Wellington City Council today adopted its groundbreaking Rainbow Action Plan, a historic first for a council in New Zealand or any central government agency.

“Wellington has always been a home for rainbow activism and resilience,” says queer and non-binary City Councillor Teri O’Neill, Chair of the Council’s Kōrau Mātinitini Social, Cultural and Economic Committee which adopted the plan.

Cr O’Neill co-sponsored the plan with fellow Councillor Iona Pannett.

“As the first council in New Zealand to pass a comprehensive Rainbow Action Plan, we are proud to lead the way in ensuring all Wellingtonians have a city where they feel safe, respected, and seen,” Cr O’Neill says.

“Our Rainbow community don’t need lectures — they need laws and policies that protect their lives, dignity, and mana. This plan ensures our rainbow whānau are seen, safe, and valued.”

Cr Pannett says the comprehensive approach aims to ensure every aspect of the city’s operations, from public spaces to internal Council practices, champions and celebrates rainbow identities. All actions have already been developed within existing work programmes so no extra funding will be required.

The Council worked closely with the Council’s Takatapuhi Rainbow Advisory Council (TRAC) on the plan. Co-chairs Sam Low and Rākau Buchannan said on behalf of the group: "We are pleased the Council has developed a tangible plan to support the Takatāpui and Rainbow communities in this city.

“It gives a sound foundation in addressing inequities some of us face and allows to whakamana our community in order to live and thrive in Pōneke."

Census 2023 data shows that 11.3 per cent of adults aged 15 and over in Wellington City identify as rainbow/LGBTQIA+ - more than double the national average of 4.9 per cent. Some 25% of young people (15-29) also identify as LGBTQI+. This significant and growing population, which is concentrated in the central city, contributes to the capital’s unique culture and economy.

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