Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here

M
2025
Poster for Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here

Hosted by comedian Eli Mathewson, this six-part docuseries reveals the untold history of New Zealand’s LGBTQI+ community.

Where to watch Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here

Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here is available to stream... More in New Zealand now on TVNZ+.

Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here episodes

Episode 1.1

Seeing is Believing: Queer Representation in Media

Join Eli Matthewson for a journey through the untold history... More of New Zealand's queer community, celebrating the resilience of trailblazers who pushed for an inclusive Aotearoa.

Episode 1.2

Fighting for Our Rights: Homosexual Law Reform

After six teens are acquitted of killing a gay man... More in a public park, the queer community rallies to fight for Homosexual Law Reform—sparking a fierce battle with conservative groups.

Episode 1.3

Resilience: New Zealand's Fight Against AIDS

The first series to revisit New Zealand’s AIDS crisis and... More its impact on gay men. We meet Michael Stevens, diagnosed with HIV at 27 in 1988, who survived hospice stays long enough to access groundbreaking HIV treatments. The episode also honours Bruce Burnett, a pioneer in New Zealand’s fight against HIV, and Denny Marks, the first New Zealander known to die from the virus. WARNING: Contains references to suicide.

Episode 1.4

Beyond the Binary: Trans Stories

Exploring New Zealand’s trans history on mainstream TV for the... More first time, this episode introduces figures like Peter Alexander, a trans man who fled Palmerston North due to public scrutiny, and Carmen Rupe, a pioneering trans icon who paved the way for Georgina Beyer to become the world’s first trans member of parliament.

EPISODE 1.5

Love Thy Neighbour: The Church and the Rainbow Community

Notorious Christian speaker Sy Rogers once preached 'healing' from homosexuality,... More an experience host Eli Matthewson personally witnessed. We hear from Joan Bellingham, a nurse subjected to 12 years of electroconvulsive therapy due to her sexuality, and from former pastor Andre Afamasaga, who later became a leading critic of conversion practices after attempting to ‘fix’ his own sexuality. WARNING: Contains references to suicide.

EPISODE 1.6

Thank You For Your Service...But Not Your Identity: Queer in the Public Sector

During WWII, Kiwi female impersonators played a vital role in... More maintaining morale. Yet, post-war, the Defence Force and Police classified homosexuality and trans identity as psychiatric disorders, with severe consequences for those serving. We also discuss the 2018 Auckland Pride Parade’s controversial ban on uniformed officers and its impact on takatāpui police officers working to foster understanding within the force.

Queer Aotearoa: We've Always Been Here | Details

Rating
M, LC
Genre
Documentary
Country of origin
New Zealand