Funding criteria for support includes:
- LGBTTQIA+ run or managed organisations will be given priority
- alignment with the Trust's purpose and objectives
- applications which benefit the wider NZ Rainbow community rather than any particular individual
- clear and transparent benefits specifically targeting the LGBTTQIA+ community in NZ
- the ability of the applicant to deliver the proposed project
- the availability of funds
Community Participation Grants contribute to LGBTTQIA+ projects and initiatives that may be held from time to time that benefit our community encompassing educational, cultural, sporting and other events including those held during Pride Parades and/or Festivals and other rainbow events around the country.
Applications for Community Participation Grants may be submitted at any time. Please apply a minimum of two months before the funds are required.
To complete the Community Participation Application Form, click below.
Community Support Grants contribute to permanent LGBTTQIA+ services and resources that provide education, cultural benefit, health, welfare and support, to ensure their sustainability. This can include funding of some overhead or operational costs.
Applications for Community Participation Grants may be submitted at any time. Please apply a minimum of two months before the funds are required.
To complete the Community Support Application Form, click below.
Previous Grants
Body Positive - $2000 towards retreat
Tauranga Moana Pride - $2000 towards Pride Picnic Day
Wellington Pride Festival Inc - $2000 towards Opening Gala and Pride Youth Ball
Nelson Pride Inc - $1000 towards Community planning for Pride
Pride Whanganui Trust - $2000 towards Pride Whanganui's 5th annual Pride week
Pride Taranaki - $2000 towards Pride events
Rainbow Parade Auckland - $2000 towards putting on the Auckland Rainbow Pride Parade 2023
Qtopia - $2000 towards Pride month activities
OUT & PROUD Taranaki Charitable Trust – $3,000 – Event Sponsorship
Same Same but Different festival – $2,000 – Event Sponsorship
Overcommunicate Magazine – $1,000 – To support the seventh issue of the magazine in February 2022
Ahakoa Te aha he tangata he tangata – $2,000 – To support the purchase of the costumes Puipui for the members of the team
Hobsonville Point Secondary School – $2,000 – To support the Little Gay Out event
Tauranga Moana Pride – $2,000 – Event Sponsorship
Nelson Pride Inc – $1,000 – Event Sponsorship
Queer Arts Festival – $2,800 – Event Sponsorship
InsideOUT Kōaro – $2,000 – Event Sponsorship for Schools Pride Week and Out of the Shelves
Pride of the South – $740 – Event Sponsorship
Indian Origin Pride New Zealand (IOPNZ) – $1,500 – Support establishment of organisation
The Alphabet Mafia - $1500 - Towards production costs for event
Tauranga Moana Pride – $2,000 – Event Sponsorship
Introspect Theatre – $500 – Event Sponsorship
Rainbow Pride Auckland – $5,000 – Parade Sponsorship
TAPAC / Night of the Queer – $2,360 – Event Sponsorship
OUTLine – $2,500 – Purchase of Computer
Ace and Isaac – $1,000 – Event/Theatre Sponsorship
Wellington Pride Festival – $3,000 – Event Sponsorship
Charlotte Museum – $3,000 – Video/Archive Sponsorship
Wellington Indian Pride – $1,500 – Event Participation Sponsorship
Inside Out – $2,500 – Education Resource Sponsorship
UniQ Victoria University – $1,000 – Funding for GALA Ball and a range of events during Victoria Uni PRIDE week
Rainbow Eastern BOP – $1,000 – Funding to develop first ever PRIDE event in Whakatane
Dust Palace Charitable Trust – $2,000 – Circus theatre all–LGBTIQ+ cast production’ Into The Bush’
Finding the Lighthouse Film – $2,000 – Video Sponsorship
CHROMA: The LGBTQI+ Initiative for Southland – $2,000 – Event Sponsorship
The Ara Collective – $1,000 – The LGBTQI+ initiative to support internet safety education for queer kids
Lincoln University Student Association – $1,000 – The LGBTQI+ initiative for Lincoln – Event Sponsorship
Rainbow Pride Auckland – $7,500 – Parade Sponsorship
Manawatu Lesbian & Gay Rights Assn Inc – $1,000 – Record the LGBTQI+ History of the Manawatu – Event Sponsorship
Same Same But Different LGBTQI+ literary festival & writing contest - $2,200. Event sponsorship
Rainbow Pasefika at Wellington Museum - $2,000. Event sponsorship
Auckland Pride Festival 'Our Gala' event - $3,000. Event sponsorship
Orchestra Wellington - $1,250. Wellington International Pride Parade participation sponsorship
Wellington Pride Festival - Out in the Park - $4,000. Main stage construction costs
Rainbow Pride Auckland Parade- $4,000. Event sponsorship
TAPAC/Night of the Queer - $2,360. Event sponsorship
Auckland Pride Festival Tennis Tournament - $800. Event Sponsorship
Wellington International Pride Parade - $3,000. Event sponsorship
Dunedin Pride - $1,657. Event sponsorship
Charlotte Museum - $2,350. Policy reviews & museum status recertification
Inside Out, Wellington - $4,000. Development of Pride week event framework for High Schools nationwide
Rainbow Wellington - $1,500. Event sound system
Falcons Gay Rugby Team - $2,850. Player jerseys
The Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust was proud to distribute $11,800 in grant funding to support the staging of events during the 2019 Auckland Pride Festival and other events not part of the Festival. In addition we made our first grant for an event in the Wellington International Pride Parade (WIPP)
Charlotte Museum - $1,640 to set up an audio description system of the collection for visitors
Chroma Queens Go South - Invercargill Performance
RainbowYOUTH - Mental health professional resource
Dance Therapy NZ - Dance Movement Therapy drop in for LGBTQI+ youth
Rainbow Pride Auckland - $2,000. New organisation establishment seed
Auckland Community Participation Grants- Body Positive Big Gay Out stand
- Doc Edge Pride 2019 Film Screenings
- Legacy Project 6
- Night of the Queer
- Pride Tennis Tournament
- Same Same But Different Literary Festival
- Woof! The Auckland Rainbow Dog Show
- Orchestra Wellington
The GABA Charitable Trust was proud to distribute $9,900 in grant funding to support the staging of events during the 2017 Auckland Pride Festival and to encourage participation in the Auckland Pride Parade.
Festival Production Grants- Dykes on Mikes
- EquAsian
- Impostar: Who Does He Think He Is?
- The New Normal
- We Don’t Have To Be The Building
- Whati Te Waka
- Woof!
- Theta Project
- Ze: Queer as F*ck!
- Body Positive
- Brass Bandits
- CarribeaNZ Southern Stars Steel Band
- EquAsian
- Marching Boys
- NZ Prostitutes Collective
- OUTLine NZ
- Rainbow Families
- Whanau Uenuku
- Whati Te Waka
- YouthLine
- Hamilton Pride
The Trust distributed $10,350 in grant funding to support the staging of events during February’s Auckland Pride Festival and to encourage participation in the Auckland Pride Parade 2016.
Festival Production Grants- Artspace – The Bill
- Legacy Project
- Pride Tennis Tournament
- Proud To Play
- RainbowYOUTH
- Same Same But Different
- Woof! The Auckland Pride Dog Show
- Body Positive
- CaribbeaNZ Southern Stars Steel Band
- OUTLine NZ
- Rainbow Family Te Whanau Uenuku
- RainbowYOUTH
Gifting of $10,000 to community groups was celebrated on Wednesday 6 April, 2016 at Marcello’s Café in College Hill.
Auckland Women’s Centre received $1,000 to assist in the buying of books for two additional library units – Trans Women of colour and LGBTQI+ Youth. Prominent lesbian community member Cissy Rock accepted the gift on behalf of the organisation.
LowDown’s Cissy Rock, accepted a gifting of $500 for important replacements for sound gear for the lesbians out west and will also be available for other events throughout the community.
The Charlotte Museum Trust, receiving $2,000 from the trust to invest in a badge maker, a digital photo frame, and an LP to CD converter. These items will help to transplant the vast history of lesbian culture onto modern platforms and increase accessibility to these resources.
The Legacy Project received $2,000 to continue to support and co-ordinate community theatre projects from within the LGBTQI+ community to develop and stage eighteen short, theatrical works from the queer community.
Queer Aesthetic workshops of community group Breaking Boundaries were also supported this month by the trust with $1,000. “It is a really excited year for us at Breaking Boundaries”, says Joni Nelson, “we are stepping away from just being an online support service to actually being able to give back, start working with the community to create our own histories.”
OUTLine NZ was gifted the largest sum at $3,600 to fund clinical supervision and risk management training for the OUTLine team who work tirelessly with volunteers on the front line.
The GABA Charitable Trust distributed $10,075 in grant funding to support the staging of events during February’s Auckland Pride Festival and to encourage participation in the Auckland Pride Parade 2015.
