Grants
The Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust empowers and supports the development of education, health, welfare, cultural and support services for the benefit of the LGBTTQIA+ community of New Zealand.
The Trust donates money where it is most needed, and where it will have the greatest impact, including rainbow lead organisations that provide a broad range of services to the community, through to lesser known, but equally vital, organisations and projects that support and empower the wider LGBTTQIA+ communities.
The Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust supports all Rainbow Communities of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Funding criteria for support includes:
· being a rainbow oriented organisation or individual
· alignment with the Trust's purpose and objectives
· applications that benefit wider NZ Rainbow communities rather than any particular individual
· the ability of the applicant to deliver the proposed project based on their submitted scope and budget
Small or 1-off Grants
Grants are only available to LGBTTQIA+ run or managed not-for-profit organisations. This includes Registered Charities, Incorporated Societies, and other entities with the resources and capability to deliver successfully on their proposal. Grant funding must deliver measurable benefit to the rainbow community and be rainbow-affirming. Grants are available for projects, support services, resources and events including PRIDE parades & festivals.
Applicants requiring larger or continuous annual funding are encouraged to participate in our alternative funding opportunity, GiveOUT Day. Grants recipients are generally not eligible for additional GiveOUT Day funding within the same 12 month period. Refer to the Application document download button below.
Large or continuous annual funding opportunity – GiveOUT Day
GiveOUT Day is a National Day of Awareness raising and giving to LGBTTQIA+ projects, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations.
All LGBTTQIA+ Registered Charities and Incorporated Societies delivering continuous rainbow-affirming projects, support services, resources and events are encouraged to participate in the Trust’s annual GiveOUT Day. This initiative is our primary fundraising event for our rainbow communities. The Trust’s Grants Programme is now only available to small community groups or those delivering 1-off events, projects, limited services or resources.
Learn about GiveOUT Day's success on our Events page.
For general enquiries or if you believe you can demonstrate a good fit with GiveOUT day please contact [email protected] to register your interest.
Community Participation Grants contribute to LGBTTQIA+ projects and initiatives that may be held from time to time that are run by the Rainbow community, for the benefit of 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
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
OUT & PROUD Taranaki Charitable Trust - $2000 towards Pride events
Rainbow Parade Auckland - $2000 towards putting on the Auckland Rainbow Pride Parade 2023
Qtopia - $2000 towards Pride month activities
Hobsonville Point Secondary School – $2,000 – To support the Little Gay Out event
InsideOUT Kōaro – $2,000 – Event Sponsorship for Schools Pride Week and Out of the Shelves
Chrissy Witoko Memorial Trust – $2,500 – To support a memorial service for Georgina Beyer held in Wellington
Out and About Wānaka - $2000 - To support the creation of a new pride event in Wānaka
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
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
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
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
Wellington International Pride Parade
Orchestra Wellington
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!
Parade Participation Grants
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
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
Parade Participation Grants
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.
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
Parade Participation Grants
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.
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.
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
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+ school leavers 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.
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.
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.
Countdown/Rainbow NZ Trust Tertiary Scholarship
Countdown offers two scholarships of $4,000 for study at any University, Polytechnic or Wānanga in New Zealand.
Aurecon Scholarships
Aurecon is offering two scholarships of $4,000 for study at any University, Polytechnic or Wānanga in New Zealand.
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.
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.
June 9, 2023Caeden 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.
June 9, 2023Mackenzie 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.
June 9, 2023Emma 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.
June 9, 2023Natalie 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,
June 9, 2023Leith 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,
June 9, 2023Arson 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.
June 9, 2023Erica 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.
June 9, 2023Ruby 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.
June 9, 2023Sam 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.
June 9, 2023Hope 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.
June 9, 2023Flo 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.
June 9, 2023Aquilla 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.
June 9, 2023George 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.
June 9, 2023Ella 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.
June 9, 2023Liam 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.
June 9, 2023Faith 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.
June 9, 2023Taylor 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.
June 9, 2023Seb 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.
June 9, 2023Harlow 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+!
June 9, 2023Hailey 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.
June 9, 2023Alfie 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.
June 9, 2023Tame-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”.
June 9, 2023Daniel 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”.
June 9, 2023Kiefer 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.
June 9, 2023Charlotte 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.
June 9, 2023Sendhil 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.
June 9, 2023Ben 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.
June 9, 2023Neil 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...
June 9, 2023Autumn 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.
June 9, 2023Ruhith 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.
June 9, 2023Rowan 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.
June 9, 2023Lillian 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.
June 9, 2023John-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.
June 9, 2023Joel 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.
June 9, 2023Azaria 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.
June 9, 2023Lawson 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.
June 9, 2023Ruby 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.
June 9, 2023Liam 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.
June 9, 2023Gabriel 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.
June 9, 2023Ezra 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.
June 9, 2023Ruby 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.
June 9, 2023Georgia 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.
June 9, 2023Jesse 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.
June 9, 2023Kate 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.
June 9, 2023Bryan 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.
June 9, 2023Beth 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.
June 9, 2023Vernon 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.
June 9, 2023Jacob 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.
June 9, 2023Courtney 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.
June 9, 2023Daniel 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.
June 9, 2023Joni 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.
June 9, 2023Johann 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.
June 9, 2023Kiran Foster
Kiran 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.
June 9, 2023Joshua 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.