Mayor Andy Foster hosted the Hui which was attended by over 60 people, as well as Councillors Teri O’Neil, Rebecca Matthews and Fleur Fitzsimmons, Chief Operations Officer Claire Richardson and members of the Queer at Council group.
The open invite attendees were asked to share what they loved about Wellington and what they’d change – with themes around culture, safe and unsafe spaces, housing, and intersectionality discussed in more detail.
Claire Richardson, Chief Operations Officer at Council, and facilitator at the Hui described the evening as a joy to be part of.
“It was great to have so many people attend who reflect our diverse rainbow community, and contribute important ideas to help the new Rainbow Communities Advisory Group establish a one-year work programme.”
Insights and feedback from the Hui sessions will be shared with the new Rainbow Communities Advisory Group when it meets for the first time in July.
The Rainbow Communities Advisory Group has been introduced to provide a cohesive, knowledgeable and advisory role between queer members of the city and the Council decision making process and contribute towards the Council’s priorities.
Queer at Council’s Janey Thornton says the new Rainbow Communities Advisory Group will be a huge step forwards in improving how local government engages and works with the community as a whole.
“It was fantastic to see so many people attend this Hui and speak to their vision for a more inclusive city. Developing a city that rainbow communities feel they belong to and are able to participate in is a key priority for Council, and one it was great to see Council staff and community members working towards together.”
Online applications for the Rainbow Communities Advisory Group (RCAG) are open until Monday 17 May at 5pm on the Wellington City Council’s careers page.
Careful and considerate attention will be given to ensure that the group contains a diverse range of representatives from the rainbow community.
We use the term ‘rainbow’ to include all people of minority genders and attractions or sexual orientations, and those with diverse sex characteristics, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, asexual, pansexual, takatāpui, tāhine, whakawahine, tangata ira tane, fa’afafine, fa’atatama, mahu, mahukane, vakasalewalewa, palopa, akava’ine, fakaleiti, fiafifine and fakafifine.
Appointments to the group will be made in June, with the first meeting being held in July.