Festival Production Grants- Alternative Bindings, literature programme
- Breaking Boundaries, discussion programme
- PulseArt, A Space for a Story exhibition
- Rainbow Community Church, Worthy! musical
- Rainbow Youth, Masquerade Ball
- TAPAC, Night of the Queer cabaret
- Aotea Drag Kings float
- Aztec Gods float
- Body Positive float
- Brass Bandits float
- Charlotte Museum float
- Mika Haka Foundation float
- OUTLine NZ float
- Pasefika LGBTQI Youth float
- Rainbow Families float
- Rotorua Chamber of Pride float
- UniQ float
Scholarships
These are available annually through the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust to assist students who identify as LGBTTQIA+. Successful applicants would be able to demonstrate leadership qualities and a positive role model influence for Rainbow-affirming peer and community support, and have a good academic record.
The purpose of the Scholarship programme is to support, encourage and nurture our rainbow community leaders of the future.
Every year the Trust receives applications from dozens of outstanding LGBTTQIA+ youngsters who have demonstrated the most extraordinary achievements including community contribution beyond their years.
We welcome interest from tertiary institutions, corporates and benefactors in a position to contribute to this important programme to co-brand or fully fund additional LGBTTQIA+ scholarships.
Tertiary Scholarships are open to any LGBTTQIA+ high school student enrolling in a full-time degree course of at least three years duration, at any tertiary level institution recognised by the NZQA. See below to read our Conditions.
Rainbow NZ Trust General Tertiary Scholarships
The Trust offers two scholarships of $4,000 for study at any University, Polytechnic or Wānanga in New Zealand.
To complete an application form, click below.
AUT University/Rainbow NZ Trust Tertiary Scholarships
In 2014, GABA formed an alliance with AUT University, and now jointly offer two $4,000 scholarships for study at AUT, under the same conditions as our standard scholarships.
Applications must be made by September 30 through AUT by clicking this link.
Countdown/Rainbow NZ Trust Tertiary Scholarship
Countdown offers two scholarships of $4,000 for study at any University, Polytechnic or Wānanga in New Zealand.
To complete an application form, click below.
Aurecon Scholarships
Aurecon is offering two scholarships of $4,000 for study at any University, Polytechnic or Wānanga in New Zealand.
To complete an application form, click below.
Southern Cross Health Society Scholarship
Southern Cross Health Society is offering a scholarship of $4,000 for study at any University, Polytechnic or Wānanga in New Zealand.
To complete an application form, click below.
ISS Scholarship
The Rainbow NZ Trust offers 1xTertiary scholarship of $4,000, sponsored by ISS. This is open to any LGBTTQIA+ high school student aged 16-18 years old.
About the Programme
Spirit of Adventure Trust’s 10 Day Programme aboard the tall ship, Spirit of New Zealand, develops positive attributes such as confidence, resilience and self-esteem as well as a host of other leadership skills. This experience helps young people move into the next phase of their lives with more confidence to succeed.
The whole voyage is based on learning by doing. Trainees face all sorts of challenges and take part in lots of activities on the Ship, on the water and on the shore, leaving them with a level of self-empowerment only found on the Spirit of New Zealand.
2023 Scholarship Recipients
Aquilla Pullen - RNZCT/AUT Scholarship
Bachelor of Health Sciences - Auckland University of Technology
Aquilla is a transgender/nonbinary person who is passionate about advocating for change and raising the level of acceptance for the trans community. Aquilla has taken many opportunities to impact their community including starting a Sexuality and Gender Acceptance group in their high school and being on the InsideOUT Youth Advisory Group.
Aquilla will be studying Paramedicine at AUT and hopes this will allow them to support the community with a grass roots approach. Aquilla will use this money to continue striving to change systems, especially within the medical field, that aim to force people into boxes. An active part of the LGBTTQIA+ community Aquilla is dedicated to making the world a better, more equitable place.
Flo Akaoula – Ministry of Social Development Funding
Bachelor of Social Work - University of Auckland
Flo is a Tongan, Samoan, Canadian person from South Auckland and they identify as genderqueer. With a particular interest in supporting Pasifika Youth and Rainbow Pasifika Youth, Flo is very passionate about their community, social justice and creating spaces that are safe, supportive and uplifting.
With a range of experiences from starting their high school first diversity group, to being a part of both Otara Papatoetoe Youth Council (TOPs) and PSSP (Peer Sexuality Support Programme); Flo is very dedicated to donating their time and energy to causes they believe in. Flo was also the General Member of the RainbowYOUTH Board from 2020-2021 as well as being active in InsideOUT for many years.
With interests in creative arts, Flo is a celebrated spoken word poet as well as an award-winning musician. With all of Flo’s talent and passion they are devoted to gaining a qualification in Social Work so they can continue to empower and advocate for people within marginalised communities.
Hope Cotton – Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust Scholarship
Political Science and International Relations – Victoria University
Hope is proud queer bisexual and is a member of the National Deaf Foundation's Youth Advisory Group and Curative's Hive Policy Group. A champion to Deaf, Disabled and Queer kiwis; Hope is looking to obtain a degree in political communication so they can actively work to improve the lives of people in these communities.
Hope has done much work already in this space with freelance writing with All for All as well as being their schools first openly Queer Special Character Captain. Hope also co-led their schools Queer/straight Alliance which helped with getting the school board to approve a Pride week celebration for the first time.
Hope has already been involved in politics with their petition to parliament regarding the need for legislation mandating captions and audio descriptions on New Zealand Media being picked up by lobbyists. This allowed Hope to speak at Spark's Digital Equity Conference and gained them a nomination as a finalist for the 2022 Impact Awards and a 2022 Girlboss Inclusion Award.
Sam Christensen – Aurecon Scholarship
Bachelor of Engineering – University of Canterbury
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.
Sam has represented Tawa College in many math competitions and has won several academic awards including The Greg O’Connor Civil award for services to the Tawa Community and School. Sam also has a passion for volunteering as a member of the Volunteer Army club at Tawa College, volunteering in many great opportunities including the Mary Potter Hospice street appeal, Rail Safety Week, and the Spring into Tawa event.
Passionate about the future Sam will be studying a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) at the University of Canterbury. Sam hopes one day to be employed by an aerospace or robotics company.
Ruby Bray – Countdown Scholarship
Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Sociology - University of Auckland
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.
As the deputy head girl at her school, Ruby performed a speech in a school assembly about religious discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. This led her to be the co-founder of her catholic school's first-ever rainbow group.
Passionate about poetry, Ruby came second in Word Up and was in the top 10 for National Schools Poetry Awards in 2021. She believes that poetry can be a very powerful way of sharing authenticity and experiences of those within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Erica Hoskin – Countdown Scholarship
Bachelor of Psychology – University of Auckland
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.
As a UN Youth high school ambassador and the logistics officer for the UN Youth’s Crisis Council, Erica was selected for the Ireland Embassy to New Zealand’s youth council and received the GirlBoss Edge: Primary Industries scholarship which is a highly selective leadership accelerator programme for young adults aged 13-18. All this while still singing in their school choir and volunteering at the Mary Potter Hospice.
Erica established St Catherine’s College’s first rainbow group and has been an active participant in Welling Pride. Erica is also a writer with their article about the non-binary experience being published. Erica hopes to continue to advocate for further diverse practices to make gender diverse people feel more comfortable and included.
Arson Sheffield – Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust Scholarship
Conjoint in BA & BSc, Philosophy and Psychology - University of Victoria
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. They are very proud of leaving behind a legacy that will help younger students now they have graduated.
A passionate activist, Arson has worked on several projects including GDC's Youth, Awareness, Acceptance, Gender, and Sexuality Group and SMC's Diversity Committee. They are also currently serving as the CEO of Tūmanako Youth Collective, an initiative that they founded alongside other young people. They also had the opportunity to join Tāmaki Youth Council and the University of Auckland’s Youth Advisory Group earlier in the year. As well as being grateful to have the honour of being interviewed by Aurecon, for their Non-Binary Awareness campaign.
Arson intends to apply to the University of Victoria to study Psychology and Philosophy through a conjoint bachelor's degree in science and Art. They are motivated to study in these degree programmes because they would like to give back to their community.
Leith Delaney – Aurecon Scholarship
Te Tohu Paetahi – University of Waikato
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, ran queer education lessons, and translated wider Kaupapa into successful school events. Leith is motivated to be the queer role model that they wish they had and strives to uplift the uplift the rangatahi of tomorrow.
Leith attributes much of their success to the extracurriculars they participated in at school. Kapa Haka, Barbershop, Te Waka Rangatahi, and music allowed them to step into a supportive community. This taught them passion and to strive for excellence, their most recent success being in the form of their quartet placing first at barbershop nationals and performing in a multi-media production called ‘Hineraukatauri’.
Leith plans to continue onto a Bachelor of Education and believes that education is the key to creating a better outcome for our queer youth.
Natalie Shaw – Southern Cross Scholarship
Health Science – University of Otago
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, and was a support person for people in the NPGHS queer community. Outside of school she frequently attended Q'ed Up sessions run by InsideOut in the Rainbow Youth space. Natalie considers being a good role model to her peers as very important.
She loves water sports. Water polo, swimming, surfing lifesaving sports if it involves water Natalie is a fan. She has also used this passion to amass over 200 hours volunteering as a lifeguard at Fitzroy Beach. She is also a performer and uses drama as an outlet to express her identity. Natalie is also working towards being fluent in Spanish.
