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Ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu te awa, ko Ngati Porou te iwi, ko Cameron Kapoor Morrell ahau, he uria hau o rātou mā. Kei konei mātau ki te whare taonga o The Douse, ki rotu te awa Kairangi ki Tai. Ara ko te kaupapa o tēnei rangi, ara ko haka. Hutt Valley Pride, Living in Colour, our Hutt Valley Pride event. Nō We are here at the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt, gathered especially for the occasion of celebrating Hutt Valley Pride. Our Hutt Valley [00:00:30] Pride event is called Living in Colour. So, how did you come up with the title? One of our organisers, the Te Ngākau Kahukoro o Te Awa Kairangi committee, decided to come up with a name for the event. It took a long time, but one day one of the rangatahi will be there.[00:01:00] So our name was, um, crafted by a collaboration between community members, local government, and community organizations that just came together out of the need to start a Pride event. So Living in Colour is about living in our authentic selves, being true to who you are, and being provided a platform such as Pride to be able to feel like you can be yourself. Can you tell me a wee bit about the history? How long has it been going on for? Uh,[00:01:30] 2020. Uh, so we started our in 2020. Um, it was in the, on the eve of Covid, um, oh, just after Covid actually. And so this is our second time doing pride. Nearly two years ago, that that first event was that, um, was that a physical event or was it online? Uh, we actually were able to do it in a time where COVID wasn't, [00:02:00] uh, we were safe enough to meet in person. And so we actually held it physically here in the Downtown. And so, um, describe the event for me. What's the event about? The event is about providing a platform for Rainbow Rangatahi and Te Hunga Takataapui, the Rainbow community here in the Hutt Valley and wider, to come, to share, to engage with many stakeholders from around the motu that provide not only social, Education but health services to our people and so it's an opportunity for them to engage with [00:02:30] them. Also we provide a platform, a literal platform for entertainment groups that live alongside the Heart Valley that also are allies or are members of our community to come in, demonstrate their excellence through entertainment. Can you describe the space today? Uh, the space is as it should be, which is an amalgamation of all the colours that exist on the spectrum, um, and it is reflective of all the people that we intend to capture with our event today. We wish for a inclusive, diverse event, and so we've chosen to dress the space, um, [00:03:00] in reflection of that. Literally, there's a stage, it's amazing. And we've got lights around it which sort of will highlight the people that are standing on it. We've got two specially made banners for, uh, from Hutt City Council for celebrating Pride. And on the other side, we've got, Mānawatia te hunga takatāpui. And the centre, we have My own pride flag, which is the biggest flag here. Um, and that one is the backdrop for the stage We also have the other stages that represent other members of our LGBTQ [00:03:30] community. We've also got a long What's it called red carpet, which will be used is the platform for our Rainbow Runway event that we have starting tonight. Um, so not only do whānau get to enjoy the entertainment and the festivities and the energy that that will bring, um, but there are the likes of our youth one stop shop, VIBE services are here. I'm sure you'll be able to connect with them a little bit later on. Um, we've got our friends from the Burnett Foundation who have gifted us with some resources to give out to the community, particularly safe sex. and safe sex education, um, guides [00:04:00] for our whānau. Um, we've also got, uh, a few of our other, um, local, uh, health providers, such as Te Awakairangi Health Network, who are here both as staff, and as to share some of the goodness and the kaupapa that they will get up to. We also have the Regional Stop Smoking Service, Tākiri Mai Te Ata Trust, which is a part of our Kokiri Marae Health Service. Um, and yeah, there's just many more people. But we've also got a whole lot of kai coming too. And it's all free, and it's all for our whānau. Um, and we've got, we've got hāngi, sushi, sandwiches, we've got, um, juice, [00:04:30] water, um, and just a whole lot of love and some fruit as well. See, it's got some fruit in there. We've got lollies hiding around here somewhere as well. Amazing. This event is also tied in with Maki. And I wonder, um, could you explain the significance of tying it to Maki? So, in the beginning we started this event, and it was around the Maki time of last year, which I believe was around the 17th to the 19th of July. That was, we're sort of just at the, we were still within the time that Maki appeared in our skies. Um, the importance for us was that [00:05:00] not only were we wanting recognition as the rainbow community and to. You know, we broadcast how special we are and how we deserve, uh, we deserve increased visibility and awareness of, um, stuff that is centric to us. Um, but also around the time that we're planning it for, Matariki just so happened to Um, appear before us. And so we thought what a better way than to merge Kahukura or the rainbow with that of the stars, both celestial things and both with [00:05:30] very strong meanings to us. And so we've used Matariki as a way to kickstart us off with the right energy. Um, cause Matariki is a time about reflection, looking back on the past and those who have gone before us. It's about celebration, looking at what we've done. Done so far, the year that has just gone by and it's about, um, future settings. So what do we want for the future? How are we gonna look after the generations to come? What are we doing for them in order to support them? And so this event and the themes of Tariq perfectly tied into one another. And [00:06:00] also the, um, members of the committee, uh, a majority of them are comprised of, majority of our committee is comprised of, uh, Tanga Maori ua. And so we thought, well. We have all of this richness and this depth of knowledge to share, so why don't we use not only Matariki as a way to supplement pride, but pride as a platform to talk about Matariki. And so, this brings us to our event. For people living in larger centres, so like Auckland, [00:06:30] Wellington, Christchurch, they have annual pride events. Why is it important for local pride events to happen? I really love that, that's a very beautiful question. The reason why this whole kaupapa started out here in the hut is because of that. Um, we noticed that all of the energy resources and Anything that is anything gets pulled towards our bigger cities and we know that us out here in the smaller parts of the country still have a lot to offer and so we thought instead of our kids and our [00:07:00] whanau having to travel into town to Celebrate something within their community, but away from where they live Why don't we start something right here in the heart of their community so that one they don't have to travel far to it's more reflective of who The Hutt Valley are and, um, and three, it was just a way for us to make something of us, like make a stamp on our world, um, as another it's, it's connected to, it's a, it's a bit. It's connected to this. Hutt City is a city of firsts. So, [00:07:30] um, and one of these firsts is, uh, we have the Tino Rangatiratanga, the New Zealand, and the pride flag now rising and flying above our council. And nowhere else in the country have I seen that. And so, um, that's a demonstration to the city that our council is behind us and our council serve us. And so we are sort of just wrapped up into this Big ball of energy to put our stamp on something, too. The council have made their declaration as [00:08:00] like a local government entity. This is our declaration as a community group. Yeah. Also, we've been supported by the council, so shoutouts to you all. That's why you got that little plug. So this has been running for a couple of years now. What has the feedback been from people that have been previously? Why can't we have more pride in the year? Why does it have to be just one day of the year? How come, um, Like, it's all well and good, we love this, that they really, the event is amazing for our whānau that come. Um, [00:08:30] but when they leave here, they wish for more of it outside of this space. And we agree, we agree, we think that pride shouldn't be just once in a year where everybody is visible. We believe that we should saturate the community with pride, so that our whānau are truly reflected everywhere around that they go. Not just in spaces that are created specifically for them. Other feedback has been, um, could it be longer? So that's why we go for five hours now, last year it was four. Um, which is going to be [00:09:00] tiring but amazing. Um, also, uh, whānau wanted, uh, to see if we could do one at the beginning of the year and one at the end of the year. A great way to start it and a great way to finish it, which is all well and good and amazing to think and to write about, but to do is somewhat hard. So the people that comprise our committee Um, although we belong to different places in the, uh, different organisations, different places, and we're connected by this common link, um, we all volunteer, so [00:09:30] we do this in our own time, so we're not being paid from our work to do this, this is all, um, money that we've gotten through funding applications and support from community to use venues and all of those sorts of things, and so. It's all volunteer run, so what we hope is that we can create a more sustainable way to keep it flowing so that this event just kickstarts naturally, and then we can start looking at making it bigger, making it wider, um, doing it in different places, getting, actually moving it into the community [00:10:00] more, um, as well as networking alongside our community partners and our local government partners so that that visibility that we crave for, that awareness that we started this kaupapa for, is actually achieved. Just finally, you've mentioned that it's your pride flag which is huge and it's amazing. What does it mean for you personally doing an event like this? Oh, I, so this whole day I've been in a constant state of overwhelm. Like, [00:10:30] I'm full of whelm and it is overflowing, that's why I'm sitting here trying to be quiet and just focus my energies, and because I'm so overwhelmed. This is so beautiful, ain't nothing could have been better, this is the most amazing thing. Thanks to our committee, our event coordinators, all of our people, um, this is just amazing. This to me is, uh, what I feel like as a young takatapui that grew up in Te Whārua o Waipiro. This is what I would have loved to have seen. I would have loved to have grown up to know that it was okay to be me. And so this [00:11:00] day is not just about us. Entertaining everyone, being excellent, and tying it in with Matariki, it's also a way for us to nurture those, the energy and the seeds of potential within our young people to let them know, no matter what you are, no matter what you look like, no matter how you identify, there is space for you, and we welcome you, and you are, oh my gosh, you look beautiful, we welcome you, and so, yeah, so, um, I just want whānau to know that, Every time, like, you know, like how, close your eyes and [00:11:30] imagine fireworks, you know, everybody's got this hype, oh my gosh, the fireworks are going to start, and when they finally explode in the sky, it's just this most amazing feeling. That's how I feel. I feel like fireworks are going off for me. Just to share something else, and you might love this. We have two flags here. One that was signed by all of the UK Pride organisers and sent over from Doncaster. They are celebrating Pride next weekend. Our CE at Hutt City Council, Jo Miller, has a very strong relationship with Jenny Dusnap, who is the, uh, lesbian, um, chair. They've also got a gay [00:12:00] chair and a trans chair. And they all signed this flag to send over for us in solidarity to be our international allies over in the UK. Um, they've gifted us a flag as well that was blank to go alongside it. For our committee to sign and everyone that was present and so today was the day that marked the history for our local government to support pride officially and being visible. But we also have international acts of friendship through the gifting of the flags. And so those are on display too for whānau to just ask questions about and wonder [00:12:30] whose names are those and stuff like that. Okay, so call Lily Loudmouth to her name, um, Uh, I am Lily of the Valley tonight, usually Lily Loudmouth. Um, I am a local girl and it's a pleasure to host this rainbow event in the hut, because we need to start getting some rainbow, some queerness in this part of Te Whanganui a Tara. What's going to happen tonight? You'll have to wait and see, Gareth. People are creaming the drawers in anticipation, aren't they?[00:13:00] No, tonight we've got, um, so basically, uh, it's all about getting the community together. Um, and we've got a range of shows tonight, so let me just unlock. So we're starting off with Tee Fana Fana to open up. Um, it's weird actually, there are always these functions opening up. I'll tell you, they're in demand in the community. Um, and then we have got, uh, Ngati Porou Ki Ponoki Ropu Kapa Haka Group. Uh, that's gonna be doing as a few waiters [00:13:30] and, um, uh, be entertainers with their talents. Um, and look, it's gonna be full of performers tonight. Um, I'm going to be hosting, um, as well as Cam's going to be hosting as well. Uh, we will be having a fashion show as well. So, uh, that's going to be exciting to see what they bring with their creativity. So, yeah, it's, there's a, there's a mixture. You know these events. Anything can happen. Um, anything extra can happen. I might throw a couple of numbers in there. I actually wanted to do a [00:14:00] number, uh, to honour Dana. Um, which I've also, I've done once before. So, you know, what's your space? Also what we've got, we've also got local, um, health providers that, that really engage with, um, with, uh, all manner of community members. Uh, but they're here obviously to support their services for the, who need it. Um, so we will be, you know, uh, exploring these. Uh, stalls as well. So, it's the first, it's the, it's the second year, and it's gonna get better and better [00:14:30] every year. I'm gonna get older and older every year. Oh, aren't we all? Well, maybe. Or maybe not. Um, speaking of creativity, can you describe what you're wearing? Well, I'm wearing tonight It's, um, Jacques Vert. La Croix. No, it's not. I'm wearing a rainbow y sort of sequin y dress. Um, with two corsets which I can't breathe. And I've got a, uh, like an ombre sort of green wig on. Uh, with dazzling jewellery to spark [00:15:00] attention and glittery lips. It works. Does it? Do I have your approval? You don't need my approval. I just, yeah, you know, behind this glitz and glamour there's a little bit of a loud mouth there, but you know it is four o'clock start, and you know Lily doesn't usually do light entertainment so I'm going to be on my best behaviour, but it's a pleasure to be here and it's going to be an amazing night, so watch your space. And Lily, why was it important for you to be here today? Uh, it's important for me because I am part [00:15:30] of, um, Ta'awa Kaerangi, uh, which is, uh, the Hutt Valley. Um, and I just think that, you know, to be part of this, uh, last year as well as this year, um, you know, it's, it's, it's quite honourable to be, to let them be, let me be part of it. And you know what, because I list my stomping ground, um, it means a lot more. Um, so, you know, the ahana is, is reeking out of my tight, I shouldn't really say that actually, Dal, sorry, out of my Daytime, [00:16:00] daytime shows. Sorry. Out of my jewellery, darling. So, yeah, it's, um, it's representing the Lower Hutt. Um, you know, you get big events in the city, and why not here? And it needs to start happening. And, because it's happening, Pride is happening, it's the only Pride that's happening in the country, I think, at this moment in time. Usually it's to go with Matariki as well, but, you know, this is the closest that they could get, so. It's about a celebration of all things. Yeah.[00:16:30] [00:17:00] Wai rea, wai [00:17:30] rea, wai rea ki runga, wai rea ki raro, wai rea ki a Ranginui e tui honei, wai rea ki a Papatūānuku e takoto ake nei, wai e rea ki te atatauira mai e, mai e. Mai e te tipua, mai e te tawhito, mai e [00:18:00] te kahui o ngāriki. Mai e tāwhiti atu ki ngā tua, e kakawatea. Kei runga, kei raro, arati hei, mauri ora! Whakataka te hau ki te uru, whakataka te hau ki te tonga. Kia mā kinakina ki uta, kia mā taratara ki tai. Hei hiake ana te atakura, he tio, he huka, he hauhu. Tihei, [00:18:30] mauri ora.[00:19:00] [00:19:30] [00:20:00] [00:20:30] [00:21:00] [00:21:30] Te atiawa, tēnā koutou. Douse Museum, tēnā koutou. Tēnā koutou Kahukuna ki te Awakairangi, tēnā koutou. Nei rā mātau a Te Whanakaranga e mihi atu ki a koutou katoa. Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa. Kia ora everyone. So, it's great for us to be here to support this occasion. It's a really important occasion where we can all celebrate, bring [00:22:00] who we are, and all our sexuality, and all our gender diversity and expression, and all the way that we are individual in our sexual characteristics. Ngāi rā mātou, kua taonga mai nei, ki te tautoko te kaupapa. We're a, uh, a group, as you would have heard, uh, what's Lee's name? Lee. Lily. Sorry. We know Lily by a few names, um, and I was just [00:22:30] trying to remember the name today. Um, but anyway. Kia ora, Kia ora Lily. Yeah, but um He's my brother's name. But we just have a couple of waiata to sing and we hope you enjoy. Tēnā koe.[00:23:00] [00:23:30] [00:24:00] [00:24:30] He aka tō take, He nui tō take, He kōrero tāua e. Nā te mea e, Nā te mea e, He tāngata koe. Nā te mea e, Nā te mea e, [00:25:00] He tāngata koe.[00:25:30] [00:26:00] [00:26:30] Haere mai. Haere mai, Tupana. Tupana, Tupana. He kahukura i te rangi. Ke runga pōneke i te mona raukau lae. He kaupapa. He kaupapa lei. Me ara ake uenuku E ke Panuku, E ke Panuku, E ke Tangaroa, [00:27:00] Haramai te toki Haumi e, hui e, tae ki e E ke Panuku, E ke Panuku, E ke Tangaroa, Haramai te toki[00:27:30] Kia ora, my name's Celina Parika. So today we are in, um, we are at the Dow's Museum, and we are just watching people left, right and centre take their, take their time and, um, looking around. And it's a diverse, it's a diverse space and it's a diverse, um [00:28:00] It just seems like a really good buzz and a really good vibe. And you know so many people here. Um, I think it probably has to do a lot to do with the community, and the different spaces that I'm able to, like, be a part of, which is the Māori and Pacific Islands spaces and the Takatāpui spaces as well. You did a very powerful karanga, uh, at the start. Ah, yes, thank you. I appreciate that. [00:28:30] Um, I, um, what happened, what, in that process, we just, um, invite people to be in our space and to be, to be quite, um, um, safe while they're here. Um, and we also give them the opportunity to, um, to engage in Maori culture. Uh, we also allow them the opportunity to ask questions about te reo. Um, And about communicating in te reo and how do we best do that as a community and as a people. So that's basically what it was, just an [00:29:00] opening, opening of the gathering and acknowledging all those who are here today. Do you think there's a difference having, uh, localised events, say here in Lower Hutt, uh, versus, uh, you know, a larger event in Wellington? Um, I think all the, all the little local events. Um, they're all done so well. They're amazing. Um, and I, and I, I guess it comes back to contribution. Um, how are we able to contribute to, um, more engagement and more [00:29:30] understanding, um, from our community in particular to the greater wider world, to the, to our regions and to mostly to our cities. So, yeah, the difference, the difference here is that It's at a smaller scale, but it's all for the same reasons and for the same kaupapa. And it's absolutely packed with people. It is. Um, it is a great turnout. Um, there's, and we've only just started, so there's a [00:30:00] great turnout. We're waiting for the next lot of teams and performers to arrive and hopefully we can all enjoy that with some hangi. Why was it important for you to be here today? Uh, it's really important for me to be here, to be here amongst my peers and amongst my friends, but mostly amongst my whānau. Uh, I think it's um, it's really, really nice to see the um, up and coming generations come through within this community. And especially with um, being [00:30:30] able to link them into the different services around Hutt Valley, around Wellington, and the greater Wellington region. So, yeah, that's probably my reason for being here. So this year is the 50th anniversary of, um, gay liberation in New Zealand. We're still fighting on many different fronts for equality. What are the things that we still need to do? I think for, for us in particular, we will always go through the hard, through the hard yards of actually, um, [00:31:00] engaging with people and giving them the opportunity to engage with us. Um. I do hope that our trans people are able to, um, to be more, to be more included, um, and to be more aware of, um, their gifts that they have. Our Pacific Islander people, um, I do hope that within, within those Spaces that, um, there will be more and more evolving from those spaces of communication. [00:31:30] Um, my name is Cellis. Um, we are at the Pride event today. Um, we work at the regional stop smoking within Regional Stop Smoking Service. Today. We are here to promote our service to get. family that are ready to quit, wanting to quit. And, um, so we run [00:32:00] a six week program getting people to join our program. And we walk that journey with them that are wanting to quit down the front there. If people sign up to our program, um, they will go in the door for that down there. And those groceries, uh, they equal a 50 gram of tobacco. Plus, um, the papers, the lighter, and the filters. So, we just want to show them, this is what you can buy instead of having a 50 gram tobacco. That's a huge amount of food. [00:32:30] That is, it is a lot, eh? You know? Tobacco, you probably would be buying two. Tobacco is 140 just for the tobacco without the other stuff. And look what you can get for it. We show the kids this, we tell all the little ones, and then they'll bring their parents over. This is what we can get, mum or dad, yeah. Just to show them. Visual, eh? So why was it important to be here today? Um, just not only, you know, getting to, [00:33:00] getting out there to support our whānau who are obviously wanting to choose to quit, um, vaping or even in smoking too, but it's also to share awareness as well, what they're putting into our bodies. So over here is obviously the visual side of things of the ingredients within the tobacco. Down there is how much they could be saving and what they could be spending their money on. And it's also just supporting the kaupapa of Pride events, so all about diversity as well. Absolutely, yeah. Yeah, we're a generic service. So we're out there to support everybody, not just [00:33:30] because we're a hau ora, doesn't mean we just work with Māori. We're generic service, everybody, anybody that's smoking or wanting to help, we will help them. So we're a couple of years now into the COVID 19 pandemic. How has that affected the people on your program? Um, obviously, so we are the face to face So we go around to people's houses. Some people may not even feel comfortable, of course, if they're, um, immune compromised, [00:34:00] immune compromised. Um, so yeah, that does put a bit of a strain on our service because we are the face to face support. Um, Um, since the COVID, we have lost a lot of, um, getting out there. The promotions, this is where we get all our referrals from, a lot of our referrals, is coming out into the communities, doing the health promos and all that. But since the COVID, we've been kind of locked down, you can't get out there and all that. So we're glad this is all on again, we [00:34:30] can get out there and start helping our whānau. Yeah, over COVID. I think we're all over COVID, but I think there are a whole lot of, um. stresses now, I mean, post the kind of lockdown with money and all of those kind of things. Are you seeing that with the people coming through? We see a lot of it. At Kōkiri we also provide a patakakai that's given to the community. Kind of because of the financial difficulties. A lot of it is stress. Yes, [00:35:00] they carry on what they're smoking So we provide the food and then they go out and buy their smoke So that's what we're trying to get them. Hey get this look at what you can get for yourself, you know Are there any um, like Takatāpui Rainbow specific programs? Not awesome yet, but Shelly, she's gone off to go and see, takes some whānau out to be vaccinated. She's the one that has sort of got us into all this. Yeah, and she's always promoting it at work. Shelly is wanting to open up clinics [00:35:30] at Kōkiri and our Ngāi Ngāi Hub so that whānau could come along. So for you both personally, what does it mean to you today to be here in this pride setting? Um, I, I love events like this. I think it's so important that the, um, Rainbow community is actually getting acknowledged and celebrated too. Um, I have many friends that are, you know, transgender. They are, you know, pride and they may be born a female, male, but they want to really You know, be become the [00:36:00] woman that they had always wanted to be. And I think it's now being normalized. And I think it's such a beautiful moment that places like this within Wellington, you know, um, yeah, it's a beautiful thing to be able to be here. Beautiful kaupapa, um, as well that we're able to be here and not just support our services, but, you know, being able to network as well with amongst other services within Wellington as well. Um, so no, I think it's about time. Absolutely. I have whānau, you know, of both. But it's really [00:36:30] exciting to be amongst this. I love it. It's really exciting. We don't see enough of it, really. This year is actually the 50th anniversary of gay liberation, so where there was a real push for kind of equality. What are some of the things that still need to happen, do you think, that need, you know, for everyone to be kind of equal in today's society? I think now Um, there's more kind of push for things that were just kind of shoved in the background regarding not yeah regarding the [00:37:00] rainbow community as well as you know, Māori Um, you know raru or problems that have you know, even with the decolonization kind of side of things Now, I, what I love is that all of these things that were kind of just put into the closet are now being able to be acknowledged, um, wrongs are being, you know, absolutely corrected and now that we're celebrating, um, within the rainbow community because back then, even I'm quite young. But, you know, a [00:37:30] lot of people were bullied for that kind of thing, you know. And they're able to be 100 percent them true selves. And I think that's the most beautiful thing about this kaupapa here. Cool, Charlotte. Yes, I really think it needs to be taken to the younger generation as well, for them to understand that it's okay. You know, I've, um, I've had a niece that, you know, went, and she was put down, even by the whānau. And I said, you know, It's her choice. We all just need to, she's still our whānau, just need to support her on her journey. Let her decide what she wants. So [00:38:00] I think some of it needs to go down to the younger generation, so that they can feel comfortable about coming, you know, and not having to hide in the bedroom and dress up and then, yeah, let them. Come down to the young ones too. Hit the rangatahi as well, because there is a lot of rangatahi out there that are wanting to come out. Mmm. Yeah. Hi, my name is Callum Bennehy, and um, I'm here with some of my colleagues from NZPC, the Aotearoa New Zealand Sex Workers Collective. And we're here just to show people, [00:38:30] um, what the collective is about, and show them some of the resources, the work that we do, and hopefully gain some more understanding from people. Now, very recently, within the last year or so, um, the collective has changed its name from what, uh, New Zealand Prostitutes Collective to the Sex Workers Collective. What, what prompted that change? Um, we've been looking at things around the globe and several, um, and several other organisations have asked us why we're still using the word [00:39:00] prostitutes because that's quite a stigmatising word. Um, so that's one of the reasons why we decided to go and to, um, Distinguish us from other sex worker collectors around the world. We have used Aotearoa New Zealand at the beginning of it. Uh, but this is only a, um, median step. There will be something coming later. We're a couple of years now into the COVID pandemic. And I'm wondering how has the pandemic affected, [00:39:30] um, the sex workers collective? Um, we have been quite busy doing resources for people who have had to change their streams of income from, um, full service to online or various other ways of working, yeah. So it's been quite busy for us and we've, a lot of the work we've been able to do from home. But, um, we're back in the offices now, and so the offices that we have got sexual health clinics in, like Auckland, Wellington [00:40:00] and Christchurch, um, that's, um, working quite well. And, um, the other offices in Taronga and Dunedin, they're also taking over as well, and they're seeing regular clients coming through, so, yeah. How do you think the, um, the pandemic's affected the collective members? Um, some have been hit quite hard, because they've always done Um, full service sex work and they've quite often, some of them have been out in the streets and it's very difficult to, um, wear a mask when you're [00:40:30] trying to attract customers, um, because of that. And there are other ways that it's affected people as well. As I said earlier, some have, uh, changed their stream of income. So they've changed from full service to some partial service, or they've gone on to online and cam works. And just recently, of course, we've had the, um, kind of increase in kind of monkey pox around the world. Is it having any kind of impact on, on the collective? No, not yet. [00:41:00] Um, people are aware that there's a vaccine available for it and that it's fairly easily treated. Looking at your stall today, could you just take me through some of the materials that you've got here? At the front, we've got some of the resources that we have and it's got, um, One for paying tax. We've got one for, um, sugar babies. We've got one for, um, the old business code of conduct. Uh, we've got, um, one for cam work. We've got one [00:41:30] for entertainers, so that's strippers and such like. Um, and we've got, um, because some people who have been doing full service have moved into doing, um, pole dancing and things like that. Um, and we've got, uh, sponges and We've got two lots of different sponges for people who have periods and, um, we've got a range of condoms and, including flavoured condoms, so, yeah. And some lubes as well, so lube is very important when you're using condoms so it doesn't [00:42:00] cause abrasions. Why was it important for the collective to be here today? Um, there are a large number of, um, queer Uh, people who are sex workers. Um, for a variety of reasons. Um, some it is pure choice and it's like, Yeah, cool. Better. I'm enjoying this. Things. Some it's a challenge. Can I do this? Is it something that. Because I've not done this sort of thing before. Maybe I'll try it.[00:42:30] And sometimes it's to affirm their sexuality and things. So you've got, um, younger gay men who are working, um, to find, make sure that they are gay. Um, and also, um, people who, for a variety of reasons, it might be the best of a limited choice. So it might be Five hours working as a sex worker may be far better than 30 hours working at McDonald's or Burger King or KFC or any of the fast food chains.[00:43:00] Do you think nowadays that actually there's a lot more kind of casual sex work going on rather than somebody, you know, doing it full time? Um. There is in a way, yes. That's one of the reasons why we've developed the Sugar Babes, uh, resource, because there's quite a few people now who are going on dates for cash. They're setting up an appointment with someone and saying, well, this is what I expect, that, and that person then will pay it, or maybe [00:43:30] not pay it, and things, or pay in cash when they see them. And, um, as a result of that, The dynamics between, um, sugar babying and all service full sex work is quite different because quite often it's a younger sex worker who hasn't had contact with NZPC because they don't recognize that what they are doing is a form of sex work. So they haven't been told about their rights and responsibilities and how to keep themselves [00:44:00] safe. So when the client says, oh, I've only got this much, is that okay? They'll say, oh, yeah, okay. And, um, the client says, I've put the money into your bank account. And they look at the bank account and it seems to Oh no, it's still coming through. And the, um, client then flicks in a text message that shows that the money's been done. But it's all Photoshop. So they're not aware of those sort of things going on, so yeah. This year is the 50th [00:44:30] anniversary of gay liberation in New Zealand, and I'm thinking we're still marching towards equality. What are the things that need to be fixed? There's still quite a few small things that need to be fixed. Um, We're fortunate to have had a bill passed last year that was, um, that outlawed, um, conversion therapy, because [00:45:00] that's been a major impediment for a lot of people. Um, a very good friend of mine was told when he came out, Well, if you don't go along to this group, you can't live at home. So he went along to the group and of course it was the one here in Lower Hutt that was, um, a conversion therapy group. And that mucked him up for a number of years and eventually he just told them to stuff out. He went to the gay sauna and he said, When I was there I saw you and you and you, so don't give me all [00:45:30] this crap about this stuff working. Stormed off. And there are other people who have had, um, serious damage done because of conversion therapy. Um, even very recently, with, uh, churches and that, claiming to pray the gay away, and all it does is put guilt upon the person who's trying to come out. So that was a very good outcome, getting that sort of thing outlawed. But there are some small things to go, and there's [00:46:00] also quite a lot to do in regards to transgender people as well, so I'm pleased that, um, on the banners and things they've got here. It's the Um, full pride flag with the trans colours and the Black Lives Matter colours and everything as well. So, that's good to see. So my name is Anania, we're down here [00:46:30] at the Pride event down at the DOWS, um, we're celebrating our diverse gender populations and it's just a celebration, it's for them to be who they are, um, perform, celebrate and just love life. And today you're here with? Um, Te Whatu Ora. Uh, Te Whanganui a Tara, which is public health. And why was it important for public health to be here today? Um, so, within our public health unit, we have a portfolio that focuses [00:47:00] solely on sexual health. And within that is our pride community. So we, uh, here so that We're inclusive, we're working together, we're not singling people out just because of their, their orientation, and it's just a really, um, yeah, just a whānau ora, uh, Aotearoa approach to, to our rainbow community and sexual health. I should just say that the, um, buzzer we're hearing, this is, there's a photo booth next door to us. That's, that's when photos go off. It's not somebody going, ah. [00:47:30] You've got, um, an amazing store here today. Could you tell me what, what's here? Yeah, absolutely. So, um, my role at Public Health is to flip the lens and look at it from a traditional Māori worldview. So, we have a wahakura here, which is, looks at our hapū māmā and making sure that they're safe and their babies are safe. So, prevent, preventing, uh, any unexpected deaths within infants. So that's why I bring out our wahakura. We also have awa underwear, which is around our period poverty work. So, reusables.[00:48:00] Um, also, there's also cups, um, and yeah, just to look at it not as a taboo subject, but as a very, you can talk about it. It's okay to talk about it. Um, what else do we have down here? We just have our normal pamphlets around HPV, uh, in men and women. Um, also, including in our little public health table, we have some toothbrushes, [00:48:30] um, some body washes around hygiene. Um, some, some pads and tampons, um, just to look at that whole, your full health. Your, it's not about singlizing things and looking at it from just sexual health and that's it. It's your, your hiningaro, which is your mental health, your physical, your spiritual, and your whānau. So that's a huge focus for my role at Public Health. You mentioned earlier about period poverty and is that, [00:49:00] is that a big issue? It is, it is. So our kids don't go to school because they have their period once a month. Um, they don't have the necessities to what everyone should have. Like it just should be everyone's right to this, our new tools in terms of pads, tampons and undies. Um, yeah, it's really, it's really disheartening to know that wahine, girls, can't go to school [00:49:30] because of their periods sometimes, yeah. What does it mean for you today, personally, to be here? Oh, it's just a, I just love to be a part of everything in our community, so to support our community who have led this project, so we were a part of the committee, but our community, it's always led by our community, so that's sort of really, really, um, Key for me as a worker in public health is that we let our community lead everything.[00:50:00] [00:50:30] [00:51:00] [00:51:30] [00:52:00] [00:52:30] So we ran a current organization called. Set my level of trust. And you've, you've just come off the stage. I mean, what an amazing performance. Oh, thank you. It's also, it's been lovely. Um, that's what we normally do with our kids back home. So we teach them through traditional art and provide positive youth development through the art forms of indigenous practices.[00:53:00] Why was it important for you to be here today? It's important to showcase our support in all shapes and forms and I think what makes it even more important for us to be in attendance is that we are one of the only organisations that focuses on MVPFAS plus communities, um, um, which is. The acronyms in the Pacific, um, so yeah, it's cool to work alongside our fellow Takatāpui communities as well as [00:53:30] our wider rainbow LGBTQIA plus queer. Um, communities in general. Yeah. Can you speak a wee bit about, um, the kind of terms we use to identify both culturally and kind of, uh, sexual and gender identities? It's so important, isn't it? Yeah, um, I think it is important, um, Differentiate the both of the two because obviously we do have our Pacifica terminologies that do sit well with us as, as Pacific, [00:54:00] um, as well as, uh, kupu, um, takatapui for our indigenous Maori peoples here of Aotearoa. And I think it just ties people in more closely to the cultural identity and finding themselves. And by using specific Language, rather than just rainbow. I mean, it's a lot more inclusive, yeah? Um, it is, and I think it's more, it kind of identifies that main. group of peoples. [00:54:30] Um, rainbows, um, obviously is the terminology for the for the whole or the katoa or for all, um, rainbow communities in general, whoever it may be. Um, but obviously MVP FAF plus um, belong to the Pacific and is what the Pacific know it to be as well as takatapui for our our indigenous Maori people. How have the last couple of years been with COVID for you and the group? [00:55:00] Um, I think everybody will have the same answers for this. Um, to be honest, because our organisation focuses on a wider range of rangatahi, um, Aotearoa whānau per se, so it's not only Predominantly our queer pacific communities or rainbow, um, communities that we only focus on. So we kind of focus on a wide range of, of young peoples. Um, so it's been a challenge, um, per se [00:55:30] for them mentally, um, accessing certain things, um, like medication per se. Um, as COVID's pretty much the predominant thing that's more important for majority of the health systems at the moment. Um, but it kind of, it's kind of cool to see that it coming to some type of normality. Hopefully, um, touch wood. Um, but yeah. It's actually, it's just so wonderful to, to have a, an event, you know, [00:56:00] like a physical event, face to face. I mean, online is nice, but actually physical events are amazing, aren't they? I think physical events, I think the warmth of somebody's body in person is more better than feeling, looking at, um, obviously a screen. Um, and it kind of just It means more when you're in person. Like, you know, you can feel somebody else's wairua, um, they can feel your wairua, and obviously it could make, it could change somebody's [00:56:30] life. Like, you know, there's heaps of things that could be, uh, that could help or assist somebody in making their day better. So, for you personally, um, what does it mean to be here today performing? Um, it means that we are here. We are queer. And we're here to stay. Um, and it's pretty much just to showcase who we are in case those of our community members that are out these ways who [00:57:00] actually live in Porirua know that there is some type of assistance in that side of the on that side of the hill, like, you know, um, but it's always good to promote pride and promote inclusion, and especially with our younger generations, as well as celebrating it with our whānau, like, you know, seeing a lot of families here, it's just, it's very heartwarming to see that we still have, um, family members that are inclusive of their kids being rainbow, um, [00:57:30] and it's massive. It's such a beautiful thing to see. And to have such a, um, kind of warm, fun event, you know, uh, I think these things, you know, the event happens, but the, the, um, residue from that event, the, the good feeling you have just carries on, doesn't it? It does. It will definitely carry on. And I feel like, um, You know, for the wider communities out there that are obviously sceptical of coming into spaces like these, obviously they would [00:58:00] never know unless they come in. Um, but I think from my perspective only, we are just normal, loving humans, the same as everybody else. So it's always good to have people come into our spaces and also educate them around what is appropriate, how do we address these sort of issues. And then we just work through them together, really. That's how we should be doing things. So, um, my name is Neo. I'm, uh, here [00:58:30] representing Inside Out Koaro, um, which is a rainbow charity that helps support rainbow young people. Um, and we have a lot of, uh, really good resources that we think could really be helpful, um, for so many different people, but especially our school related resources. Um, we also do some work, um, in the Hutt. Um, my friend and colleague, Compass, is here, who's our Wellington Schools coordinator, um, who works in the Hutt, um, along with the whole, um, to, uh, Wellington region. Can you just describe the scene in front of us? Because there are so many people here today. Yeah, [00:59:00] there's so many and it's so colourful and loud and everyone's having a great time. So there's heaps of stalls, there's some really good entertainment, there was, Te Whanau Whanau was here who are always amazing to hear and listen to. There's balloons, everyone's wearing a lei and it's very exciting and colourful. You mentioned just before, uh, resources. What kind of resources have you brought today? Yeah, um, so we have, um, most of our resources are focused on young people in schools and young rainbow people in schools. Um, we [00:59:30] have some around staff supporting, um, like rainbow diversity groups. We have some around starting and strengthening, um, diversity groups or like QSAs within schools. Um, we have some around, um, creating rainbow inclusive policies and processes in schools. Um, and just some, oh, one of our, uh, really, I think is one of our, um, really important resources is around, um, Christian schools and how they can be more rainbow friendly, um, to the young people that, uh, in those, in those schools. We're a couple of years into [01:00:00] the COVID pandemic. I wish it would end. But how has that affected what Inside Out has been able to do over the last couple of years? Yeah, so a lot of our schools coordinators really go into schools and work in person. Unfortunately, with COVID effects, that has had to stop every so often when COVID peaks and stuff. As well as that, like, sending out resources just wasn't possible when there was no one in the office. Um, but now that schools [01:00:30] are, um, you know, a little bit more open, um, we're able to go into schools, um, taking all of the, uh, precautions, of course, but yeah. It must have also offered some opportunities in terms of like, doing more online, doing webinars and Yeah, um, so we have our annual Shift Hui, which brings together, um, rainbow young people from all across the country and for one weekend, for like, training, or for, um, workshops and, um, you know, events and activities. Um, and usually that's in person. However, um, twice during the [01:01:00] pandemic, I think in 2019 and in 2022, um, they actually went online. Um, so we went digitally over Zoom and Discord, and that was really great because it meant that lots of young people who couldn't make it to the in person ones, usually, Um, for accessibility reasons or cost reasons, um, we're able to, you know, hang out, um, with, uh, people who are similar to them. Can you just describe how, or what the impact's been for young people with, with COVID 19? Maybe just, I mean, I don't know if there's been research done or anecdotal. [01:01:30] Yeah, I'm not, um, I don't have any research that's been done, but, um, I know that for a lot of young people. Um, a lot of rainbow young people, um, are being like, especially during lockdown were forced to stay with family who maybe weren't so supportive or didn't use the right name or pronouns. Um, and that's sort of, you know, um, been really unfortunate that we've seen young people have to, um, spend time with family who might not support them, um, and love them as who they are. I, I, I guess also, uh, I mean, um, things like school [01:02:00] closures, I mean, that just must be, I, I just can't imagine what that must be like. Yeah, yeah, um, definitely. I, yeah, I feel that school closures have been really hard for our young people, um, especially like QSAs within their schools. Often those are places where they can be, you know, express themselves fully, um, or a little bit more than they can. So, um, schools closing, um, around that must have been like taking away like a safe space for our rainbow young people. This year is the 50th anniversary of gay [01:02:30] liberation in New Zealand, and it's all very much about, you know, um, fighting for equality, but that fight isn't over. What are the things that still need to be done, do you think? Um, there's still a lot of stuff that needs to be done, especially in, um, healthcare is a really big problem that we see for a lot of our rainbow young people. Um, for our intersex whānau as well, um, trying to get, um, like make sure that they aren't being, um, having surgeries performed on, uh, especially infants without conformed consent is a real big problem, [01:03:00] um, as well as there's a lot of medical gatekeeping for our trans, um, young people. And trans people in general. Um, so that's definitely something that we are working towards, and there's been some really great, um, you know, advocacy for. Um, also with the Conversion Practices Bill going through, which is great, um, there's still some things that we'd really love to see improved in that bill, um, in the future. Um, as well as some other legal things, like, um, The BDMRR Act, um, doesn't really have any concessions for overseas born trans people or [01:03:30] rainbow, um, asylum seekers, so that's something that we definitely want to see changed as well. There have been some really big wins over the last couple of years, haven't there? Absolutely, yes, yes, yes. Um, we've come so far and there's still more to go, but it's totally, um, we love to see the changes that have come even in the last few years. It's going in the right direction. Yes, a hundred percent, yeah. Um, let's hope we keep going in that direction and keep forging new paths. So, um, my name is Louie. I'm from Ngāi Te Rangi. I grew up in [01:04:00] Hokitika, in the South Island. Um, and yeah, it's so nice. It's like it's such good vibes here, so colourful, and I didn't know there was so much colourful stuff in Te Awa Kai Rangi. It's really nice. This is my first time at this event, and it's just, I really love it. Oh, sorry, I'm Abby. I'm here at the vibe table, and yeah, it is a good vibe. I think it's, um, It's, it's really lovely to see so many rainbow young people [01:04:30] here with their families and just exploring the tables and hearing the music and everyone just seems so happy and yeah. That Kapa Haka group was amazing, eh? Yeah. They outshone our group. I think it's, it's, it's great. I think the real space of sort of inclusiveness and belonging is the strong vibe today. So I'm Yuvazal Kniel, married to Louis and Nathalie Hourai, which is the Jewish [01:05:00] community in Tefangonu Yatara, Temple Sinai. Um, with Abby. Abby's part of my group and we're going to run a service on Saturday. But, you know, the feeling here, like, it's really amazing to see all of the youth and the young people. It's, like, as me as a slightly older, uh, queer guy, it's like, to see them being free in this age and be able to celebrate stuff that I would never imagine for myself in this age is [01:05:30] amazing, and see them also with, like, a different, uh, Generations here, uh, coming together. It's like, yeah, everything that I want in my country to happen. It's happened in some ways, but I feel here it's, it's very free and, uh, and equal. So, yeah, it's great to see it. And you were saying you're with VIBE, Abby? Yes. Yes, VIBE is a youth one stop shop located in Lower and Upper Hutt. And basically we provide free confidential health care to [01:06:00] young people ages 10 to 25 in the hot valley and it's a really lovely place because we're very um gender affirming rainbow inclusive Um, and I think it's, it's a, it's a real safe space for rainbow young people and in the hot, which, yeah, I'm, I feel really honored and privileged to be a part of the team there. How's it going with this being the second or third year of the pandemic now? How's it, how's it going with young people? Young people are getting hit pretty [01:06:30] hard. Um, there's no way around it. I think I have young people in who. who feel more isolated because they're away from their peers. They're not in school. Um, you know, education's disrupted. Um, but at the same time, I think it's also, uh, I was mental health support for Shift TUI this year, um, which was held via Discord. And it was really lovely to see how young people connect with each other from afar. Um, and that was I mean, that was [01:07:00] just such an amazing experience because young people really are putting in the work, I guess, to create their own communities in the midst of climate crisis and pandemics and the general chaos of the world. It's really beautiful to see. And, uh, being very old, what, uh, Discord is? Ah, yes. Discord is an online server. Where people can, um, create groups and forums and things like that. Um, and just like build online [01:07:30] communities. Um, and it's generally like a pretty secure server as well. So young people like that because they're, you know, they want to know where their data's going and stuff like that. Um, but it's also really great because it's got video, no it doesn't, it doesn't have video capacity. Um, but people can share memes and form interest groups and things like that. Um, and it's just a really, yeah. Semi and old and so it is challenging for me to keep up with the technology, but young people love discord So I just got on board [01:08:00] and and and you both are part of Te Whanau Whanau. What was that like performing? At the start. Um, it was awesome. It was I think it was Yuval's first time performing with Te Whanau Whanau and our second time The Maki a year and a half ago, remember? But yeah, this is different. This is a different level. Yeah. This was really nice. And those are, because we practice every, every Monday at the um, NZPC, at the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective. And um, and it's [01:08:30] kind of a low key sort of kahaka group. Like we, I don't know. We don't, we are not, we don't do it like really hardcore like te style or anything . I think when you're saying low kids like that. That people like me who don't have the talent to remember all, everything, are able to participate. Yeah. Um, but it's high key by Kopapa, by the Kopapa and by the values that is embedded in us. Yeah. It's like the, the Kapa Haka isn't necessarily the main thing, it's [01:09:00] kind of more like the community. Yeah. Which is really nice. Yeah. They're all lovely people. And it's very like intergenerational as well. Yeah. And people like me who don't know always can go to the back so it's a safe place for us. But it's an amazing group because it really has kind of been there and supported so many events in Wellington for over 20 years. Yeah, I bet you've been recorded them like 100 times. Mainly on the floor. It's like, but this time I was standing, so the knees are giving out a wee bit. You need a [01:09:30] skateboard. Like to be in the room with, uh, Chanel, Rene, uh, uh, Diane, uh, and also all the others. I just don't want to, not to mention everyone, but. It's just an honor, like, you know, when you're going into a room and you feel, oh, I'm with people that are historic, and that in 40, 50 years, if I'm still alive, I will say, I actually know those people, like, it's like everything. [01:10:00] And like, also to be married to Louis, like, oh, Louis is a future queen, so that's cool. No pressure. So, thinking about the event today, what are, uh, give me three words which sum up for you the event. Uh, my three words, I would say, um, joyful, um, inclusive, [01:10:30] Yeah, and like, small, small community, which is nice. I feel like if, when this sort of thing happens in a bigger, in like a bigger city or something, then it feels a bit more impersonal, but it's like there's lots of familiar faces around and it's really cute. Yeah. That wasn't three words. But I don't know. Let's make some money. I enjoyed the event, which is more than three words, so I had fun. We had fun. Oh, that's three words? We had fun. Yes. Kampai. I [01:11:00] want to go and get some sushi now. Finish it. Hi, my name is Winter and I'm here with Naming New Zealand. We help trans and non binary youth through the legal procedure of changing their names and documentation. And we help fund. that, uh, that process. Has that process, um, got easier over the last couple of years? Yes, actually. It, um, it's [01:11:30] slated to get a lot easier in June, 2023 when it, when, uh, changing birth certificate, uh, gender markers will become, uh, by statutory declaration rather than going through the family court. So that will make it a lot easier. Also, it will be possible from June 2023 to have an X on the gender marker on the birth certificate rather than just N or F, which will be a lot more inclusive to non binary people. Both of those things have been a long time coming, haven't they? [01:12:00] Absolutely. It has taken a very, very long time, but we're all extremely happy that that has finally changed. So what was it like when the BDDMR bill was passed? What was the feeling like? Incredibly happy. I know personally from my own, uh, experience, I was really dreading going through the process of changing my, uh, a gender on my birth certificate, but then this came through and it was just like, oh, everything is going to [01:12:30] be so much easier for, for all of our clients. Can you describe the feeling of what it's like to be here today? It's really nice to see, uh, you know, LGBT culture and, um, you know, just have, it's really just a lovely feeling and having it all. Openly celebrated, and I guess just making it so accessible to the public. And can you describe the, uh, the amount of people, how [01:13:00] many people are here today do you think? A lot. It's pretty packed. Um, it's really nice to see how many people have turned up, especially for the performances. It's really heartwarming, eh? Absolutely. Absolutely. I really enjoy being here. So, um, this year is the 50th anniversary of gay liberation in New Zealand, but that's just one thing, you know, there's so much in terms of equality and what, and things to fight for. What are the big things that we need to change still? Societally, [01:13:30] I would like to see non binary gender identities especially becoming Less the butt of a joke, and understood that this is hardly a new thing, that non binary gender identities, uh, span across culture and time. And having, having it rec recognized that, you know, we've always been here, and we always will be, and that being trans, and gender, uh, gender diversity, [01:14:00] It's just a normal part of, uh, the human experience. Ko Charlie Duffin toko ingoa, um, and I'm a kaimahi for Kokiri Marae Hauora, where I'm the sexual and reproductive health educator and health promoter. Um, I've been, I'm part of the committee, uh, for this. event here at our Hutt Valley Pride event. Um, it started last year. My child is also part of the community, so I'm here to support that, um, and help other parents and [01:14:30] other caregivers around getting information out for our youth and stuff. Um, I have pamphlets here for caregivers. Um, to help them, I suppose, with their journey with their child that is Rainbow. Um, also I have information here for our caregivers to actually start conversations around sexual health with their, with their youth. As well as common questions from youth around sexual health. Through to, um, Brochures on where to get [01:15:00] free counselling, binder, um, information as well and binding tips, um, Takatāpui, um, booklets, um, common stories from our community, uh, and lots and lots of condoms. And free packs as well with, uh, little bits and pieces in them. Could you, could you describe the atmosphere today? Oh, just happy and joyous and just a lot of aroha. Um, yeah, it's so much fun at the moment, yes. And lots of people? Definitely, lots and lots. Hopefully [01:15:30] this will just get bigger and bigger. Um, I don't know if you knew about today, earlier on today we had the raising of the pride flag at our, um, Huxley Council. It was an amazing time. But yeah, it's just an amazing atmosphere to be at. What does it mean for you personally to be here today? Um, just, personally for me, it's just showing that everyone is the same. Everyone's the same, and no matter what their sexuality or gender, Um, everyone has the right to their own [01:16:00] lives and to be happy, and there's no harm in that, being your true self. And to have this here For our community, where we don't actually have a lot of organisations out here for our youth, have them bring some organisations out here for them to be able to, um, see faces to, get the information they need and the help that they might need to move further in their journey. It's awesome. Hopefully more and more of the organisations in the city will come out to this, um, event. Um, and that's one of my plans as well in the future. I'm Afina [01:16:30] Wana, I'm a registered nurse vaccinator with Kokiri Marae, and today we're here offering all of our immunisations from COVID, flu, MMR, HPV, right through our childhood IMS as well. Yeah. And what's the importance of actually going out into the community for vaccinations rather than having people come to you? Oh, it's just all about access, really. We know that it's not as easy for everyone to get to the medical centre or get to their GP clinics. So, we like to be Really involved in our communities. [01:17:00] Take it to them for them. You know, make it available and what works for them. It is our top priority. And how are the vaccinations going? Well, particularly like for Covid, we're two years into it now. How's that going? Oh, it's awesome. Actually, we've had a number of boosters given out today. Um, so we're really surprised actually with just the amount that we're getting. Um, there's still A few around. So, but all in all, being really, really good, [01:17:30] really, really successful. I think the vaccination. across the board for all the nation has been amazing. Yeah, big ups to all of our, um, vaccinators and our COVID centers out there. And yeah, just our health workforce in general is amazing. How has the last two years been for you? Well, we've had a COVID clinic over in Wainuiomata Marae that was really, really successful. We've had our camper vans running now for the whole of the duration of this year and just being able to go to those locations in the [01:18:00] community that we know, um, vaccination rates are quite low. Um, it's been really helpful. A lot more people are getting the education that they need really behind it. You know, yeah, it's been really, really good. Why do you think the vaccination rates were so low to begin with? I think a lot of, um, COVID fears. Um, just even around past experiences with vaccinations and just people not understanding getting all the information and education behind it. But [01:18:30] the cool thing is that we take it to them, we can have those, those difficult, um, Kōrero with our whānau, answer any questions, and then when they feel comfortable, we know they'll come back to us really, because we've given them that time, yeah. So on your stall, you've got um, a number of things, can you take me through what you've brought today? Yeah, cool, so we'll start over here with our name cards, so we're aware that a lot of our um, LGBTQA community, uh, go by different pronouns, [01:19:00] so we've just got a stack of cards here if they'd like to, um, Let us know what they prefer. Then we've got um, rat tests and masks available for everyone to take home. We have a huge supply so everyone's more than welcome to grab a few if they'd like. Then we've also got some information here about different vaccinations we're giving and our services at Kokiri Marae. Yeah. Can you describe what the um, feeling has been like here today? Oh, it's been awesome. We