Social scientist and HIV advocacy worker Dr Jason Myers has joined the Cartier Trust as a new Trustee.

He replaces Paul Heaslip, who has been involved with the Trust since establishing the initial Trust deed in 2004.

Myers trained as a social scientist and has been involved with HIV research and advocacy for eight years.

His PhD focused on HIV-positive gay men in Auckland and he has also completed a research fellowship in London.

Founding Trustee Karen Richie says Myers is a welcome addition to the Cartier Trust.

“We… look forward to working with him to further ensure the continued strength and value of the Trust,” she says.

While he also serves as the strategic policy advisor at the New Zealand AIDS Foundation, Myers joins the Trust as an independent Trustee and not as a representative of the NZAF.

“I have always admired the important work of the Cartier Trust and I was excited to accept a position on the Board,” he says.

Heaslip will continue to support and contribute to the Trust in an informal capacity.

Established in memory of the renowned drag artist Courtney Cartier, the Cartier Trust supports the family and friends of those who die from HIV-related illnesses through fundraising for funeral costs.