In the countdown to Auckland Pride Festival, Auckland Council’s Director of Community Rachel Kelleher outlines why it’s important to stand with our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Every day, I feel lucky to be surrounded by Aucklanders who reflect a myriad of cultures and identities.
Nearly half of all Aucklanders were born overseas, a third speak more than one language, and more people belong to our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau than anywhere else in the country.
Our diversity is a huge part of what makes Auckland a special place to live. Bringing together different cultures, experiences, traditions and perspectives can enrich our own lives, broaden our understanding of one another, and help us develop new and innovative ways of thinking and living that can support our economic and social wellbeing.
All Aucklanders should be able to participate and feel safe to be themselves. There are many case studies in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas showing people are more likely to be happier, healthier and thrive when they live in inclusive communities.
Auckland Council strives to be a champion for respect and inclusivity, and our support for rainbow communities is one way that we demonstrate this.
To support the Auckland Pride Festival this year, we are very excited to be hosting more than 130 free and low-cost community-based events and activities at council venues across the city in the upcoming weeks.
Our 45 Proud Centres are community spaces where Aucklanders can come together and celebrate our rainbow communities, and any visitor can feel welcomed and included.
As an organisation, we respect the right for people to hold and express alternate views peacefully, and in a way that does not impact others – but we will never tolerate forceful and intimidating action that prevents members of our community from being able to safely take part in planned activities.
In preparation for this year’s celebrations, the council has worked closely with our partners and New Zealand Police to ensure staff and participants can feel and are safe while attending events.
As part of this strong line, we’re serious about walking the talk in how we work and care for our staff too. In 2019, we became the first council in New Zealand to gain Rainbow Tick accreditation, and we are now gold members of Pride Pledge. We achieved Advanced Gender Tick Accreditation and we’re working towards an Accessibility Tick with the NZ Disability Employer’s Network, integrating the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion into all that we do.
As this year’s Pride festivities get ready to shine across our city during the month of February, I encourage everyone to show your solidarity through everyday actions. I know I’ll be enjoying the opportunity to wear some bright colours throughout the weeks ahead! Simply a kind word of validation at the right time can go a long way too.
Our support for Pride Month is bigger than bringing people together to celebrate our rainbow communities. It’s prioritising inclusion for the wellbeing of all our communities.