Steven Oates has been a familiar face and voice in Aotearoa’s Rainbow communities for more than 20 years. His media career began with his own radio show on 95bFM while studying at the University of Auckland in the late 1990s, before going on to work across television and radio, including as a reporter for the award-winning queer television show Queer Nation.

An accomplished MC and entertainer, Steven has brought his trademark energy and sparkle to some of Aotearoa’s biggest Rainbow events, including the Big Gay Out, Wellington’s Out in the Square and the Auckland Pride Parade Glam Stand.

Steven has also contributed extensively to Rainbow communities behind the scenes. He is a former Co-Chair of RainbowYOUTH, was involved with Queers on Campus at the University of Auckland, and has facilitated numerous LGBTQIA+ panels and community discussions. After first connecting with the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust through community grants supporting queer events he created in Auckland, Steven joined the Trust as a Trustee in 2019 and served with the Trust until 2025.

Steven is also the co-creator and MC of Woof! – The Rainbow Dog Show, Aotearoa’s biggest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ dog show, bringing together two things he is deeply passionate about: animals and the health, wellbeing and celebration of Rainbow communities.