2023-scholarships

Caeden identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. A passionate advocate, Caeden is generous with their volunteering time. As a proud member of the Rainbow Community, Caeden is also very passionate about global politics and human rights.

Mackenzie has a passion and drive for education. Having been the only out Queer person during their high school experience Mackenzie knows the power and influence of teachers. Believing every student at all learning institutions should be safe and inspirational their career aspiration is to become a secondary school teacher with the aim of revitalising education.

Emma is a Canadian living in New Zealand, and she identifies as a lesbian. Passionate about advocacy Emma has been working towards building wide range of experiences and skills that will allow her to be an effective leader in fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Natalie is a queer woman with a passion for the sciences and is excited to pursue a career in health. She led her high school in both environmental, sustainability and LGBTQIA+ projects and initiatives. As leader of the LGBTQIA+ club she organised pride week, began the implementation of school pronoun badges,

Leith attended Kāpiti College and was the Head of Kura. These roles where previously Head Girl/Boy however Leith was a part of the committee that removed these old labels. Leith was also co-leader of the Queer-Straight Alliance and spearheaded fundraising for InsideOUT,

Arson identifies as a queer, Filipino who uses they/them pronouns. Originally Arson had a hard time in high school due to being intersectionally a person of colour, queer and neurodiversity but after changing schools found a community and self-acceptance.

Erica identifies as someone who identifies as non-binary and wants to understand the human condition and what society can do to improve mental health outcomes, especially for minority communities. This has influenced their career choice as Erica wants to study psychology so they can be equipped to give back to their community.

Ruby identifies as a lesbian woman and is from West Auckland. Passionate about promoting acceptance for Rainbow people in West Auckland, Ruby has been involved in many projects in the region. Ruby was the youth MP for Te Atatu, where she got to represent her community on a national scale. She also used this platform to create “Rainbow Westies” which is now an annual event.

Sam is a trans man who has a passion for maths, playing football and is interest in robots and aerospace. A prefect at Tawa College, Sam had many responsibilities including being the 2020 student's representative on the Tawa College’s Board of Trustees. Sam was also the leader and founder of Tawa College’s Maths Problem Solving Club.