With the dream of being a psychiatrist, Natalie has a special interest in mental health. However, her shorter-term goal is to work hard to gain entrance into med school and work towards becoming a doctor. Natalie believes that the health system is vitally important as queer people are still not receiving adequate support in this area.
Emma Winter – Ministry of Social Development Funding
Conjoint Bachelor of Law and Arts – University of Auckland
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.
An active member of multiple communities, Emma is very generous with their volunteering time. A house leader in her high school, a part of the Duke of Edinburgh programme, volunteer at the Summerset Rest Home, the Chosen Valley Christian Camp and lead cast member of the School Productions for the last two years; Emma has had a very busy high school career.
A committed dancer, Emma is also a member of Anjanette's Academy of Modern dance for 10 years as a Hip-Hop and Jazz dancer. She competed in competition troops and performed in numerous shows, as well as volunteering as a Dance teacher at said dance school. Also passionate about debate and politics, Emma was also delegate at Auckland Model United Nations for three years.
A founding member and secretary of Rainbow Westies a LGBTQ+ youth group based out in West Auckland; Emma also hopes to join Rainbow Law organisation at UOA. Emma believes that law can have global benefits to the Rainbow Community and has the potential to help us move towards equal rights.
Mackenzie Fowler - Ministry of Social Development Funding
Bachelor of Arts – Victoria University
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.
Using this passion and drive Machenzie has made enormous impact at their high school. They founded their schools Queer-Straight Alliance. Now there is active community, which support each other. The QSA managed to design, manufacturing, and disperse an enamel Pride Pin, a physical sign of respect worn by staff and students who wish to display their allyship. Also, Mackenzie organised a week of events during Pride Month, including hosting MP Tāmati Coffey to speak to a full house of excited students, unveiling our new pride book collection in the library, as well as other community events. In June 2022 the pride flag was raised above the school for the first time, a visible symbol of support, seen by all students.
Mackenzie was very motivated seeing vulnerable juniors flourish into friend groups and find a sense of community because of their advocacy. They are passionate to continue this charge forward for diversity, equity and inclusion and sincerely believe Wellington is the place to do this.
Caeden Tipler – ISS Facility Services Scholarship
Bachelor of Law and Global Studies Conjoint – University of Auckland
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.
Very active at high school, Caeden was the leader of their schools LGBTQIA+ club and by 2022 was a part of the 2022 Youth MP for Golriz Ghahraman. Caeden also participated on the panel with other LGBTQ+ Green Youth MPs on Rainbow Issues. Also, they did a two-day Youth Parliament event where they were able to engage in a Rainbow Caucus Group. This led to them joining the Rainbow Greens Executive.
Caeden is also the Co-Director of Make it 16, the campaign to lower the voting age. Throughout their time as Co-Director, Make it 16 has made significant progress, including going to the Supreme Court, handing in a petition and an open letter to Parliament. This work is what inspired Caeden to continue this activism throughout their degree, as well as continuing to be an active member of the Rainbow Greens Executive.
2022 Scholarship Recipients
Alfie Smeele – RNZCT Scholarship
Bachelor of Arts – University of Otago
Alfie is a 17-year-old queer trans man with a passion for education & a mission to improve the lives of LGBTQI+ youth. Alfie attended Christchurch Girls’ High School & has been accepted to Otago Uni for the BA programme, double majoring in Education & Psychology.
Alfie was VERY active at school beginning 2019 as the organiser of School Strike 4 Climate & is Chair of the National Committee. Alfie was also the Environment Perfect at school & a member of 350 Aotearoa focused on getting fossil fuels out of our schools.
He’s a high profile campaigner against sexual abuse & worked with the school Principal to set up a support group for students who have experienced sexual harm. He also run the rainbow support group at school & supported several Boys schools in Christchurch to create similar groups at their schools. In addition, Alfie organised several PRIDE events last year incl a queer history seminar, rainbow movie night, rainbow quiz night, and a picnic for LGBTQI+ youth.
Alfie is committed to making meaningful change & organised InsideOUT to speak to teachers about supporting their rainbow students better. He also pushed for change in the gendered language used at Christchurch Girls and Christchurch Boys schools & submitted a proposal for the creation of a new position for a Rainbow Perfect which was accepted by the School’s senior leadership team. The Trust was extremely impressed with Alfie’s courage, drive & leadership. See Alfie’s personal video here.
Hailey Xavier – RNZCT Scholarship
Bachelor of Arts – University of Otago
Hailey identifies as queer, hails from Dunedin where she achieved academic excellence & was an outstanding school leader. She was front & centre of everything at school, and is now at the University of Otago studying towards a BA in Arts, majoring in psychology.
Hailey was the Kavanagh High School Environmental Prefect, led the LGBTQI+ group, and despite the challenges of a Catholic school environment she organised their first PRIDE week. She’s a passionate activist & serves on the Dunedin Youth Council, chairing the Race Relations, Mental Health, and Elections subcommittees. She also sat on the PRIDE, Smoke/VapeFree, Arts Festival, & Ten Year Plan Committees as well as being Youth Elect on the Otago Campus Greens.
Hailey’s also a dedicated volunteer! This includes membership of the mental-health initiative in the Public Library Teen-Space – “Well-being Thursdays”. In addition, she’s on the steering committee to implement a youth space for her neighbourhood in Dunedin, and active in climate activism groups Environmental Justice Ōtepoti, Vote Climate 2020, Generation Zero, 350 Aotearoa, & School Strike for Climate.
With SS4C she was the national liaison & one of the lead organisers of the January 2021 rally at parliament & the April Climate Strike. For the Climate strike, Hailey was Ōtepoti’s Media Spokesperson, Police, Council, & Speaker liaison on the day. See Hailey’s personal video here.
Harlow Tran-Lawrence – RNZCT Scholarship + UBIQ Voucher
Bachelor of Global Studies – University of Auckland
Harlow is self-described as a queer non-binary youth from an immigrant family of Vietnamese background, and grew up in Taranaki. Harlow’s family is unique in that there are two other older sisters, and all three siblings identify as LGBTQI+!
Harlow was Deputy Prefect at Spotswood College & twice achieved “top scholar”. After attending an InsideOUT workshop, Harlow started the school’s PRIDE group which they nick-named “The Open Closet”. Starting with just 12 members, attendance quickly grew to around 60 under Harlow’s leadership, determination & engaging personality.
They also organised events, mental health support for students & managed queer education workshops for teachers. Last year Harlow organised Pride Week incl a Silent Sit-Out protesting harassment & discrimination of LGBTQI+ students at the school.
Harlow’s an exceptional academic and has been accepted to Auckland Uni for Global Studies & Spanish. The long-term goal is to work in International Aid. See Harlow’s personal video here.
Seb Collis – AURECON Scholarship
Bachelor of Software Engineering – Victoria University
Seb is a 17-year-old bisexual/pansexual trans man living in Palmerston North and has been accepted by Victoria Uni for Software Engineering.
Seb excelled academically at secondary school particularly in calculus, computers & software studies and was accelerated in the Digital Technologies program. This included Media & Computer Science, and Seb’s leadership of the school VEX Robotics Team.
Seb’s also a very talented musician and is active in Concert & Jazz bands as well as the Manuwatu Youth Orchestra. They’re also part of the local theatre company tech crew, managing the special effects & lighting.
While at school Seb also revived the school Gay Straight Alliance group & ran the School Pride Week events for two years.
Not only are Aurecon sponsoring Seb’s engineering Scholarship but also delivering extra support including a dedicated mentor. See Seb’s personal video here. Seb talks about his struggles while at school including bullying, harassment and homophobia. It’s a very personal and genuine statement, we commend Seb for his courage, humility and ultimate success.
Taylor Bell – RNZCT/AUT/Microsoft Scholarship + UBIQ Voucher
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Auckland University of Technology
Taylor is a young lesbian driven to achieve at the highest levels and created enormous improvement for rainbow students at Rosehill College. She was shoulder-tapped by an LGBTQI+ teacher who identified Taylor’s leadership potential & together they launched the Rosehill Rainbow Group.
Taylor led the group & went on to create their first ever PRIDE Day, became an advocate against conversion therapy & a fundraiser for Rainbow Youth. Taylor’s now studying at AUT towards a BA in Psychology, with a 2nd in Criminology & Criminal Justice. She’s committed to improving lives and interested in joining the Police then going on to a post-grad degree in Clinical Psychology.
Taylor achieved academic excellence at school and is described by teachers as “bold & brave with a great work ethic and a can-do attitude”. She has also achieved greatness on the sports field. Taylor’s passion is soccer and was Captain of the school soccer team. She’s also enjoyed athletics since the age of 4 & recently won Silver at the School Track & Field National Championships.
In her ‘spare time’ at school, in addition to leading the Rosehill Rainbow Group, Taylor was the Sports Committee Leader and a Peer Support student. See Taylor’s personal video here.
Faith Wilson – AUT/Countdown Scholarship + UBIQ Voucher
Bachelor of Software Development & Digital Design – Auckland University of Technology
Faith was Head Prefect at Aorere College in South Auckland where she was Top Academic in Design & Film Academy, and achieved Level 3 with excellence. Faith is self-described as a closeted pansexual from a very traditional Samoan family very immersed in the Mormon religion.
