Student Development Coordinator Sam Duffy, Auckland Rainbow Student Rep Kate Duin, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor Connor McLeod, Distance Rainbow Student Rep Carlee Gregory and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Student Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly.
As well as the Supreme and Impact Awards, the university also received a Highly Commended in the Pride Pledge Non-Commercial Sector Award category.
Held last night in Auckland, the New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards are the only rainbow-focused awards programme in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Awards celebrate workplace leadership, innovation, best practice and collaboration by organisations committed to rainbow diversity and inclusion.
Diversity and Inclusion Advisor Connor McLeod says he’s incredibly proud of the university’s achievements.
“Witnessing hundreds of rainbow people come together and observing the design and delivery of services specifically for them has shifted how Massey is perceived among our rainbow and takatāpui students and staff.”
The Partners Life Supreme Award honours organisations that implement comprehensive programs, policies, and practices—both top-down and bottom-up—that create measurable impacts in rainbow inclusion. This award recognised Massey University as setting new standards for others to follow and actively sharing their insights to lead other organisations.
The Simpson Grierson Impact Award (Program, Policy, Practice) recognises an organisation or initiative that has tackled a particular issue or opportunity and can demonstrate measurable improvement in rainbow inclusion and wellbeing on a sustained basis.
The university’s recognition reflects its strategic, multi-year commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of our rainbow and takatāpui communities. A key highlight of this initiative was the launch of Rainbow Orientation in 2023, which featured a diverse array of activities including lunches, karaoke nights, board and video game tournaments, arts and crafts, jewellery making, flag crafting and piercing. The event brought together around 600 students from all three campuses.
The university has made significant strides through the design and delivery of Kāhui Irarau, the implementation of rainbow wellbeing services and the introduction of paid Rainbow Massey Guides. The establishment of a dedicated rainbow room on each physical campus was also recognised.
Mr McLeod says the awards are a testament to the collective effort and passion of Massey kaimahi and ākonga over many years.
“I am so proud of the various kaupapa that have brought us to the 2024 awards. I look forward to continuing our mahi together to whakamana (empower) our rainbow and takatāpui communities.”
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