A new social and support network for young lesbian and bi women in the Waikato will officially begin in early 2009 with fortnightly meetings in a friendly environment.

"We already have 20 women interested in coming along, and I expect at least 40 by the time the group starts," explains organiser Anita Jacobs.

The success of a similar Pinkgirls group in Auckland led Jacobs to recognise a need for a similar group in the Waikato. "We hear from a number of lesbian and bi-sexual women in Hamilton aged 18-25 who don't have a group for them.We do have Lesbian Dinners, which runs with a similar purpose, but we want to organise something different to target younger women."

The group also wants to organise trips to big events such as Auckland's Big Gay Out, and print clothing for its members to wear.

Members of the group have been networking during last week's Hamilton Pride Week. The group can be contacted via email at: pinkgals@hamiltonpride.co.nz.