Rainbow (LGBTQIA+) students: services and resources
At AUT, our gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and intersex (LGBTQIA+) communities are known as the rainbow community. We offer services and resources for students who identify with diverse sexual orientations, sex and gender identities.
Legal rights of rainbow people in NZ
In New Zealand, rainbow people have legal rights to live freely as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning. The Human Rights Act 1993 outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender. The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill 2013 enables adult couples of any gender to marry, including same-sex and different sex couples.
Services and facilities
Rainbow orientation lunches
Find out when the next orientation lunch is by visiting the Rainbow Room at WB119 or follow our Instagram page @rainbow_aut
Transgender name change process
If you are a transgender student and need to change your name, download the name change process document below.
Download name change process
All gender bathrooms
All AUT campuses have all gender bathrooms.
Download list of all gender bathroom locations
Support people and contacts
There are a range of people and services you can contact for help and support at AUT.
Rainbow Support team
We have a dedicated Rainbow Support team to support you at AUT. Our role is to:
- Support AUT's Rainbow students by offering information, counselling, and referrals to other services
- Enable social inclusion through the Out@AUT network
- Promote Out@AUT during orientation, club days, and diversity week
- Provide opportunities for Rainbow students to participate in events like the Pride Festival, Pink Shirt Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
- Help staff and students understand the needs of Rainbow students by offering training opportunities. For inquiries about training sessions, email the Rainbow Support team
- Work collaboratively with rainbow community providers for the benefit of AUT students
You can book an appointment with our Rainbow student advisor if you need help with study and personal needs, or want to be connected with other campus services. Email the Rainbow Support team to book.
Student Hub advisor team profiles
Student counselling and mental health support
Counselling is the process of privately talking through anything that concerns you. A counsellor will listen to you sensitively, without judgement, and will try and see things from your point of view. The Rainbow Support Team can help you find a counsellor to suit your needs.
Counselling and mental health support at AUT
If you’re worried about your safety or the safety of someone else and you need urgent help, call:
- 111 for emergency services
- 0800 800 717 for Crisis Team (if you or someone you know is at risk of self-harm or needs urgent mental health support)
- +64 9 522 2999 or 0800 543 354 (outside Auckland) for LifeLine
- 0800 688 5463 for Outline (24 hour Rainbow counselling service)
Harassment prevention: who to contact
Bullying and harassment aren't acceptable at AUT. If you feel harassed, don't keep it to yourself - there are people and services here to support you:
- Rainbow Support Team
- Student advisors at the Student Hub
- Report an incident of sexual harm, harassment, or bullying
- More info on bullying and harassment for students
Support for Māori students
Māori students can get in touch with a dedicated team to use a range of services.
Safe sex and sexual health
If you’re sexually active, it’s important that you protect your health and that of your partner/s from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
For any questions contact:
Free condoms
You can pick up free condoms from:
- Rainbow Room - Level 1, WB building
- AUTSA office - Level 2, WC building
- Student Counselling and Mental Health - Level 2, WB building
Rainbow (LGBTQIA+) resources
You can access a number of resources for the rainbow community.
Express magazine
Express magazine has been New Zealand's leading LGBT+ media since 1992. Check out their website for details about their print and online magazine and social media presence.
Rainbow Auckland (formerly GABA)
Rainbow Auckland welcomes students and offers members networking and social events. Students have free membership. Rainbow Auckland also works for the community by raising funds which are then distributed as grants, AUT scholarships, and awards.
Other LGBTQIA+ websites
- Rainbow Youth website - Auckland-based organisation for rainbow people up to 27-years-old
- OUTLine website - Free phone and email counselling for rainbow people
- GayNZ.com website - Rainbow news and events website
- New Zealand AIDs Foundation website - Info on safe sex and HIV/AIDs
- Village Collective website - South Auckland-based organisation for Rainbow Pacific People
- Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust - further information on our Rainbow scholarships
Contact us or make a booking
Email us to book an appointment with our Rainbow Student advisor.
Rainbow Support team
Email: rainbow@aut.ac.nz
Follow us on Instagram
Instagram: @rainbow_aut
Out@AUT student network: events and updates
Out@AUT is an an active, social student club that meets weekly, providing a friendly and accepting environment to all members. Check their Facebook group for upcoming events and updates.
TalkCampus app: peer support 24/7
Download the app and join a global peer support network available 24/7. TalkCampus is a safe space where you can connect with students all over the world, in over 26 different languages, for mental health support and connection.