I have come to Cafe Baobab in Newtown for a post-mortem with Tom, of last night's 'wow' factor anniversary at the famous Eco-sanctuary at Karori which is called 'Zealandia'.
Typical Saturday, busy at Baobab
Kevin the guitarist, greeting the happy couple
A daughter and son-in-law giving speeches
..to the happy male couple!
This was the 10th anniversary of the famed Civil Union of two redoubtable sexual law reform activists, Des and John. Although together twenty-eight years in total as a couple, they also had John's two daughters at the ceremony, with their respective Irish and Scottish husbands, and four delightful grand-children. John who was born in England, emigrated here over fifty years ago, married a Kiwi girl and had two daughters whom he raised solo after the death by cancer of his wife. Then later on he met Des and they became a couple who were largely instrumental in bringing in the historic gay law reform bill. They also organised the first 'Big Gay Out' LGBTI celebrations in Newtown which successfully continue today under a different name. They are also active in eco-sustainability and Des has been a guide at this renowned Zealandia eco-sanctuary for over ten years so it was fitting to have their re-affirmation of vows here. Their historic Civil Union was at the Wellington City Hall and was famously attended by about two hundred (including my friend Tom) of their friends who afterwards all marched the streets of Wellington in celebration of a hard-won victory.
They invited Tiwhanawhana to help them celebrate this re-enactment of May 1st, 2005, in singing a selection of Maori Waiata. This we did before dinner at the top of the staircase in this imposing three storey eco-friendly building and later a few more waiata before dessert. Des and John were both very touched by the singing and later thanked Tiwhanawhana sincerely for coming. As well the abundant food provided by the Zealandia kitchen was absolutely delicious. The MC for the night was fittingly the amazing drag-diva Amanduh Lahore who kept everyone mightily entertained with her five costume changes and great lip-synching songs.
Might I add that John and Des are 86 and 75 years of age respectively. What a role model are they for everyone and I must say they welcomed me as an odd Aussie newcomer very warmly into their midst. It was a most memorable evening and goes down in my diary as a high point in my sojourn in this wonderful town/city of Wellington.
Thank you John and Des for a fabulous evening, and now I intend to plan for another daytime visit to witness this Eco Sanctuary extraordinaire at my leisure.
Amanduh in green sparkles..
With Tiwhanawhana friend Chanel, at our table
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