Who We Are
Living in Colour, One Heartbeat at a Time
Ka Marama i Roto, Ka Tiaho ki Waho
We aim to bring visibility and awareness of the Rainbow / LGBTQIA+ / MVPFAFF+ / Takatāpui community within the Hutt Valley to create safe spaces, celebrate diversity and support a cultural shift by encouraging everyone to be their authentic selves one heartbeat at a time.
How We Started
Te Ngākau Kahukura o Te Awa Kairangi (TNK) was established to support a Hutt Valley Pride event. This inaugural pride event was created as a way to celebrate the Rainbow community.
After a massive gap in services for Rainbow whānau was identified, TNK increased its scope as a collaborative Hutt Valley group to address the diverse and specific educational, health and social needs of the Rainbow community.
TNK consists of representation from public health, local government, and community organisations.
Our Guiding Pillars
Three guiding pillars were determined in response to the service gaps in Te Awa Kairangi and serve as a guide to our approach. These principles have been conceptualized in the three main components of a Waka; effectively this metaphor represents the vehicle through which we deliver our Kaupapa to Te Awa Kairangi.
01
Excellence
Te Taurapa | Stern / Back
The taurapa is responsible for directing the course of the waka.
Recognising the importance of the history and the champions of our community - including the struggles and successes of those who came before us and steering the course towards continued progress and excellence.
02
Education & Health
Te Hiwi | Hull / Body
Central part that provides main structure and buoyancy, keeping the waka afloat and stable in the water.
Representing the central and foundational role of providing education and health services that meet the specific needs of the Takatāpui community. This is the backbone of the waka and in the same way, education and health are essential to the wellbeing of the community. Crucial is raising awareness of our diverse needs and increasing understanding of our community within local schools, community organisations and alongside parents and young people.
03
Entertainment
Te Tauihu | Prow / Front
The tauihu is the head of the waka, the part that leads the waka forward and sets the pace.
The same way the prow sets the pace and drives us forward, the demonstration of the diversity, talent and creativity of the Takatāpui community, fuels our excitement, momentum and inspires others to join us / celebrate with us.
