gay auckland business association

21st June 2013

Gay Auckland Needs Wit and a Keen Sense of Fashion, Says Outgoing GABA President

GABA (the Gay Auckland Business Association) was told its new leadership would need wit and a keen sense of fashion to succeed in representing Auckland’s LGBT community.

GABA elected long-standing supporter and Executive Events Team Leader, Skot Barnett as its new President at its AGM at Ipanema Food and Wine Society in Ponsonby on Wednesday (19th June).

Outgoing President Michael Richardson received a warm ovation after 18 months in the post, which has seen a revitalizing of the association. Michael paid tribute to the many volunteers who had helped GABA during his time in office noting: `The development of a shared leadership model has made proper succession planning possible. I have been supported by a dedicated team whose skills and strengths are evident in the fantastic things we have achieved this year. I wish Skot, the new President and his team all the best for the next stage in GABA’s growth and want to remind them that they will need a keen wit and sense of fashion to do the job properly.

The crowded meeting saw Treasurer Roger Hiscock re-elected unopposed and new face Josiah Hickey voted in as GABA secretary. They were joined on the new executive by by Peter Boyes, Craig Bonnington, Janet Mays, Jamie Jing, Stuart Angel and Heather Carnegie.

Michael Richardson says: `The AUT Business Series, GABA Auction, Big Gay Out VIP tent, the Pride GlamStand are major events that would have taxed any organization and our team delivered to our members and raised the brand profile of GABA to its highest ever level, reflecting a dynamic business association able to support the needs of its diverse community.’

Gresham Bradley, GABA Trust Chairperson points out: `Michael must be thanked for saving GABA from oblivion. He brought the skills we needed to help create a successful, enduring organisation.’

GABA membership is now at its highest for many years and on target to reach the 1,000 member milepost. Michael also leaves the Presidency with the association financially secure.

Michael thanked AUT in particular for its support and encouragement and pointed out that the contribution of retiring Vice President Andy Jalfon had been an invaluable steadying hand upon the tiller. Andy will be joining the Pride Festival Trust shortly.

Incoming President, Skot Barnett says: `I am passionate about what we do and what we can do in the future. In community there is strength and I want GABA to be a platform for the wider LGBT community. We have to be very clear about what we are and who we stand for, which is a diverse rainbow community. In particular GABA is a positive force for LGBT business in Auckland.

The new GABA executive is now looking for volunteers to help build on the success of Michael’s Presidency. Skot adds: `With Matariki we start a new year and we’re looking for new members and for old members who would like to put something back into our Rainbow Community. We really could do with expertise in the following areas, events, communications and membership services. But whatever your skills we need you.’

About GABA

GABA is New Zealand’s largest LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) membership organisation offering a professional social network.

GABA provides a range of networking and social events and works for the community by raising funds for The GABA Charitable Trust, which are then distributed as Grants, Scholarships and Awards.

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