TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND 2024
OUR VALUES
Turangawaewae
A sense of place and belonging
Mana motuhake
Self-determination
Hauora
Enhancing wellness
Manaakitanga
Supported approach
The Pacific Rainbow Games Trust is a non-profit charitable trust. The Trust will foster a community that encourages participation, understanding and acceptance of people of diverse sexualities and gender identities. Established to oversee the delivery and legacy outcomes of the 2024 games held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. At the completion of the 2024 Games, the Trust will continue to govern while working with Rainbow communities to provide policy and direction to the management of a potential long-term home-grown event.
Our mission is to create inclusive and empowering sports and recreation events that foster active participation, promote Turangawaewae, Manamotuhake, Hauora and Manaakitanga and to celebrate the diverse rainbow communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific.
Our vision is to create a future where rainbow communities are empowered and fully included in sports and recreation. By participating in the Rainbow Games events, we envision a society that embraces and supports the diverse identities and expressions of our communities, where all individuals feel safe, accepted, and valued. We strive to build vibrant and inclusive events that promotes diversity, equity, and wellbeing, and contributes to a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive future.
A sense of place and belonging
Self-determination
Enhancing wellness
Supported approach
Honey is one of New Zealand’s most talented cross-code female athletes, representing her nation in Rugby Union, Rugby League and Rugby 7s, over the course of 18 years. She was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the game in 2020. Since retiring in 2020, she continues to advocate for sport through various ambassador roles, while working as a Disability Sport Advisor for the Halberg foundation and commentating for Sky Sport. Family is very important to Honey. Alongside her wife, they have three teenage sons and one granddaughter.
Campbell made history when he became the first All Black to publicly come out as gay. His career includes representing the All Black in three Tests in 2005 and winning 3 super titles with The Crusaders. In 2008, he took his skills overseas and played in France, Wales, Russia and Romania, before returning home. Campbell is passionate about helping others in sport to achieve their goals, with the underlying message that your goals are not determined by your sexuality, race or religion.
Kate was 17 she first came out as transgender and has been navigating her way in the sporting world ever since. In 2018, she became the Aotearoa Downhill Mountain Biking national champion after years of racing in the men’s field while undergoing a medical transition without public knowledge. The subsequent media attention empowered Kate to focus on being open and honest about her identity with the aim towards creating a sporting world that is more inclusive, diverse and not limited to one kind of person.
Hugo was the Leader of LGBTQI+ group at Westlake Boys Highschool and initiated the school’s attendance to the Lil’ Gay Out 2022, where Hugo took the courageous step to publicly come out. He has been a member of New Zealand’s national Under-19 badminton squad since 2020, finishing runner up in the 2022 Junior National Championships and ranked in the Top 10 for singles and doubles. This year, he started studying Biomedical Science at UOA and is excited to spread awareness for these all-important Games.
Jaiyah Tauasuesimeamativa Saelua is a footballer who plays as a center back for the American Samoa national team. Saelua is a fa’afafine, a third gender present in Polynesian society, and is the first openly non-binary and trans woman to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. She has competed in the Pacific Games, FIFA World Cup qualifiers and is a FIFA ambassador for equality and LGBTQI+ athletes.
Teresa has worked for over 20 years in both the government and NGO sectors on policies, procedures and regional/national projects. She has extensive experience working in governance, providing secretariat services to trust boards and community committees. Teresa sits on the Board of the Charlotte (Lesbian) Museum and is a panel member of the Auckland Council Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel. Teresa has completed a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies and Master in Public Management from Victoria University.She is currently undertaking a Master in Counselling at University of Auckland. She and her wife volunteer on the Dominion Road School Parents Group and foster children through Key Assets and puppies through Auckland Puppy Rescue. In there somewhere she looks after her two children.
Co-Chair and Programme Director: Teresa has worked for over 20 years in both the government and NGO sectors on regional and national projects.
She has extensive experience working in governance, providing secretariat services to trust boards and community committees. Teresa sits on the Board of the Charlotte (Lesbian) Museum and is a panel member of the Auckland Council Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel. Teresa has completed a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies and Master in Public Management from Victoria University. She and her wife volunteer on the Dominion Road School Parents Group and foster children through Key Assets and puppies through Auckland Puppy Rescue.
Co-Chair: Brad has fifteen year’s experience working in the public sector, the last ten years in advisory and management roles.
Communication and relationship management is a key focus for Brad who champions engagement and promoting opportunities for individuals inthe community. For the past three years, Brad has led the NZ Falcons Rugby Club (gay and inclusive rugby) building a strong platform for individuals to participate in rugby. The NZ Falcons has grown it’s brand with a strong kaupapa that is recognised in the community as inclusive and inviting. Brad also co-hosts a Podcast (Out The Gayte) that targets issues and korero for the Rainbow community. The Podcast is a platform to celebrate all that is rainbow with a light hearted approach.
Tux is the Board secretary and has been a trustee since it’s inception. He is takatāpui with strong interpersonal skills and experience in navigating diverse needs and working collaboratively. Tux captures and celebrates Auckland's rainbow community through photography and by contributing to LGBTQ publication Express for the past decade.
Tux has a key role as Kaitohu Ao Māori of the board and leads relationships with Mana Whenua.
Sam has a background in corporate litigation and worked as a solicitor for fifteen years before commencing work as a senior transport advisor in 2022. He has extensive experience working in strategy governance, having been a member of various committees over the years, including the Falcons rugby team and was a founding committee member of Auckland Rainbow Law.
Richard is a registered veterinary nurse and a panelist with Vet partners Diversity and Inclusion Council. Richard has a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing and Certificate in Science and Technology. Since 2020 Richard has been the Regional membership representative for the Pacific region with the Federation of Gay Games, working with organisations who want to join the federation. Richard plays rugby for the New Zealand Falcons and is on the committee. Moving recently to Hamilton to undertake further nursing studies, Richard has become a board member of the Waikato Rainbow Hub.
With over ten years in the advertising and marketing industry, Angus brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Based in vibrant Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, which he considers a true safe space to be authentic and true to oneself, he embraces individuality and celebrates freedom of expression, which will support the mission of the Rainbow Games. With a passion for fashion, makeup, and food, Angus adds a vibrant and creative perspective to his work. His keen eye for aesthetics and deep understanding of marketing strategies have proven instrumental in the success of numerous campaigns for renowned brands.. With his genuine connection to the community and marketing acumen, Angus is excited to enhance the overall experience of the event.
Leilana is currently employed at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as an Event Development Manager. She has fifteen years’ experience in the event industry where she has demonstrated dedication and expertise as an Event Director for several major festivals, including the Auckland Diwali Festival, Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival, Pasifika Festival, and most recently, ElementalAKL. She has an in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved inorganising major events. From the demanding tasks of ensuring security and safety to overseeing production, design, and programming, Leilana has hands-on experience in nearly every facet of the event industry.
A unique aspect of Leilana's background is her strong connections to the Pacific Islands. Growing up in Samoa and later moving to New Zealand has enriched her with experiences and perspectives that enhanceher ability to bring diverse insights to any team or project she's a part of.
Leilana is also a fervent advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Her commitment to this community is evident through her active role in events like the Proud Centres and as the Event Producer for Queen of the South pageants. This involvement underscores her versatility and her dedication to inclusivity
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