Kiefer Hunt – RNZCT Scholarship. Veterinary Science – Massey University

Kiefer who is trans (he/him) was proud to be the deputy head boy at Tawa College and was one of the leaders of our school’s Queer Straight Alliance which grew to around 30 students in his year. “I can’t imagine not being involved with the rainbow community. The best part of being a QSA leader is connecting with and supporting a variety of amazing students… I am also going to be a part of Inside Out’s new resource videos and will be speaking at the CARN Chief Executive Breakfast this year. I was also part of a recent two-day workshop, looking into rainbow history and making zine pages inspired by it. Connecting to queer history made me remember how much the rainbow community has always meant to people…”

Kiefer ran the National school’s pride week for his school. This involved organising different events such as arts ‘n’ crafts and a ‘bring an ally day’ for my school’s QSA and educating the teachers on how to be more rainbow-inclusive. “The main idea behind it is to make the teachers visible allies, so all rainbow students will feel safe at school”.

He has also been involved in canteen, the school magazine, Pink Shirt Day, and Valentine’s Day, he co-ran Mental Health Awareness Week at his school which raised over $1000 for the Mental Health Foundation.

“I plan to study Veterinary Science at Massey University, leaning towards becoming a primarily equine or large animal (possibly mixed) vet, specifically in more rural areas. Rural areas get a bad rap for their treatment and opinions of rainbow people compared to the CBD. I would love to use my career and rainbow identity to open up people’s minds and help make a community more inclusive. I’m especially inspired after meeting Lynda Topp at her café in Methven!”

Kiefer is going to make a great vet and we know we will be seeing a lot more of him advocating for our community on many platforms.