Welcome to 2026 – It’s time to show our PRIDE!

Kia ora e te whānau, and happy Pride season!

As we step into 2026, we’re filled with immense pride and gratitude for what our communities achieved together in 2025 – a year that truly broke records.

We received the highest number of scholarship applications in the Trust’s history, supported more community groups than ever through our grants programme, and delivered a record-shattering GiveOUT Day, raising the largest total since the campaign began. Every dollar, every application, every story reminded us why this mahi matters.

None of this happens without you – our rainbow communities, partners, donors, volunteers, and champions across Aotearoa. Your generosity and belief in our kaupapa continue to uplift and empower the next generation of rainbow leaders.

And if 2025 was big, 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger. We can’t wait to celebrate with you, connect with you, and continue building a future where every rainbow person in Aotearoa can thrive.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Gurv & Jessie
Co-Chairs, Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust

Pride Mixer 2026 – Celebrate Our Scholars!

We’re kicking off Pride season with one of our favourite events of the year — the RNZCT & Rainbow Auckland Pride Mixer, generously hosted by Westpac NZ.

Wednesday 4 February 2026
Celebrating our record-breaking number of scholarship winners
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/rainbow-auckland-rainbow-nz-charitable-trust-scholarship-tickets-1980749067782?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

This year’s mixer is extra special. With the largest pool of applicants we’ve ever seen and the most scholarships we’ve ever awarded, we’re gathering to honour the incredible talent, resilience, and leadership emerging from our rainbow communities.

These events sell out fast, so grab your tickets early and join us for an evening of connection, celebration, and pride.

Pride 2026 is Coming!

Pride season is rolling out across Aotearoa, from big city festivals to regional rainbow gatherings. Whether you’re into parades, markets, art, kōrero or low-key community vibes, there’s something happening near you.

Here’s your A–Z guide to Pride events across the motu:

 Auckland Pride Festival
 1–28 February 2026
A month-long celebration of queer arts, culture, nightlife and community events.
Programme: https://aucklandpride.org.nz/
Rainbow Parade (Sat 21 Feb): https://rainbowparade.co.nz/
Pride at Auckland Art Gallery (Sat 28 Feb): https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on/event/pride-festival-2026

Christchurch Pride
March 2026
Community-led Pride with markets, social events and the iconic Rainbow Ride.
Events: https://www.chchpride.co.nz/
Pride Market & Rainbow Ride (Sat 28 Mar): https://www.chchpride.co.nz/events/2026-03-28/

Pride Taranaki
10-19 April 2026
Programme will be launched in March 2026.
https://pridetaranaki.co.nz/

Tauranga Moana Rainbow Collective
April 2026
Workshops, community events and connection spaces.
Updates: https://www.tmrc.org.nz/

Whangārei Pride Festival
March 2026
A vibrant regional Pride with parades, performances and whānau-friendly events.
Info: https://www.whangareiproud.org/whangarei-pride-festival

Wellington Pride Festival
6–22 March 2026
Grassroots Pride with parades, youth events, hīkoi, picnics and creative programming.
Programme: https://www.wellingtonpridefestival.com/
Pride Parade (Sat 7 Mar): https://www.wellingtonprideparade.co.nz/

National & Local Rainbow Dates

Looking for smaller, local events? Many regions host activities around key rainbow visibility days — film nights, hui, panels and picnics.

Nationwide Rainbow Calendar: https://pridepledge.co.nz/rainbow-calendar/

Tip: Regional Pride events are often announced closer to the date – follow your local Pride organisations on social media or subscribe to their newsletters so you don’t miss out.

40 Years Since Homosexual Law Reform – A Milestone for Aotearoa

This year marks a profound moment in our collective rainbow story – the 40th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Act (1986). Four decades since thousands across Aotearoa marched, rallied, wrote letters, stood up, and spoke out so that our communities could live with dignity, safety, and authenticity.

It is a moment to honour the activists who paved the way, remember those we lost, and celebrate the progress that has shaped the freedoms we hold today. It’s also a reminder that our mahi continues – building a future where every rainbow person can thrive without fear or discrimination.

Throughout 2026, commemorations, exhibitions, kōrero, and community events will be taking place across the motu to mark this historic milestone.

Keep an eye out! We’ll be sharing details soon about how the Trust will be honouring this anniversary and how you can be part of the celebrations.

Ngā mihi nui,
The Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust