Local government has a crucial role to play in supporting communities where rainbow people are safe and feel a sense of belonging. In places that are more inclusive, where rainbow identities are celebrated and affirmed, rainbow people are more able to live well.
This page shares information about our advocacy for inclusive local government, and links to other people and resources bringing rainbow perspectives into local government spaces.
Review into the Future for Local Government
Starting in 2021, an independent review of local government is exploring how councils can maintain and improve the wellbeing of New Zealanders in the communities they serve long into the future. The Review into the Future for Local Government has issued an interim report, and is asking for submissions by 28 February 2023 to help shape its final report.
We participated in a workshop in December 2021 about rainbow communities and local government, and look forward to more opportunities for the Review Panel to hear from rainbow communities as they develop their recommendations.
Auckland Council Budget 23/24
The proposed 2023-24 budget for Auckland Council includes significant cuts to social, community and arts initiatives. This includes a range of Council initiatives and services that make Auckland a safer, more inclusive city for rainbow communities.
We believe the proposed budget could have significant negative impacts on rainbow Aucklanders as well as other populations already facing barriers and inequities as a result of social factors as well as the impacts of the pandemic and recent natural disasters.
We made a brief submission on the budget.
Auckland Council Thriving Communities Strategy
Ngā Hapori Momoho | Thriving Communities is Auckland Council’s strategy to create a fairer, more sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau where every Aucklander feels like they belong. We participated in the ‘discovery phase’ for this strategy, providing advice about priorities for rainbow communities in Auckland.
The draft strategy had limited reference to rainbow populations, and we made a submission recommending more work to clearly name rainbow communities as one of the groups this strategy seeks to work with, and to articulate what the strategy will mean for rainbow communities.
More about rainbow communities and local government
Auckland’s rainbow communities: challenges and opportunities – a 2017 research report from Auckland Council’s Auckland Council Research and Evaluation Unit, RIMU
3Questions – a community engagement report exploring rainbow Aucklanders’ dreams for the city commissioned by Auckland Council’s Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel.
Belonging and participation: local government’s role in rainbow suicide prevention – reflection from our Project Lead Moira about how local government can contribute to rainbow wellbeing, inclusion and suicide prevention.
Rainbow structures within local government in Aotearoa
Auckland Council’s Te Rōpū Kaitohutohu Take Hapori Iwi Takatāpui - Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel
Wellington City Council’s Takatāpui and Rainbow Advisory Council