As a result, she has struggled to connect with the LGBTQI+ community though did help complete a rainbow wall mural at school & attended Rainbow Pride Auckland parade for the first time last year.
Faith was 1 of 4 Student Leaders at Aorere College, excelled academically and has outstanding references from both the Principal & Deputy Principal. Faith knows how to put in sustained effort to reach goals and has worked part-time for the past two years including a recent Internship in digital analytics at Auckland Transport.
Faith achieved excellence at College in English, Design & Digital Technology, and is attending AUT studying software development & digital design. See Faith’s personal video here.
Liam Young – Countdown Scholarship
Bachelor of Computer Sciences – University of Otago
Liam identifies as a queer transgender student from Wellington East Girls College & uses he/him pronouns. Liam has a passion for science & will be studying computer sciences at Otago University, while working as a Peer Support Worker at Rainbow Youth.
Liam already has a big profile in the LGBTQI+ community including the leader of the school QSA “Recognition” where he had a strong education focus for both students & faculty. Liam also ran the school PRIDE week & organised multiple events incl inter-school rainbow picnic days, & was a Peer Support for younger pupils.
He also organised workshops for thousands of students in the region, and personally delivered workshops on gender & sexuality. Last year he helped interview potential deputy principals to help assess alignment with rainbow values for the school.
Liam also loves the arts, was a Music Prefect & school orchestra conductor. He plays flute, sax & guitar, sings in two choirs & is in a writers group. He also dances, draws, paints & does crochet, as well as having a passion for history & mythology.
Outside of school, Liam was very involved with InsideOUT, and last year participated in a workshop for school & community leaders organised by Wellington City Council to make Wellington more rainbow inclusive.
He also recently joined the Student Volunteer Army & has a Gold Service Award for volunteering. This includes hundreds of hours working at Women's Refuge, Life Flight & The Free Store, a place for homeless people to receive food.
Liam has a HUGE future ahead of him & is on track to make the world a better place!
Ella Philp – Southern Cross Health Society Scholarship + UBIQ Voucher
Bachelor of Medicine – University of Auckland Medical School
Ella achieved academic excellence in STEM subjects at Napier Girls High School & will be attending Auckland Uni medical school. Ella has a passion to improve medical services for LGBTQI+ particularly the Trans community, following personal disappointment with the medical sector while transitioning & still at intermediate school.
Ella is focused on a Bachelor of Medicine & in preparation worked part-time at Hastings Hospital. At Napier Girls last year Ella was first in school in all subjects incl Physics, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, English & French.
Other outstanding achievements included “Top 25”, Silver medal winner of the Biology Olympiad and participation of the school “Accelerant” programme.
Ella also received two NZQA Scholarships in Biology & French AND received two International Language Scholarships leading to a Student Exchange place in France for a year in 2018.
Ella’s a natural leader and was an Academic Prefect, Growth Coach, Peer Support Leader, founder & co-ordinator of the school book club, & Chair of Napier Council’s “Youth Council”. One of many significant achievements at Council was the creation of the city-wide “DiverCity Celebration” in support of Napier LGBTQI+ youth.
See Ella’s personal video here.
George Copeland – Spirit of Adventure Youth Development
Cut Above Makeup School
George is an extremely talented & creative young gay man with a passion for the arts, photography & makeup. George experiments with a variety of media including makeup & drag, creates his own costumes, makeup looks and hair, as well as building sets & back drops.
George has been accepted into Cut Above Makeup School so he can then pursue his career in film, stage & special effects. George has been awarded a coveted place on the Spirit of Adventure Trust Youth Development programme! George is a high profile personality with proven leadership during his time at Selwyn College, incl Peer Sexuality Support programme leader. He was also a Mentor for rainbow students & encouraged LGBTQI+ sport, where he excelled in futsal at a national level. George was selected for the YMCA RaiseUp youth development & empowerment leadership camp. He received the Selwyn College Silver Award for Service to the School Community, & also received the 2021 Pat Hanley Creativity Award for outstanding commitment. He was an Arts Council leader & also ran art therapy sessions to promote students' wellbeing.See George’s personal video here.
2021 Scholarship Recipients
Ruhith Pathirana – RNZCT / AUT Scholarship
Bachelor of Design, Majoring in Fashion Design at AUT
Ruhith was a leader of the Mount Maunganui College Gay-Straight Alliance, a member of the 2020 Mount Maunganui College student leadership team where he held the role of Executive Leader and a member of other school councils.
Ruhith enjoys volleyball, he has been part of school lip sync competitions and was a willing participant in school Athletics Days and Kapa Haka competitions. Outside school, he volunteered his time with Kai Aroha, a non-profit organisation that provides food and necessities for those in need and has given his time to help with costume design for the Gillian Moore School of Dance and has designed and created beautiful and detailed garments for a number of fashion competitions.
His academic record is outstanding. He gained both his NCEA Level 1 and Level 2 with an Excellence endorsement, alongside subject endorsements in Level 2 Visual Art Design, Technology Soft Materials and English (with Excellence) and Mathematics and Education for Sustainability (with Merit). Placed second in the Year 11 Woven and Twisted category; in the same competition in 2019 he gained a first place in the Senior Red-Carpet category, was second overall in the Craftsmanship division and third overall in the Supreme Design category. He won the Gown of the Year in 2019 and was awarded a photoshoot with photographer David Dunham. Placed second in the Senior Creative category of the 2019 national HETTANZ Fashion Awards.
Ruhith is a mature, empathetic and genuine person. He will be a positive influence on, and an asset to any organisation he is a part of. We wish him all the best and look forward to hearing of his future successes.
Autumn Brown – RNZCT / AUT Scholarship + UBIQ Voucher
Bachelor of Visual Arts, Spatial Design Major – Bachelor of Design at AUT
For the past two years Autumn has run their school's LGBTQI+ club at St Cuthbert's College. Providing a safe and welcoming environment for the young students as a mentor, guiding them through their journey of exploring gender and identity. Autumn says, ”Involvement with school’s LGBTQI+ club has assisted with personal growth and become more comfortable with one’s own identity, as an individual who is a part of the LGBTQI+ community, which has been a struggle”.
Autumn has been volunteering and going to Rainbow Youth’s GQ, workshops and other activities, promoting, supporting and encouraging others to also be active in the community, are central to core beliefs. Attending Pride Marches, Big Gay Out, Pride Parades and organising activities within school, i.e. Pink Shirt Day fundraising and donations to Rainbow Youth.
Their future goal is to gain a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts at AUT and then go into the photography field. Desiring to either go into wedding photography or fashion photography.
Support from RNZCT Scholarship enables Autumn to fulfil a career dream and continue LGBTQI+ involvement, so that they can continue to help and support other young LGBTQI+ people going through a hard time and help them grow as people.
Autumn manages challenges with maturity. Commits to doing one’s best, shows perseverance and a focused attitude to achieve sound results with setting attainable goals. By nature, self-awareness bodes well for a bright future and success at AUT, with an opportunity to thrive in a diverse and creative environment.
Neil Alombro – RNZCT / Aurecon Scholarship
Bachelor of Engineering – University of Canterbury
One of Neil's great passions in life is taking leadership roles in many capacities. This has attributed to him becoming the Deputy Head Boy at Mount Hutt College, being the Student Trustee on the Mount Hutt College and Lauriston School Combined Board for 2019, being 2019 and 2020, Co-Head of the Magazine Committee and Head Editor, founding and leading the MHC UN Youth Group in 2019, being on the 2020 Ashburton Youth Council Executive as Secretary, Bus Monitor for his local school area Lyndhurst Bus for 2018 to 2020, and being one of the first Peer Support Mentors in his school from 2018 to 2020. With all of those positions, Neil says he is grateful to give back to the school and community that have given so much to him and his family.
Neil’s NCEA results were Academic Colours for both 2018 and 2019 for both Level One and Two, and he received the highest level of Academic Certificate of Gold with Excellence for 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Major prize-giving awards he has received have been the Top Academic Achievement Award in Year 11, Matt Wallace Memorial Award for Best All-Round Year 11 Boy, the Current Events Trophy for Outstanding Participation, Year 10 Green Family Citizenship Award, Reach for the Stars PRIDE Award in Year 8 and 10.
His volunteering experience includes being a ‘Student Buddy’ for exchange students in all years of eligibility through Year 7-10, a compere for the 2019 MHC Music Fundraising Concert, and as a reading mentor in the ‘Year 10 Boys Reading to Boys Club’ for a group of Year 5/6 boys.
Neil was also heavily involved in the Rainbow Youth Group in his school. He helped in the planning and the activities during his school’s very first PRIDE Week and other Rainbow activities at his school.
He would love to take his leadership skills and become a Project/Operations Manager in the Electrical and Electronic field or be involved in projects that help a wide variety of people and has naturally gravitated towards engineering.
Which ever direction Neil takes we know that he will be a great leader and advocate for our Rainbow community!
