Rainbow Youth’s Board has had a makeover, with six new members, a fresh leadership team and its first ever Straight Ally. Duncan Matthews has replaced John Kingi as Chair, while Daniel Chorley is Vice Chair, Samantha Vickery is Treasurer and Hannah Spyksma is Secretary. Kingi has stepped down, as have former Vice Chair Jess Williams, Treasurer Katija Vlatkovich and Secretary Andrew Grear. Kira Smith has been elected Transgender Rep and Morgan Cooke is Maori Rep, while Laura McGillivray has become the first Straight Ally to sit on the board. The other Board members are Aych McArdle, Benny Chan and Craig Hoyle. Matthews says he is thrilled to be leading Rainbow Youth at such a time of growth for the organisation. “The launch of WTF has received international attention in building awareness and is well on its way to providing sustainable funding going forward,” he says. “Our education program is really taking off, with our message reaching more Auckland schools than ever before.” Rainbow Youth executive director Thomas Hamilton was pleased with the turnout at the AGM and is looking forward to building on the organisation’s success. “It’s fabulous to see so many members actively involved in shaping this organisation’s future. “I’m really excited about the achievements of our members, volunteers and staff at the moment and look forward to welcoming in the new board and kicking off what can only be a year that continues to help strengthen our place as a key stakeholder in Auckland and New Zealand’s youth sector.” Rainbow Youth’s Board will hold meetings this month to strategise on the direction it will take over the next 12 months.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 5th July 2012 - 1:48pm