An LGBTQ+ and rainbow flag was raised at the Gisborne District Council headquarters for the first time, kicking off a month of Pride celebrations around the country.
Green Party MP and local resident Dr Elizabeth Kerekere was proud to be at the event: “As we are the first city to see the sun, as is it that we open Pride for our country, I’m very proud to be here myself.”
Three rainbow groups operate in Te Tairāwhiti, one for those in school, one for older rangatahi and one that focuses on actions that uplift the mana of those in the community.
“If people want to help, part of it is finding out what’s going on, if you’ve got young people or children that you want advice for, link into one of these groups,” Kerekere says.