two and a half years.
Johnston spoke with the Manawatu Standard she would have to relinquish the volunteer role due to her work commitments with Massey University.
“I came on board because of the people and the welcoming nature and the history of the club,” Johnston said the Manawatu Standard.
“And I’m still going to be involved but just not in a leadership role, because my work has just tripled and I’m not a person to do something half-a***.
“It wasn’t an easy decision and I’m sad about it – I’m really sad about it.
“But I think the key message is that Malgra has had so many people and changes over its 38 years. It’s had so many passionate people supporting it and it’s still so strong.”
Committee member Andrew Leipst said Johnston had been a great leader and she would be missed.
During her time with the organisation she has seen a variety of changes.
“When I became president we were coming to a crunch in regards to Club Q – rent was astronomically high, those sorts of things. That’s when we reshaped the organisation. We closed Club Q and moved into the Square Edge building.
“Then we created the wellbeing network, and started working with council, working with police and creating those community events.”
Last Updated on May 24, 2016
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