What do we mean by rainbow?
'Rainbow' is an umbrella term, like LGBTTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, takatāpui, transgender, queer, intersex*, asexual, and more), describing people of diverse sexualities, genders, and variations of sex characteristics.
We use the term 'rainbow' here at UC as it is inclusive of our takatāpui (rainbow tangata whenua), MVPFAFF+ (rainbow Pacific peoples), BIPOC, and CALD LGBTQIA+ communities.
*not all intersex people identify as rainbow, some folks will identify as cisgender (the gender they were assigned at birth) and heterosexual.
Who are our Rainbow Leads?
At UC, we have two Rainbow Leads who make up our Rainbow Equity team. A big part of their role is student support but they also help to make UC a more rainbow inclusive place through consultation, training and systems change work.
What does Rainbow Equity do?
Our Rainbow Leads are here to support you throughout your time at UC.
They can help with:
- Settling into University
- Wellbeing Support including if your academic studies are being impacted
- Support finding and joining rainbow groups
- Navigating rainbow communities and understanding your rights in Aotearoa
- Supporting you with family, whānau and relationships around rainbow identity
- Name changes
- Support navigating Gender Affirmation
- Rainbow related enquiries, concerns and complaints
No issue or concern is too small or insignificant, so please reach out. If we aren't the right support team, we'll connect with a support service that can help.
Ways to connect with Rainbow Equity:
You can email the our Rainbow Equity mailbox with any questions at any time (rainbow@canterbury.ac.nz). We can provide information and guidance, or book in an appointment with you if you need more in depth support.
Quick Queeries
A drop-in space run by the Rainbow Leads during term time. Held fortnightly on Tuesdays from 9am-11am in the Rainbow Room.
Come along to ask us quick questions you might have regarding rainbow identity, community, support and so much more! This is also a great chance to meet the Rainbow Leads in person and book in an appointment with us if you need more support.
Check out our Campus Rainbow Events page for more details.
Booked Appointments
You can book a 30 min appointment with Mace or Rose to talk through anything big or small whether you are rainbow person, figuring out your identity, or you want to be a better ally.
Click the 'Book Appointment' button below under Mace or Rose's photos to find out more and book an appointment.
Supports and Connection Spaces on Campus
Rainbow Room
James Logie 107 | A quiet social space for rainbow folks at UC to spend time while on campus
Rainbow Cafe
A weekly Student Wellbeing event in the Living Room Space | Mondays 11.30am-12.30pm.
Check out our Campus Rainbow Events page for more details.
Counselling
Free counselling services are available to any UC student who has paid the student levy. You can find out more about this service on the UC Health Centre website.
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Campus Rainbow Events
08 July 2026
There are regular rainbow connection spaces at UC and in the wider community, see what's on and come along.
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Campus Rainbow Events
There are regular rainbow connection spaces at UC and in the wider community, see what's on and come along.
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Campus Rainbow Events
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External Supports & Events
08 July 2026
Looking for support beyond UC?
You have come to the right place, below is a list of support services that you can connect with in Ōtautahi in person or online anywhere in Aotearoa.
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External Supports & Events
Looking for support beyond UC?
You have come to the right place, below is a list of support services that you can connect with in Ōtautahi in person or online anywhere in Aotearoa.
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External Supports & Events
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All Gender Facilities
08 July 2026
At UC, you can use the wharepaku and changing room that align with your gender or whichever you feel most comfortable in.
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All Gender Facilities
At UC, you can use the wharepaku and changing room that align with your gender or whichever you feel most comfortable in.
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All Gender Facilities
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Name changes at UC
08 July 2026
It’s important to us that our kaimahi get your name and pronouns right.
By following these steps, you can change these details whenever you need to.
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Name changes at UC
It’s important to us that our kaimahi get your name and pronouns right.
By following these steps, you can change these details whenever you need to.
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Name changes at UC
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Gender Affirming Health Care
08 July 2026
Check out the information below about how to access gender affirming health care in Waitaha | Canterbury.
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Gender Affirming Health Care
Check out the information below about how to access gender affirming health care in Waitaha | Canterbury.
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Gender Affirming Health Care
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Resources
08 July 2026
You can find resources from Rainbow Equity and some wider community resources on this page.
If you need information about something else, get in touch with the Rainbow Leads (rainbow@canterbury.ac.nz) and we will do our best to find resources for you.
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Resources
You can find resources from Rainbow Equity and some wider community resources on this page.
If you need information about something else, get in touch with the Rainbow Leads (rainbow@canterbury.ac.nz) and we will do our best to find resources for you.
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Resources
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Funding
08 July 2026
Rainbow-specific funding can be hard to find, or might change depending on what area of Aotearoa you reside in. We've complied all of the current funding streams that are relevant to rainbow ākonga at UC.
These may change from time to time, check back in on this page to stay up-to-date.
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Funding
Rainbow-specific funding can be hard to find, or might change depending on what area of Aotearoa you reside in. We've complied all of the current funding streams that are relevant to rainbow ākonga at UC.
These may change from time to time, check back in on this page to stay up-to-date.
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Funding
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Allyship
08 July 2026
Most of us have grown up in a world with limited awareness of rainbow identities and experiences, it’s understandable if you feel like you don't know everything about rainbow identities or how to support rainbow people in your life.
We are glad you have made your way to our allyship page and that you want to learn more!
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Allyship
Most of us have grown up in a world with limited awareness of rainbow identities and experiences, it’s understandable if you feel like you don't know everything about rainbow identities or how to support rainbow people in your life.
We are glad you have made your way to our allyship page and that you want to learn more!
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Allyship
