(Est 2001)
Since the late 1980s, Māori with diverse sexes, genders and sexualities have increasingly adopted the identity of ‘takatāpui’ – a traditional Māori term which connects us to our ancestors and spirituality. As indigenous people on colonised land, takatāpui reclaim our histories to foster pride in who we are, where we come from, what we need and what we have to say.
Tīwhanawhana Trust was established for takatāpui to live our culture in a way that upholds our diversity; address racism and discrimination in LGBTIQ communities; and combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in Māori society.
Tīwhanawhana promotes the health and well-being of takatāpui as we seek to “tell our stories, build our communities and leave a legacy.” Understanding the connectedness of all things, Tīwhanawhana is involved in local and national projects including primary health care, mental health, sexual health, suicide prevention, human rights, education, youth development, housing, homelessness, research; and sexual, intimate partner and other violence.
Tīwhanawhana is spearheading an intersectional and intergenerational National Rainbow Strategy to coordinate effort across our diverse cultures, sexes, genders, and sexualities.
Through our work, we aim to guide a national movement that honours our ancestors, respects our elders, works closely with our peers and looks after our young people.
Vision
Tiwhanawhana ai he kahukura i te rangi – A Rainbow is Forming in the Sky which speaks to both inclusiveness and leadership.
Mission
Takatāpui to ‘tell our stories, build our communities and leave a legacy’.