Ben Cotton – Russell McVeagh Scholarship
Law and Political Studies – Victoria University
Having come out as bisexual in year 9 whilst still playing rugby at Kāpiti College, it was a rocky road for Ben. However, with a broken collar bone he was now forced to look into other activities at school, such as the arts. Barbershop, choir, drama, Shakespeare etc. This led him to becoming an Arts Captain. Ben soon went on to join the QSA group in year 11 at Kāpiti College, where he loved participating and helping out in all their event, especially the pride parade. Ben helped put together Kāpiti College's Pink Shirt Day and Day of Silence.
Ben intends to study Law so he can fight for people’s rights and represent people who often times do not have anyone fighting for them. Ben plans on studying humanitarian law as well as political studies. “It is my dream to be able to be there for people to see that not only can someone who is LGBTQI+ represent them, but also someone who comes from a diverse cultural background”.
“Growing up from ages 4-10 in Thailand, the cultural norms and expectations made me dream of finding just a wife to have children with and settle in life. Coming back to New Zealand however, made me want, and realise so much more. Firstly, it made me realise how fortunate we are here in Aotearoa… However, whilst we may have our ‘rights’, we must continue to fight on for those who cannot... I realised that, I need to be there for people (other Ben’s) if you will, and be there to talk to people who might be confused or needing guidance.”
We know that Ben is going to make an amazing advocate for those that need his help and we are sure we will see him fulfilling important roles within our Rainbow Community as well!
Sendhil Rungasamy – RNZCT / Countdown Scholarship + UBIQ Voucher
Bachelor of Health Sciences - University of Auckland
Sendhil is both academically and community driven. Some of his outstanding achievements include being elected student Representative on the Board of Trustees at Tawa College for 2018/2019 and a Tawa College 2020 Prefect, appointed the Chairperson for the Year 12 student council. A leader of A-Z, the Tawa College LGBTQI+ group to build greater equality within the community. This included workshops on Gender Identity and LGBTQI+ sexual education and New Zealand’s history in terms of the LGBTQI+ community.
Sendhil assisted in organising Tawa College’s first ever PRIDE week, educating students and staff, this week included a “show your pride” mufti day, educational video, quizzes on LGBTQI+ matters and fundraising events such as bake sales to raise money for Rainbow Youth. Sendhil also volunteered in an initiative that helped elderly individuals during the lockdown, which included grocery deliveries and calling to keep them company.
Senhil is an avid singer and part of Tawa’s Barbershop Chorus, Acapellas and Blue Notes, Tawa’s auditioned chamber choir which was awarded a gold award at the 2019 Big Sing National Finale.
Sendhi helped Tawa’s education tutoring services by offering free weekly tutoring services for both inside and outside of school, also a recipient of both the Porirua Youth Awards and the Rotary Leadership Award.
Public health and medicine are a passion for Sendhil, and it is the industry he aspires to help make a difference in the hopes of being a paediatric oncologist. “Cancer patients are increasing exponentially as years go on and at a rate where there is also an increasing number of patients without doctors and on waiting lists as there just isn’t enough out there that are specialized in oncology”.
We know Sendhil we continue to be of great service to both the Rainbow community and the wider community at large.
Charlotte Blundell – RNZCT / Countdown Scholarship + UBIQ Voucher
Bachelor Arts/Bachelor Health Science Conjoint - University of Auckland
Along with being a school prefect at Mount Hutt College, Charlotte was head of her school Arts Committee and leader of the student GSA group. Charlotte also musically gifted having spent time singing in her school’s Senior Choir, she was also a Section Leader for the Alto Saxophones in her school’s concert band and played the saxophone in a jazz combo.
Sport is also a passion for Charlotte, she plays and umpires Premiere-grade netball and I coaches/mentors up-and-coming umpires. She has also coached and refereed basketball teams within Mount Hutt College.
As leader of the Arts Committee Charlotte, she organised the first Arts Evening held in her school hall with performances throughout the night and an art gallery displaying student art, raising over $1,000 for the Arts Committee to use to fund arts-based projects in the future.
As leader of the student GSA group Charlotte and the Rainbow Youth group organised Mount Hutt College’s first-ever Pride Week with various events and raised $650 towards supporting Rainbow Youth. Charlotte even gave a talk to the Mount Hutt teaching staff about the treatment of our LGBTQI+ students, with examples of discrimination our students have encountered because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. She answered any questions from staff to further educate on the topic, making sure to promote discussion of strategies to prevent LGBTQI+ students from future bullying and harassment and to create a safe environment for students to come out and be themselves.
Charlotte is enrolled in the University of Auckland for a conjoint degree Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in Psychology and Population Health. It is her goal to become a clinical psychologist, specialising in working with children and adolescents struggling with their mental health.
“I have grown up with close friends and family struggling with mental health issues and have tried my best to support them through hard times and two years ago, I experienced a personal tragedy where I lost someone close to me. This solidified my choice of study, as I want to prevent others from experiencing what my friend went through.”
We know that someone as talented as Charlotte will definitely have a bright future ahead no matter what path she chooses. Good luck Charlotte!
Kiefer Hunt – RNZCT Scholarship
Veterinary Science – Massey University
Kiefer who is trans (he/him) was proud to be the deputy head boy at Tawa College and was one of the leaders of our school’s Queer Straight Alliance which grew to around 30 students in his year. “I can’t imagine not being involved with the rainbow community. The best part of being a QSA leader is connecting with and supporting a variety of amazing students… I am also going to be a part of Inside Out’s new resource videos and will be speaking at the CARN Chief Executive Breakfast this year. I was also part of a recent two-day workshop, looking into rainbow history and making zine pages inspired by it. Connecting to queer history made me remember how much the rainbow community has always meant to people…”
Kiefer ran the National school’s pride week for his school. This involved organising different events such as arts ‘n’ crafts and a ‘bring an ally day’ for my school’s QSA and educating the teachers on how to be more rainbow-inclusive. “The main idea behind it is to make the teachers visible allies, so all rainbow students will feel safe at school”.
He has also been involved in canteen, the school magazine, Pink Shirt Day, and Valentine’s Day, he co-ran Mental Health Awareness Week at his school which raised over $1000 for the Mental Health Foundation.
“I plan to study Veterinary Science at Massey University, leaning towards becoming a primarily equine or large animal (possibly mixed) vet, specifically in more rural areas. Rural areas get a bad rap for their treatment and opinions of rainbow people compared to the CBD. I would love to use my career and rainbow identity to open up people’s minds and help make a community more inclusive. I’m especially inspired after meeting Lynda Topp at her café in Methven!”
Kiefer is going to make a great vet and we know we will be seeing a lot more of him advocating for our community on many platforms.
Daniel Paterson – RNZCT Scholarship
Bachelor of Design - University of Auckland
Hailing from sunny Whakatane, 18 year old Daniel is a youth leader for the LGBTQI+ community in the area which he says is one of his proudest achievements; “One of my core principles in life is leaving the world a better place than I found it; I see myself achieving that by ensuring that Rainbow Tangata feel more supported and welcomed than I did when they come out”.
In 2020, Daniel was elected to the Whakatane District Youth Council, where he was elected to the leadership team. He also became the Youth Advisor to the Whakatane Ohope Community Board. “It became my mission to support and encourage others either directly or by simply showing them that they are not alone, even in small-town NZ. To aid in this, I worked with my high school support services to found and get officially recognized by the board of trustees, the Whakatane High School Rainbow Group (WHSRG)… Based on the group's success, it became clear to me that it was capable of more, and as such, I turned its focus to fundraising for Rainbow Youth and local Rainbow EBOP; in the first year, we raised $1,561 through the running of a Pink Shirt Day and bake sales.”
Daniel has been a proud member and volunteer of Rainbow EBOP since 2019 and in that time, he has assisted them in the initial development of a program to help organizations become more rainbow friendly. Daniel attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Wellington, where his team championed a pro-LGBTQI+ amendment.
During high school, Daniel was awarded NCEA L1 with Excellence and NCEA L2 with Merit; during his final year, he was awarded NCEA L3 with Merit and First in Geography, High Achievement in Business Studies and Diligence in Sociology. Daniel was also awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year Cup and the Digital Technologies Cup.
“My career goal is to work in the intersection of design and business because I believe that the current business model to consumer interaction is broken and is prone to being shaken up. It doesn’t take into consideration the human element. The simple fact is that design is no longer a choice but rather a necessity, and that principle needs to be shown through every part of the company… I see myself ultimately running my own company selling services to assist other businesses as they adapt. I will continue to work with charities to further the opportunities of rainbow youth, especially from rural areas and marginalized demographics.”
Daniel clearly has the drive and leadership qualities that will ensure he goes on to represent our Rainbow community well wherever he lands.
Tame-Cole Satele - RNZCT Scholarship + UBIQ Voucher
LLB/BGlobalST conjoint degree – University of Auckland
As a non-binary transgender student residing in an all-boys school - there were inevitable challenges Tame-Cole would have to overcome; “I see myself as a proponent of change which will promote a culture of diversity so severely lacking from educational institutions on a whole”.
