EIT rainbow students celebrating diversity

• Published date: 22 June 2022

EIT has raised the Progressive Pride flag on the Hawke’s Bay Campus flagpole to show its support

Connie Houkamau (Ngāti Kahungunu), 25, who is studying Te Pokaitahi Reo Māori (Kaupae rua) through EIT’s Te Ūranga Waka and has aspirations to do the degree in the future, says she believes it is important for students, especially the younger ones, to have a peer support group for them to connect with.

“Growing up I never really had the difficulties that many do have so coming out wasn’t really a worry for me. My family just knew.

“I got involved with the peer support group by attending one of the lunches. I find it’s quite important for the younger generation to have that safe space where they can comfortably be themselves.”

Connie says she would like to be a role model for people to talk to if they need any advice. She has ambitions to study politics in the future with the aim of becoming a politician, and says Rainbow Pride Month is very important.

“It’s just a time for everyone to be seen and feel accepted. We put so much pressure on ourselves to try and meet a mark or even to hide in fear of being judged.

“I think Rainbow Pride Month should be every month, but just having June to say: ‘I’m here. You can see me,’ is important. June is an important month for me because not only is it Rainbow Pride Month, but also Matariki.”

Another member of EIT’s Rainbow Diversity...