haven't had, like, [01:19:30] normally we take a security crew with us, but we didn't have one today. And we didn't need to, you know. It's been awesome. Everyone's been really keen to approach and vice versa. We're having a lot of good conversations. Yeah, it's awesome. It's really good. Hi, I'm Myshal Salterduke. We're at the Dowse Art Gallery in the Huts. Um, at the Living in, uh, Living in Colour Pride event for families, whanau, rainbow [01:20:00] people, LGBTQIA, um, for MVP people, for anyone who, um, just wants to come along and be part of the community. The atmosphere is really fantastic. There's a whole lot of, um, of whanau, there's young people. There's a lot of performers, um, we've got drag queens, we've got people from a whole range of different community groups, a lot of free [01:20:30] kai, um, free activities, face painting, and a lot of other, um, Sort of just fun activities for everyone. One of the stalls I saw had the pronoun cards, which I think we talked about at the Pai Kakariki Pride or vaccination event, wasn't it? Yeah, yeah, they're just for people who might have, um, a different name on their NHI record than the one they use day to day and it just makes it a little bit easier [01:21:00] to get their records looked up when accessing healthcare services. That vaccination event I think happened, was it November last year or was it the year before? Um, yeah, I think it was, it was last year in about, um, October or November. I can't remember exactly. Um, yeah, and that was a vaccination event out at Paikōkōriki for the rainbow community there because, um, Paikōkō has a sort of pretty large rainbow community for [01:21:30] such a small town and didn't already have a. vaccination, um, center. The closest one was in Para Para Umu. So thinking about that event and thinking going forward, um, how's the, how have the last couple of months or the last six months been for you? Um, things have definitely slowed down and I'm actually now no longer working for the DHB. Um, I had to, my contract finished and I had to, I didn't choose to, um, seek to get it because [01:22:00] things have just really quieted down in that space. And I think everyone, most people are sort of comfortable with the process of getting vaccinated now and of accessing healthcare. Um, so, uh, I'm, yeah, back trying to finish my PhD. So much has changed since then because I mean, then I think there was not, I mean, Omicron hadn't been talked about, there might have been a couple of cases of Delta, um, and look where we are now. Yeah, obviously there's, [01:22:30] um, a lot more COVID out in the community and, um, so it's still really important to be vigilant and wear masks and, um, you know, hand washing protocols and things like that. Um, But since there is such a wide vaccination uptake That reduces the severity if and when you do get COVID. I've managed to escape it so far. I know a lot of people have [01:23:00] had it and hopefully had fairly mild effects since vaccination rates are so high. Well, it's so nice with vaccination rates and mask use that we can actually have events like this. Yeah, yeah, absolutely. And there is in fact a vaccination van out the front, um, doing vaccination for flu boosters for covid. Um, and I think a number of other vaccinations, um, I think they're doing, um, [01:23:30] HPV, human papillomavirus, I'm not 100 percent certain. I know that was planned, but I haven't, um, checked if that's gone ahead. How would you, how would you, um, wrap up today? What would, what would be the feeling that people would be taking away, do you think? I think just a, a really good sense of inclusion and the fact that, you know, rainbow people are part of every community. Um, and the [01:24:00] rainbow community as, as a whole is, can, you know, at its best is really, really inclusive of everyone from all sorts of different, um, backgrounds and different, um, areas. And hopefully everyone really feels included and a part of something special here. I'm Compass. I work for Inside Out as their Wellington Schools Coordinator. So we work with schools all across the country around rainbow competency [01:24:30] and rainbow advocacy. Um, and in front of me I can see a wonderful bustling Pride event, uh, with some live music as well. And so many people. Yeah, so many people. It's been really awesome. I was wondering how many people would get out on a Saturday afternoon. But it's just been like non stop people coming through and talking. And yeah, it's been really awesome. Is this the first time you've been to this event? This event, yes. Yeah, yeah. And so how would you describe it if you, if I said describe it in three words, what would [01:25:00] those words be? Oh, I'd say educational. I'd say connection and I'd say fun. Lots of fun. Yeah. And we so need fun, don't we? After two years of COVID. Exactly. Yeah. I feel like As well with COVID, it can be harder for community events and community to come together. So it's always really nice when we're able to do that. Um, and celebrate each other and just meet each other as well.[01:25:30] Um, I think as well connecting people to resources and organisations that are doing like the mahi in our communities. I think it's really important as well. I think the last time we talked was at the um, vaccination event at Waikato Riki, I think. Yes, it was. Yeah, which is it's so awesome seeing as well. They're doing vaccinations here. So you can get your COVID booster. I think they're doing flu shots as well, which is really cool. And I really love that that's sort of becoming a bit like embedded in our [01:26:00] rainbow events, I guess, in some kind of way. So it's very exciting. Yeah. So why is it important for for inside out to be here today? Um, I think for, uh, Rainbow and Takatāpui Rangitahi, um, showing that we're here for them, that we're here to support them. Uh, I think as well, us acting as sort of like a intermediary between, um, Rangitahi and their schools and like those systems, I think is really valuable. I think as well, just having [01:26:30] a presence at these, these events and showing our support for the mahi that other people are doing as well is super important. Um, yeah, just being present, being here, letting people know that we're here to support them if they need it or they want it. And providing resources, um, I don't know, to give them further education and connection as well. I think you touched on it before, just that kind of connectedness, um, which I don't, I don't think you really get online, do you? I mean, um, actually there's, there's something about a physical event. Yeah, [01:27:00] totally. I think online is really great to have it, you know, it can help us maintain those connections, especially with things like COVID where, um, you know, safety comes first, but I think there is something to be said about having these in person events and getting, like feeling the whanau ngatanga in the room. Uh, I think as well, we could see it just between all of these different organizations that are here. That, uh, not only do we all have relationships with one another, but Le Van Mahie, like, supports one another, and uplifts what we're all doing. Like, [01:27:30] we're all connected in that way as well. Uh, which I think is really awesome and important. I also got distracted by Lily. Yeah. Can you just, uh, describe what, um, Lily is wearing? It's amazing. Lily is wearing head to toe pink with frills, um, with a sort of lilac wig and a It's kind of like a frilly, what are those called, like, bedrobe or robe? I don't know. And it's simply stunning. [01:28:00] She just sort of has this aura, like people move around her as she walks. So Cam, we're coming to the end of the event. What's, what's the feeling been like today? Whānau first and whānau friendly and it's just been amazing. The amount of people, especially those that we intended to be here, are here and it's just amazing. You can look around and you don't only see a rainbow in colour in the dress of the whānau that are here, but also the ethnicities, the cultures [01:28:30] and just the types of people. It's just a big melting pot, which is what we wanted. It's amazing. And the performances have been amazing. They have been definitely amazing. What I love is that they've been MVP FFAF plus Cultured it's just rich and deep and our whanau from the deep Pacific as well as Aotearoa have been Promoting the greatness that exists within our communities and it's just amazing How would you sum up the today's event? Oh [01:29:00] If I was to say one word, it would be pride. I'm proud not only to see the amount of people here, but that, uh, that our babies are clearly in and amongst and woven into the event as well. And they're enjoying themselves, which is, it's just amazing. I can't wait for next year where we're really starting to think about how we can, uh, build upon this sort of stuff, this energy that we've got going on. Um, we're, we're, like I said before, um, Hutt City is a place of firsts and this is just one of the most amazing things.
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