DC Harding | Living Boldly, Leading Bravely, Giving Back – Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust

L’Oréal x RNZCT | A Gold Standard Partnership for Pride and Inclusion

October 15, 2025

Jakob Carter | The Art of Giving, the Power of Being Seen

October 21, 2025

Scholar Spotlight | DC Harding

2025 has been slayed! Since we last met, I've been working on myself, not only as a human being but also as an artist, student, and leader of an organisation whose sole purpose is to help people realise their best potential. Without the help of the Scholarship, I wouldn't be where I am today.

The money provided has allowed me to study at the highest level. My master's programme is focused on Organisational Psychology, which supports me in my day-to-day role as an organisational leader. The ability to implement what I am learning on the daily ensures that my reflective practice continues to be sharpened. I recently asked my 18 direct reports about my leadership, 100% were either satisfied, or extremely satisfied - this would not be possible without the support of the Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust and Newmarket Business Association.

Giving back to a community that has accepted me was a top priority, so I used the platform of Mr. BEAR NZ to raise awareness of the amazing work that the Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust does. Both Luke Bird and I, represented the Trust and fundraised to help continue the amazing work that they do. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a recipient of the scholarship and continue to wear this with pride.

I’m proud to say that I walked away from Mr. Bear as the 2025 Mr. Bear Congeniality, but also, as their inaugural winner of the title!

DC, along with Glambassador, Luke Bird, and friends at Mr BEAR NZ

I also attended the Miss World New Zealand pageant as Mr Bear Congeniality, it was such a joy to watch my partner, who designed the winning ‘National Costume’, walk on stage and accept the accolade for his hard work - I’m so proud of him.

Recently, I also performed for the Face of Beauty International (FOBI) Pageant held in the Waikato. It was both a joy and a privilege. The pageant is dedicated to raising funds for charitable purposes around the world, and currently, with the help of FOBI, a hospital is being built in Taiwan.

At my age, the only advice that I tend to give out is to lean into who you are more at a younger age. Life is so much better when you are self-assured and know who you are. If you don't know who you are, get about the business of finding out! Outside of the roles that you play in life, the things that you do, or the people that you hang out with. When you're alone with your thoughts, in the dark, who are you? Once you answer that question, work out your vision and mission for your life - and then stick to it - your life will open up! Trust me, I'm living proof of it!

DC's scholarship was generously sponsored by our friends at the Newmarket Business Association, long-time supporters of our Rainbow Scholarships programme. To learn more about the NBA, you can visit them here.

DC Harding | Living Boldly, Leading Bravely, Giving Back

L’Oréal x RNZCT | A Gold Standard Partnership for Pride and Inclusion

Jakob Carter | The Art of Giving, the Power of Being Seen

Scholar Spotlight | DC Harding

DC's scholarship was generously sponsored by our friends at the Newmarket Business Association, long-time supporters of our Rainbow Scholarships programme. To learn more about the NBA, you can visit them here.

Sponsors

Supporters

$950,000

DC Harding | Living Boldly, Leading Bravely, Giving Back

L’Oréal x RNZCT | A Gold Standard Partnership for Pride and Inclusion

Jakob Carter | The Art of Giving, the Power of Being Seen

L’Oréal x RNZCT | A Gold Standard Partnership for Pride and Inclusion

Jakob Carter | The Art of Giving, the Power of Being Seen

Scholar Spotlight | DC Harding

DC's scholarship was generously sponsored by our friends at the Newmarket Business Association, long-time supporters of our Rainbow Scholarships programme. To learn more about the NBA, you can visit them here.

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Sponsors

Supporters

$950,000