Tame-Cole has spoken in the halls of parliament during their tenure as Youth MP under the Hon. Minister David Parker, their tenure saw nationwide coverage, being featured in a number of newspaper bulletins and online articles detailing the election. Since then they have spoken at a number of nationwide teachers’ conferences such as ULearn where they were a guest panel speaker speaking to their experience as a queer, Akonga Maori in a colonial, heteronormative education system.
They are also one of seven rangatahi who sit as youth board members and previous chairman of the Moko Foundation National Youth Board - a kaupapa run by Rangatahi, for Rangatahi. They also sit as a presiding member of Te Ara Tohu Pumannawa Taiohi - or the Waikato Youth Secondary Tertiary Advisory Group (YSTAG) Youth Board which advises the Ministry of Education at a regional level. This follows a brief stint sitting on the Ministry of Education's Select Committee in 2019.
Tame-Cole also made history at becoming the first ever elected Student Leader of Inclusivity at Hamilton Boys’ High School. Besides this they were also busy undertaking tutoring initiatives at their school; being both a Refugee H/W centre tutor, Nga Mangai Māori Academic Excellence student, and S.A.S.H. mentor.
"I consider myself deeply involved in social justice demonstrations and always willing to give my visible support to any kaupapa which I align myself with. And I believe it is my station as both Takatapui and Fa'afafine which drive my passion to make those measurable changes in the world - and I let no institution bar me from realizing that call to action.
With an excellent academic record they intend on studying a conjoint degree in Global studies and Law. “I've always tried to consolidate the intersections of my cultural identity. In a sense, diplomacy started at birth for me. And undertaking this proposed study pathway is a way to realize a call I feel has been beckoned to me by my tupuna here at home, and my aiga back in the islands. My degree pathway also allows for me to continue my language studies as well as the opportunity to fulfill a placement study in my area of choice - something hugely important to me as an aspiring diplomat”.
Tame-Cole certainly has an exciting and inspiring path ahead of them! We can’t wait to see their name making wakes in both Rainbow and political circles…
2020 Scholarship Recipients
This year the scholarship panel had a tough choice selecting from a large number of applicants who were all incredible leaders and all worthy of being recognition.
The objective of the Trust’s Scholarship programme is to help nurture our rainbow leaders of the future. Meet all five of this year's winners – the Trustees hope you’ll agree we’ve again done a great job!
Join us at the Rainbow Auckland monthly social event The Mixer on February 5 to meet this year’s Scholarship winners. They are New Zealand’s young rainbow leaders of the future and deserve our support.
Azaria Howell
Azaria’s already an established leader at Cashmere High School & in the wider community. She’s involved in UN Youth events, serves on the Christchurch Youth Council AND is a Youth MP at Parliament this year. She’s also a strong advocate for LGBTQI+ issues at community & national level, writes LGBTQI+ focused articles for NZ youth magazine TearAway, and Rainbow YOUTH online.
Not surprisingly, Azaria is actively involved in debating and the Cashmere High Humanities Council. She was also runner-up in the iSay speech competition and has demonstrated extensive leadership and voluntary commitment.
On top of all that, before Azaria left school she supported younger members of the school committee to set up an rainbow social group, ran 'Rainbow Socks Day', and started petitioning for gender-neutral bathrooms at school.
While at high-school Azaria has also worked part-time to fund her tertiary study plan. She’s heading to Victoria University for a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Media Studies & minoring in Political Science.
This is a focused young woman assured of a very bright future!
Joel Armstrong
Joel’s an amazing young man on a mission. He’s passionate about media & has enrolled in the AUT Bachelor of Communications. He wants to use his skills to represent the LGBTQI+ community & make positive change.
The Trust was impressed with his openness & tenacity, Joel came out as a gay man at only 14, saying that it was the scariest thing he’d ever done, but was determined to do it. He was very involved with Green Bay High School’s Peer Support Sexuality Programme (PSSP) and Sexuality & Gender Acceptance Group (SAGA). He also helped organised the school’s first PRIDE Week, it was packed with events every day including a PRIDE parade & was a great success.
Joel was also a school Student Leader, a member of the Positive Behaviour For Learning group, organised charity events & fundraisers, and played on the school basketball team. He also speaks Japanese, and won a study scholarship to Fukuoka Daiichi High School in Japan for three months last year.
The Tertiary Scholarship programme is the Trust's flag-ship initiative, giving extraordinary young rainbow students the recognition they deserve, & assisting with funding to begin University life.
John-Vincent Maxwell
John-Vincent was Head Boy at Papamoa College, and has a passion for fashion! He has also achieved excellence in drama, and won the Gold Award for Community Service this year.
He’s from quite a traditional background, so the Trust was particularly impressed with his bold decision to out himself to the entire school during his end of year speech as Head Boy – that’s style!
John-Vincent has a talent for public speaking, he was selected for semi-finals in his region, and debated in the Youth UN Summit. He was involved in the school's Gay Straight Alliance group (of course) and organised their first Pink Shirt Day. In addition he helped create their first ever school PRIDE week, ensuring the initiative was self-funding AND raised some money for Rainbow YOUTH.
Scholarship decisions are never easy – there are so many fabulous applications from so many amazing LGBTQI+ high-school students heading into their first year at Uni. John-Vincent will be starting at Auckland University in the new year, with a double course in Global Studies and TESOL.
He’s been working in retail part-time (fashion of course!) while at high-school and hopes to get a transfer to the Auckland store so he’s self-sufficient. And in his “spare time”, he’s eager to get very involved with the LGBTQI+ community in Auckland.
Lillian McArthur
Lillian tells us she’s been part of the rainbow community since she was 11 years old. She joined Wellington East Girls' College Gay Straight Alliance group RECOGNITION in her first year, has led the group since Year 10 & this year was also a Wellbeing Prefect.
Two years ago she achieved gender-neutral uniforms and held regular meetings with school staff to educate them on diversity issues, and last year also spoke at the Wellington Teachers Conference. Lillian also led her school’s PRIDE week inviting Grant Robinson, Tamati Coffey & Tabby Beasley to attend, and last year created the school's first drag show featuring GAG Drag Collective.
Lillian received the schools Absolutely Positively Student Award for leadership & community service, along with multiple academic awards over many years. Lillian’s chosen study is a combined Bachelor of Laws & Bachelor of Arts at Victoria Uni. Her career objective is Humanitarian Law.
Outside of school, Lillian works part-time, and attends SchoolsOut and QSA leader meetings organised by InsideOut. She also met with the Ministry of Education about improvements for rainbow students, particularly LGBTQI+ sex education in schools.
Lillian was nominated, alongside InsideOut’s Stacey Dalziel, to attend Women’s Words, the Suffrage 125 Reception held by the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy at Government House.
Rowan Button
Rowan, our aspiring science student from Sacred Heart Girls' College in Hamilton. Rowan is one of the Trust’s five Tertiary Scholarship winners this year, and is one of our two AUT co-funded scholars. He has been accepted to AUT’s School of Applied Sciences for a Bachelors in Medical Laboratory Studies where he’ll thrive in his passion for biology.
Rowan has been very involved with the Hamilton LGBTQI+ community since Year 10. He was leader of the school’s Gay Straight Alliance group Umbrella, and attends Waikato Queer Youth group, WaQuY. Rowan was also a Peer Tutor at Sacred Heart, where he achieved academic excellence.
In addition to great academic success, Rowan is a highly accomplished musician. He’s a member of the Waikato Rivertones, is the bass section leader in the school Barbershop group, & a singer in the group that won the Isotonix Best Novice Quartet 2019. He also teaches children at the Waikato Community School of Music and works as a part-time Office Administrator.
Rowan is a brilliant young man with a bright future!
2019 Scholarship Recipients
After a record number of outstanding applications the following students were awarded scholarships for showing great leadership and role modelling within their schools and communities.
Georgia Purkiss
Georgia Purkiss – RNZCT / Aurecon Scholarship
GEORGIA is an outstanding STEM subject student from Woodford House in Havelock North & has been accepted to the University of Auckland Engineering School. At high school Georgia was into everything! The "short list" includes: manager of the school's Global Committee and Festival of Cultures team, co-head of the Innovation Committee, organiser of the Servant Leadership day, mentor in the Student Wellbeing programme, school librarian, & hospice volunteer. In her "spare time" Georgia was also captain of the school soccer team & a Hawkes Bay representative player. Georgia is also very musical! She can play "almost" any instrument and is a master on the drums. She plays in a rock band that is in high demand for events at school & the wider community. Georgia has also lead the way for LGBTI+ rights at her strict Anglican high school, and attended the school ball with her girl-friend (a first for Woodford!) where they won CUTEST COUPLE!.. Georgia won the Aurecon Scholarship - the first from Aurecon who also became Rainbow Tick Acredited just before the presentation.
