Since its founding, the Trust has donated over $950,000+ to fund a broad range of LGBTTQIA+ organisations, individuals, projects and initiatives.
The Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust is the cheerleader, advocate, and nurturing partner of Aotearoa New Zealand's Rainbow communities.
For over two decades, the Trust has stood with our LGBTTQIA+ communities, supporting Pride events, funding scholarships, and uplifting grassroots Rainbow organisations.
Your support keeps this work alive, helping young LGBTTQIA+ people achieve their dreams, bringing our communities together, and uplifting the vital work of grassroots Rainbow organisations making a difference every day.
Be Part of the Change. Stand with Us. Give with Pride.
Our Impact
Dollars donated to the Rainbow Community
Community Grants Awarded
Scholarships Awarded
Our Objectives
The Trust’s aim is to donate money where it is most needed, and where it will have the greatest impact. Recipients include larger LGBTTQIA+ organisations that provide a broad range of services to the community, through to numerous lesser known, but equally vital, organisations and projects that sustain the wider LGBTTQIA+ communities.
The Trust actively fundraises, attracting donations and bequests in order to maintain a fund available to promote the interests of the LGBTTQIA+ community in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The fund is available on application through one of our programmes to individuals and community organisations to support the development of activities in the education, health, welfare, cultural and support services for the benefit of the LGBTTQIA+ community of New Zealand.
Our History
Establishing on 9 November 1999, Gay Auckland Business Association (GABA) separated their charitable work from its regular activities as a membership and community focused organisation.
The Trust then changed its name on the 9 January, 2018, becoming the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust. The new name adopts the now universally understood term 'Rainbow' as reflecting the LGBTTQIA+ communities, better communicates the national purpose of the Trust, and more closely aligns the Trust’s name with Rainbow Auckland (formerly GABA) and the many other Rainbow organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Trustees
Jessie Lewthwaite (She/Her)
Co-Chair
Jessie is the National Rainbow Lead at Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand. She is highly skilled in public speaking, widely involved in advocacy for Rainbow groups, and is a seasoned conference presenter in her professional role.
With a background in education Jessie works to help allies learn about our communities and leads decision making as a Rainbow subject matter expert within Te Whatu Ora. In her spare time Jessie is a talented creative writer, and was published recently in the queer magazine Express. She also enjoys computer gaming and table top gaming and has captained the Auckland Representative team at a national event.
Tegan Hall (She/Her)
Co-Chair
Tegan is a lawyer with experience across both large and small legal environments. She holds a Master of Laws, with a focus on charities law, and has a strong interest in governance and the regulatory frameworks that support effective not-for-profit organisations.
Throughout her career, Tegan has consistently sought opportunities to serve and support her community, aligning her legal expertise with a commitment to equity and inclusion. As a trustee, she brings a practical, values-driven approach to governance that supports the Trust’s mission to strengthen Rainbow communities.
Moth Sutherland-Tupp (They/Them)
Secretary
Tash Ingram (She/Her)
Treasurer
Tash is incredibly passionate about using her skillset to make a difference in the not-for-profit space, with a particular focus on helping to positively impact the LGBTTQIA+ community in Aotearoa. She has been a voluntary board member on several not-for-profit boards over the years in the youth and gender empowerment space and has a professional background in finance, engagement and operations.
Born and raised in Te Awakairangi, Tash has been based in Pōneke for the past 10 years. She is currently accompanying her partner on a work assignment in the Pacific and is grateful to remain connected to the Aotearoa queer community through her work with the Trust. Tash is an avid traveler, footballer, mahjong player and is currently studying towards a Master’s Degree in International Development.
Gurv Singh (He/Him)
GiveOUT Day and Events Manager
Gurv is an experienced planning professional with experience spanning local and central government, he has contributed to major planning initiatives nationwide. Gurv holds a Bachelor of Planning from the University of Auckland and is a full member of the New Zealand Planning Institute.
Born in Singapore and of Indian descent, Gurv has spent most of his life in New Zealand, and now lives on Auckland’s North Shore with his husband, Tony, and their dogs, Danny and Troye. He’s a familiar face in the LGBT+ community, having held leadership roles in Rainbow Pride Auckland and Rainbow Auckland. Outside work, Gurv enjoys cycling, spin classes, time with loved ones, and a good glass of wine.
Rachel Cleary (She/Her)
Strategic Finance and Grants Manager
Rachel is an optimistic pragmatist, cis, pansexual, who's core values are kindness and manaakitanga. Since discovering her passion for the not-for-profit ecosystem, Rachel has been on a mission to do good better, striving to understand and overcome obstacles, with a firm belief in the power of collaboration, and a can-do attitude.
Rachel has a passion for, and background in youth empowerment, gender and diversity, education and the 'for good' sector. Alongside the Trust and other hard working organisations, she is working for every individual in Aotearoa New Zealand to be treated like they are just as special as their neighbour, colleague or friend.Born in small town Aotearoa, Rachel has lived in Tāmaki Makaurau for longer than her hometown. She has lived in many corners of Auckland, now residing 'out West' with her partner and dog. In an effort to connect more strongly with broader Rainbow communities, she became an active member of the Trust's sister organisation, Rainbow Auckland three years ago. Rachel's an extremely proud Auntie, and a hilariously random cheerleader!
Rāwiri Te Hurinui-Haumaha (Ia | He | Him)
Community Outreach Manager
Kris Finlayson (He/Him)
Rainbow Scholarships Manager
Kris, is a doctoral researcher in social anthropology and an evaluation and strategy practitioner specialising in theory of change, impact measurement and mixed-methods research. As the Integrated Evaluation Manager at a disability non-profit organisation, Kris leads organisation-wide evaluation and reporting for boards, funders and government. His work focuses on deepening understanding of the lived experiences of people facing systemic barriers – including disabled people, Rainbow communities and migrants – and supporting approaches that centre their voices in service design, evaluation and governance.
Based in Auckland, with professional experience in Te Tai Tokerau, Kris is also a community volunteer, educator and researcher. He brings lived experience of Rainbow communities into his governance work, alongside a strong commitment to giving back through service.