Louisa Wall, newly appointed patron of Toitū Takatāpui | Rainbow Tick, urges us to “resist” and “uplift” at 10-year anniversary celebration

On Friday 1^st November, members of the rainbow community and allies gathered in Chapman Tripp’s beautiful Auckland offices, overlooking the Waitematā harbour. Toitū Takatāpui | Rainbow Tick and Kāhui Tū Kaha staff were joined by representatives of the Rainbow Tick accredited organisations supported over the years, for a celebration in acknowledgement of 10 years of Rainbow Tick.

Prue Kapua, Board Chairperson of Kāhui Tū Kaha, recalled the origins of Rainbow Tick, in 2011, “when Kāhui Tū Kaha (then known as Affinity Services) received a grant to conduct research into the health needs of people from LGBTTQIA+ communities.” Kapua went on to explain how this research led to the development of Rainbow Tick, at a time when there was little discussion of mental wellbeing in the workplace.

“It is estimated that close to a quarter million employees have benefitted from working for an employer who is sincere in their desire to create an inclusive workplace for rainbow communities” shared Kapua.

Every moment of the evening was a delight, thanks to the hilarious MC Luke Bird and the incredible display of tautoko from Te Kapa Haka o Kāhui Tū Kaha.

While the event paid tribute to the whakapapa of Toitū Takatāpui | Rainbow Tick and what has been achieved by member organisations thus far, it was not all about looking back. One of the highlights of the event was the exciting announcement of the appointment of Louisa Wall as patron of Toitū Takatāpui | Rainbow Tick.

MC Luke Bird acknowledged Wall’s remarkable career, which includes “serving as a Member of Parliament from 2008 to 2022, where she championed the Marriage Amendment Act, legalising same-sex marriage in 2013, co-convening the cross-party working group on women’s and Takatāpui rights and serving as New Zealand’s first Ambassador for Gender Equality (Pacific) Tuia Tangata, working with women and SOGIESC communities across the Pacific to advance rights and promote legislative reforms.”

After her appointment as patron, Wall gave a powerful address.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate…let us resist the forces that seek to diminish our rights, our identities, and our lives. At the same time, let us uplift one another, celebrating the progress we have made and the diverse tapestry of our communities.”

“As we commemorate this significant anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to the fight for equality and justice. We have come so far, but there is still much work to be done. Together, we can continue to create a world where love, acceptance, and dignity are not just ideals but a lived reality for everyone.”