External Supports & Events

Now known as the Burnett Foundation, this organisations was long known as the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and has been at the forefront of community response to HIV in Aotearoa for nearly 40 years. They have centres in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), and Ōtautahi (Christchurch). They provide HIV and STI testing, counselling, group support and other services for rainbow communities at these centres, as well as remotely for people anywhere in Aotearoa.  

For more information, head to Burnett's website.

Gender Minorities Aotearoa (GMA) national organisation providing information, advocacy and support for transgender people; including binary and non-binary, irawhiti takatāpui, and intersex trans people.

As a part of their support, GMA provide online peer support and counselling for transgender people and run online connection spaces (Facebook and Discord) for trans folks. 

For more information, head to Gender Minorities Aotearoa's website.

Rainbow Path is an advocacy and peer support group for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, queer and intersex refugees and asylum seekers living in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is led by LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers, with support from other LGBTQIA+ human rights defenders.

Check out Rainbow Path's website for information and support.

Mana Tipua is a kaupapa Māori organisation led by takatāpui. It is the only rangatahi takatāpui focussed organisation in Waitaha. Our purpose is to tautoko (support) the hauora (health & wellbeing) and mana of rangatahi takatāpui and their whānau, including all Māori with diverse genders, sexualities, and sex characteristics to enable them to flourish in the fullness of their identity. Mana Tipua support rangatahi ages 12-25.

Mana Tipua runs a range of weekly groups and events which you can sign up for on their website.

Qtopia is an advocacy, social change, and social support service for the whole LGBTQIA+ rainbow community, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and working throughout Waitaha (Canterbury) and Te Waipounamu the South Island. They provide specific health care information for trans and gender-diverse people of all ages, along with peer support and education. They also hold monthly events for rainbow folks.

For more information, head to Qtopia's website.

Intersex Aotearoa is a national organisation leading intersex advocacy and support in Aotearoa. Intersex Aotearoa provides peer support and resources for intersex people alongside lobbying for systemic change within education, healthcare institutions and social environments to make Aotearoa a safe and affirming place for intersex people to thrive within. 

For mor information, head to Intersex Aotearoa's website.

Moana Vā is a Pacific peer led social support service for MVPFAFF+ (Mahu, Vaka sa lewa lewa, Palopa, Fa’afafine, Akava’ine, Faka Leiti +, LGBTTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual+, Trans, Takatāpui, Queer, Intersex, Allies, +), SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sexual Characteristic) Pacific Rainbow people, their whānau, and their communities, creating lasting positive social change through mentoring, advocacy, support, and celebration.

Moana Vā run a number of events throughout the year, check out their Instagram to find out more @moana_va

For all other information, head to Moana Vā's website.

Community Law is a not-for-profit organisation that works to reduce and remove barriers to the law. They provide accessible, quality legal help to people in Canterbury and the West Coast, who face barriers in accessing justice. Community Law Canterbury offers a general legal advice service, information services, specialist advice, and education services. Community Law has experience supporting those within the rainbow community.

Community Law is located at 198 Montreal Street, Christchurch or contact them on 03 366 6870  or admin@canlaw.org.nz. You can also find out more on their website.

OutLine is a national support line service for rainbow folks. Trained volunteers from the LGBTIQA+ communities are available to answer calls and online chats from 6pm – 9pm each evening. You can phone the support line on 0800-688-5463 or go to their website to access the online chat.