Martin Bauernfeind

Kia ora koutou, Ko Dr Caitlyn Drinkwater ahau, I am a clinical psychologist who is currently working with physical health […]

Kia Ora! I’m Kate Watson (She/They/He), a current university student fresh out of high school and aspiring Medical Laboratory Scientist. […]

I am a queer woman with a passion for learning, constantly collecting new skills and finding ways to utilise them, […]

DC has a deep passion for changing the trajectory of people’s lives for the better—a drive that began in early […]

Charlie Jones is a transgender man that has been involved in groups in school to help support our young LGBTQ+ tamariki. Throughout high school, he was involved in the A-Z rainbow group which met every last Friday of the month. Something really monumental for Charlie was when he helped fight for gender-neutral bathrooms at Western Springs Collage, which was a big win for people who are transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse.

Zoe is an asexual woman, who is passionate about working towards positive change for the communities around her. To her, representation and recognition of the voice of these groups that traditionally aren’t recognised is very important. This is most clear through her involvement in the 2022 Youth Parliament, where she represented queer youth in rural areas, particularly emphasising the need for access to better mental health care.

Shannon is an 18 year old queer woman from the picturesque Kāpiti Coast. Ever since she was a young child, Shannon has had an interest in plants and animals. She has a passion for biology, specifically genetics and intends on working in and contributing to that field in the future, as well as a strong interest and dedication to languages.

Matt is a proud gay man who is passionate about the rights of all LGBTQ+ people. Matt attended christian schools throughout his life and dealt with hardship along the way for being who he is. Therefore, he understands the struggles first hand LGBTQ+ people can face and realizes just how important it is for everyone to be treated equally in all environments.

Lily is a queer and Māori student with a love for the natural environment. Because of this passion, she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science at AUT majoring in Marine and Environmental Science. Her future goals are to use her degree to make a meaningful difference in the upcoming climate crisis and help the health and conservation of New Zealand’s precious ecosystems.