Ruby Wills
Ruby Wills – RNZCT / AUT Scholarship
Ruby is from Selwyn College, Ruby has always been passionate about being being proud of who she is (bisexual) mainly due to growing up in a heavily catholic upbringing. She has found that the Selwyn High School was very supportive and allowed her to be who she is, but also helped raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues via a school play ‘Dusty the Original Pop Diva’ which Ruby was in. Some of Ruby’s involvements while at high school include: KSDA dance show 2018, Ponsonby pride parade 2017 – 18, Play it strange showcase 2015, Variety artists club performance 2018 Attending various sex positive events, Partaking and donating to the “are we there yet?” feminist exhibition at Auckland museum, Donating to online causes on ‘give a little’ for LGBT members of the community needing financial support for surgeries, nontoxic places to stay, and causes to end HIV, Recently participated in 3rd year communication design student Jemma Haymans “make it gay” project involving a photoshoot and interview with some of my other queer friends and partaking in the arts council ‘passion project’ and raising awareness for Bi Visibility. Ruby will study Graphic design at AUT. .
Ezra Baldwin
Ezra Baldwin – RNZCT / AUT Scholarship
Ezra is from Kelston Girls' College. Ezra has been active through the Peer Sexuality Support Program (PSSP). Through this, Ezra was able to meet people in the LGBTQI+ community and learn more about them and their individualities. Doing this, lead Ezra to be able to be a point of contact in school to people who were curious about the LGBTQI+ community or wanted to know how to handle things going on in their own life that they needed friendly guidance on. Ezra is also passionate about Theatre and has been actively involved in theatre productions. Ezra has been accepted into AUT’s Bachelor of Design course, starting in Semester 1, 2019. Through Ezra’s passion for drama they were recently involved in a TV production involving four schools around New Zealand telling a story of their choosing and devising, run by Pango Productions, which will screen on TVNZ1 in 2019.
Gabriel Mulder
Gabriel Mulder – Richard James Memorial Scholarship
GABRIEL MULDER - winner of the Richard James Memorial Scholarship! Gabriel is an exceptional academic from Tauhara College in Taupo, and has been accepted for Pre-Med study at Auckland University. This will support Gabriel's ambition to qualify as a Doctor, with an aspiration to specialise in psychiatry. Gabriel's also a stand-out LGBTI+ leader in the Taupo community. This started at intermediate school when he researched and delivered two presentations on LGBTI+ Rights to students & faculty. He also led the way at high-school including co-ordination of Day of Silence, and successfully petitioned for gender-neutral bathrooms. Gabriel also started the first LGBTI+ social support group for the wider Taupo youth community - Rainbow Rocks. The Trust 's Scholarship interview panel was inspired by Gabriel's story and delighted to offer him the Richard James Memorial Scholarship. Richard was widely known and loved by our community. We lost him suddenly last year while he was holidaying overseas, and a fund was quickly arranged to bring him home. A small surplus of money remained, and the idea to create a one-off scholarship in Richie's name was unanimously agreed. The gift would have appealed to Richie who was a kind, generous, funny and unassuming man. The legacy of those qualities has now passed to the next generation and found the perfect recipient. We wish Gabriel every success in life and career - carry the light forward my friend..
Liam Kennedy
Liam Kennedy – RNZCT Scholarship
LIAM from Westlake Boys High School in Auckland. Liam will be studying Law at Victoria University in Wellington. Liam was a Prefect at school and involved in many leadership initiatives including their rainbow support group. He's also an active Rainbow Youth member and was involved in the Youth Declaration last year.
Ruby Cadman
Ruby Cadman – RNZCT Scholarship
RUBY from St Cuthberts College. Ruby will also be studying Law as well as Arts, at Auckland University. Ruby launched the first LGBTI+ support group in her school and is also a Rainbow Youth leader. Ruby is passionate about making a difference and has a keen interest in Government policy and Foreign Affairs.
Lawson Brownie
Lawson Brownie – RNZCT Scholarship
LAWSON is from St Peters College in Auckland, and will be studying Arts and Commerce at Victoria University in Wellington. Lawson was involved in EVERYTHING at school including many leadership roles, is an active Rainbow Youth member, and a Facilitator for Generation Queer. He intends pursuing a career in mental health with a focus on youth and young people. .
Hamish Bunn
2017 Scholarship Recipients
Hamish Bunn – GABA Trust / AUT Scholarship
Hamish is an engaging student from Morrinsville College who gives 100% to everything he does. He has a penchant for Drama, participating in the school’s “Rather Large Day Out”, a showcase of drama, music and art. This involved acting in a play, and signing as a member of the chorus for the school musical.
Hamish describes himself as reliable, punctual, and a great team player.
Hamish will be studying for a Bachelor of Law at AUT.
Jessy Thurston
Jessy Jean Thurston – GABA Trust / AUT Scholarship
Jess hails from Auckland’s North Shore, attending Northcote College. She has a blue belt in Zen Do Kai, and has played the lead role in a production of Peter Pan for the National Youth Theatre Company. Jessy is looking forward to a career in Journalism, and has already had four articles published in Channel Magazine.
Jessy’s interests include Drama, English and Media, she describes herself as organised and dependable.
Jessy will be studying for a Bachelor of Communications at AUT.
Ethan Morse
2016 Scholarship Recipients
Ethan Morse – GABA Trust / Westpac Scholarship
Having come out at 14, Ethan went on to become the very popular and highly respected Head Boy at Katikati College. He led the formation of an LGBTQI+ support group at his school and when the Orlando shootings happened in June 2016, he immediately organised, promoted and led a pride march through the streets of Tauranga in support of those who lost their lives.
He excels in English and Drama and will be going to Victoria University to further those studies.
Finnlay Allerston
Finnlay Allerston – GABA Trust / Westpac Scholarship
Finn doesn't seem to have had any issues with his sexuality since he moved from Twizel to Dunedin to continue his secondary education at Logan Park High School. He and his boyfriend were voted cutest couple at the school formal in 2014, 2015 and again this year even though this year his boyfriend was briefly away in Europe and had to be present as a cardboard cut-out.
Having little need for a support network at school he nonetheless started a diversity group so that other less confident students could get the support they needed. He also has been very active in challenging school policies on gender diversity, and in combating discrimination and bullying in sport.
He will be studying Psychology and Gender Studies at Otago University.
Brooke Milne
Brooke Milne – GABA Trust / AUT Scholarship
Brooke is a transman whose journey from girl to boy while still at Spotswood College in New Plymouth has not stopped him from being a prefect and an outspoken leader within his school and community. He was recognised by his school by getting the Principal's Award for the greatest contribution to the school this year. His leadership has not only included gender and sexuality issues but many other areas of school life and he is unable to be with us tonight because the school needs him as the MC for the Graduation Dinner which he is largely responsible for organising.
Brooke will be studying Creative Technologies at AUT.
Aimee Quinlan
Aimee Quinlan – GABA Trust / AUT Scholarship
Aimee is an exceptionally caring person who has a enormous drive to help those in need. As well as attending college she has volunteered and worked with children with special needs.
Last year she set up a Rainbow Alliance group at her school, Whangaparaoa College, and has ensured the future leadership of the group by mentoring a younger student.
She will be studying at AUT for a Bachelor of Education with psychology in order to continue her work for children with special needs.
Beth Maynard
2015 Scholarship Recipients
Beth Maynard
From Long Bay College, Beth is very high-achieving academically and a school leader in many areas.
She has been active with Rainbow Youth serving on the Campaigns, and Finance and Culture Committees and is currently the board treasurer.
She will be beginning a Bachelor of Arts in History, planning to achieve a Doctorate and become a university academic.
Bryan Law
Bryan Law
Bryan was born in NZ of Malaysian Chinese parents.
He has been at Newlands College in Wellington where he is Head Boy, co-chairs the School Council and also fills other leadership positions.
He is academically very successful and participates in many school activities both sporting and in the arts while also volunteering outside school.
He hopes to be able to continue his volunteer work with LGBTQI+ youth while studying for a conjoint Bachelor of Law and Arts at the University of Auckland.
Kate Warburton
Kate Warburton
Kate is from Botany Downs Secondary School where she played a major role in establishing a successful and sustainable LGBTQI+ group for which she also prepared much of the material used by the group.
Passionate about writing, Kate will be doing a Bachelor of Arts in Language and Culture specialising in Creative Writing.
Jesse Ung
Jesse Ung
Jesse Ung is a New Zealand-born Cambodian from James Cook High School in Manurewa.
Since coming out at 13, he has always been involved with his school’s LGBTQI+ groups, generally in leadership positions. He’s also volunteered extensively outside school.
He is passionate about film and will be doing a Bachelor of Communications focussing on film studies.
Daniel Collings
2014 Scholarship Recipients
Daniel Collings
Daniel went to Mahurangi College where he was Head Boy and was involved with many school activities in both the arts and sporting areas including being the coach for underwater hockey.
He will be studying Communications.
Courtney Bassett
Courtney Bassett
Courtney went to Rangitoto College where she was a top scholar. She was extensively involved with the performing arts including writing and acting, and a satirical piece she created about the homophobia of Colin Craig can be seen on Youtube. She is also a published poet and an intern at a radio station.
She wishes to study English and Theatre at The University of Auckland.
Jacob Angus
Jacob Angus
Jacob went to Rosehill College where he was a House Leader and Māori Leader. He was a co-founder of the school’s Celebrating Diversity Group for which he had pushed for several years.
He is particularly interested in developing young leaders from amongst the more marginalised groups in society and this is part of his desire to study Social Work at The University of Auckland.
