Bruce Burnett

Bruce Burnett (16 November 1954, Avondale, Auckland – 1 June 1985) was an AIDS activist and educator influential in establishing the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and early educational programmes. Education and training to provide support for patients

Burnett studied architecture at the University of Auckland but did not complete his degree. After leaving university he travelled to Europe to study cuisine and returned to Auckland where he was involved in a number of cafes. Diagnosis with ARC

Burnett returned to New Zealand in November 1983 with swollen lymph glands and a persistent infection in his intestine. On his return, he threw himself into AIDS education. The first New Zealand man who had contracted AIDS overseas and returned home died in Taranaki in February 1984. There was a vast amount of stigma surrounding the disease and as the Homosexual Law Reform bill had not yet been passed, it was hard for people to access information openly. Co-founder of the AIDS Support Network

In 1984, with Bill Logan and Phil Parkinson, Burnett established the AIDS Support Network, and also established the AIDS hotline. in honour of Burnett and others who were vital, but often not recognised, for their work for the cause.

Burnett's name is recorded on Block 12 of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Further information

Recorded interview with Bruce Burnett, February 1985 HIV and Coronavirus: Remembering Bruce Burnett and Li Wenliang