Vernon James
Vernon James
Vernon went to Long Bay College where he was the Arts Captain. A person who hates being idle, he has been involved in a myriad of school activities including organising a Straight Gay Alliance at his school. He was also on the Auckland Council’s Youth Advisory Panel and involved with many community charities. He has had his own company since age 10 called Balloon Mania which provides balloons for many significant events.
He intends to do a conjoint Business and Communications degree.
Johann Go
2013 Scholarship Recipients
Johann Go
Johann studied at St Patrick’s Silverstream in Wellington, a conservative catholic college where he consistently challenged the school’s heterosexist attitudes. He is a very active online advocate on LGBTQI+ issues with a large following, and set up a support group for LGBTQI+ students at school and, with the help of the school counsellor, changed the attitudes of the school’s priest and headmaster.
Johann is also very active in the wider community including St John’s Ambulance, where he is a Cadet Leader and has received the St John’s Grand Prior’s Award. He set up his own group, The Compassionate Marists, to assist elderly residents in rest homes and was recognised for this work by the Upper Hutt City Council. He was also a Youth Advisor to this council.
Johann will be studying medicine in Auckland.
Joni Nelson
Joni Nelson
Joni studied at Long Bay College where she excelled in Drama, Media Studies and Photography. She organised, ran, performed in, and directed numerous arts events. She was also been very active in the LGBTQI+ affairs at school and in the wider community: writing, creating NZ’s first QSA online forum and starting a QSA group at school, and she has been a facilitator and Volunteer Committee member with Rainbow Youth.
Joni is planning an arts degree in psychology and media at The University of Auckland.
Rawinia Thompson
2012 Scholarship Recipients
Rawinia Thompson
Rawinia was a very popular and successful leader of the Wellington Girls College Student Council. She was an executive prefect, occasional student representative on the school board and involved with her school’s Queer Straight Alliance. She also volunteered and fund-raised for Victim Support and was involved with JustSpeak – a community advocacy group on criminal justice.
Rawinia plans to do a conjoint Law and Arts degree including Political Science and Public Policy and intends to work in the political arena.
Joshua James
Joshua James
Joshua was a Student Leader and Peer Support Senior at Kaipara College. He set up a QSA at Whangaparaoa College when faced with bullying there and went on to assist with setting up QSAs at other schools.
He has served on the Auckland District Health Board’s Peer Sexuality Support Programme, Auckland City Council’s Youth Advisory Panel and has worked with the Ministry of Youth Development’s advisory committee and as the Youth Representative on its funding board. He plans to take a conjoint Law and Arts degree with Public Policy as a focus and says, “I want to be Prime Minister”.
Kiran Foster
This year the quality of applicants was so high that the Trust awarded a study grant for an exceptional third student.
Kiran FosterKiran was born in Singapore and came to New Zealand when they were nine years old. An accomplished musician and photographer, they were a Young Scholar at the University of Auckland studying Maths and Computer science.
Kiran is a Rainbow Youth volunteer and is involved with Q West in Henderson. They are also doing a conjoint Law and Arts degree with the hope of working in the non-profit sector defending civil liberties or minorities issues.
Jack Winter
2011 Scholarship Recipients
Jack Winter
Jack was Deputy Head Boy at Fairfield College. He was active in both sports and the arts. He started a Queer Straight Alliance group at his school and was a voluntary Facilitator at Waikato Queer Youth.
He is very motivated to help others make the most of their potential, and pro-active in improving and developing groups he is involved in. Jack intends to study for BA majoring in Theatre Studies.
Farran Ram
Farran Ram
Academically able, and involved in a wide variety of school activities at Massey High, Farrran has shown a dedication to helping both her fellow students and others in the wider community. She intends to study health sciences with the goal of becoming a doctor, and we expect her drive and ability will ensure that she succeeds.
Iefata Williams
The Trust was asked by the Cartier Trust to select another student for a scholarship they wished to award. The following candidate was chosen.
Iefata Williams
From Kelston Boys High School, Iefata has been involved in sport as a player, referee and coach as well as being a stage performer. Recognised by his school as a leader, he has also mentored junior pupils. Iefata intends to study Health Sciences with the goal of entering Medical School.Erica Hoskin
I was born and raised in New Plymouth, Taranaki and moved to Wellington in 2017. I am passionate about helping people and want to give back to society. This has influenced my career goal as I want to study Psychology and Anthropology to understand the human condition and what society can do to improve mental health outcomes, especially for minority communities.
2010 Scholarship Recipients
Alex Edney-Browne
Alex is from Devonport where she attended Takapuna Grammar. She has achieved firsts in class in three years for English, History and Media Studies. She has been a member of the Peer Support Team, the Peer Sexuality Support Programme the main focus is increasing gay awareness in school. Alex has been active in trying to make her school LGBTQI+ friendly, speaking about challenging homophobic language in Staff Briefing and the Dean’s meeting.
She made a short film about homophobia which was shown in all year level assemblies later winning ‘Most Creative Promotion’ award at prize-giving. The film is now being used by a Rainbow Youth Educator in schools. She has run homophobia workshops in Year 10 Health Classes this year and last year and has been a member of Generation Queer at Rainbow Youth.
On the sports side of things, Alex has been a coach to the Year 10 Girls Soccer team. She participated in the Michael King Writers Centre creative writing workshops at the beginning of the year and was also lucky enough to be approved for the Auckland University Young Scholars Programme, where for one essay, she got a question about sexuality in New Zealand, a topic she is really passionate about reading Mates and Lovers: a History of Gay New Zealand and got an A+. Alex’s main love is films and she works at the newly restored Devonport Theatre as a projectionist.
Alex plans to start a Bachelor of Arts degree at Victoria University double-majoring in Political Science and Film.
Logan Reynolds
Logan is from Hamilton where he attended Fairfield College. Here he was Editor of the college magazine and indulged in his loves for writing. He was elected Head Boy winning both the student and teacher votes and approval from the Principal and School Board. He has used his position to encourage a number of students identifying as LGBTQI+ to be comfortable with their sexuality and to change attitudes in the school overall.
He has been active in acting (Mitch in Streetcar Named Desire) and re-enacted a musical number from Moulin Rouge. He was an active member of Students Against Drink Driving, and the anti-harassment team in the school, which is at the forefront of efforts to eradicate bullying. He also became a member of the Hamilton Youth Council where local government issues were approached from a youth perspective.
Logan is keen on journalism and won a scholarship this year through Global Focus which offered him training sessions in Wellington and publishing opportunities for an article on global mental health. He will be studying at the University of Waikato taking a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Teaching, with a double major in English and History. His goal is to teach these subjects and become a positive role model in the education system.
Matt Hickmont
Matt is from Hamilton and spent 16 years of his life on his family’s dairy farm. A graduate of St Paul Collegiate, Matt is a top level student with a strong interest in the fields of art, photography and design. This year he achieved top student in Art Photography and Art Painting and received the Thornton Gallery Award for most promising artist in the school.
He came out to his school in the 5th form. He was Stage Challenge director for two years in a row, captain of the Under 15A hockey team, a swimmer, runner and weight club member. Matt became a School Prefect, Head of Social and leader of Hamilton House as an out and proud gay student — a first at this private male-only school. Matt was Head of the School Ball Committee, leader of the Culture and International Students portfolios and Head Tenor in the School Choir.
Matt loves the arts and culture: musicals, drama, art, dancing, and design. His focus is now on fashion and seeks to build a creative career in the fashion industry. Matt will be enrolling for a Bachelor of Design course of studies at Massey University Wellington.
Conditions
Overview:
Scholarships are offered annually to students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex (LGBTTQIA+); seen as good role models by peers and teachers; and who have excelled in effort and achievement in their secondary education.
Candidates will apply by completing all parts of the application form. Applications close 31 October. A shortlist will be finalised in November, and interviews with those candidates will be scheduled for early December. Interviews are held in Auckland but can be facilitated by video conference for out-of-town candidates. Successful recipients should be available to accept the award in person at a nominated time and place in Auckland.
Recipients will be asked to report to the Trust during and at the end of their Scholarship and to provide the Trust with updates on their progress in future years.
Tertiary Scholarship Conditions:
The Award is open to any LGBTTQIA+ student who is enrolling in a full time degree course, of at least three years duration, at any tertiary level institution recognised as such by the NZQA. The degree must be on the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications. The recipient must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and have lived in New Zealand for at least the previous two years.
The recipients will be entering the first semester of year one, having successfully completed secondary school and having achieved university entrance in either of the previous two academic years prior to the year of intended tertiary study. (This allows for students taking a gap year.)
The recipient will have shown a good level of academic achievement during their secondary studies. Involvement in extra-curricular/co-curricular activities will be of particular interest. The recipient's personal history, financial needs, academic record (particularly in terms of effort and achievement), and plans will be taken into account.
The Scholarship will be paid upon proof of registration and payment of course fees. Recipients who hold other grants or awards may be awarded a sum up to the value stipulated by the regulations (if any) relating to those grants or awards.
For further information, please contact:
Gresham Bradley, Chair
Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust
Box 68 213
Newton
Auckland 1145
[email protected]
