2024, Taranaki Pride Week 2024

2024, Taranaki Pride Week 2024 Review

Report on Activities for 2024

Kia ora and welcome to all our Rainbow Community and our Allies

This is a special time for our community and we’re heartened by the conversations we have had this year with many organisations in our community and by the support we have been shown and the turnout we have here tonight.

2023 was a formative year for Pride Taranaki, and in 2024 we have been able to build on that energy and involvement……so we’d like to let you know what we have achieved this year.

Firstly I’d like to acknowledge our Trustees, Lance who is a founding Trustee, Lisa and Fiona who joined with me three years ago and Peter Mandy and Emma who stepped in last year and who all bring skills and energy to our group. Sadly Peter & Emma have resigned to focus on their lives and to travel…. We are actively looking for new members of our community to join our Trustees.

In 2024 we have been able to continue regular monthly events, our Walking Group, Coffee meetings and Friday night Social drinks. There is a real energy and these are forming a foundation for our community to build and grow.  So far we have hosted 30 Social Events with a further three planned in December. We would like to thank Snug lounge, The Good Home, The Fitz and Shining Peak for their support over the past 12 months in hosting our Social events and for their warm hospitality. Thank you also to Rainbow Youth who support Pride Taranaki in many ways and by allowing us to meet here in a safe environment, free of charge.

The big achievement for 2024 was the Launch and hosting of TARANAKI PRIDE WEEK

Pride Taranaki separately reported to the organisations that supported us during Pride Week, here is what we said:

Taranaki Pride Week Events Report 8-14 April 2024

Introduction: Taranaki Pride Week, held from 8th to 14th April 2024, was a resounding success, showcasing a diverse range of events across Taranaki. The week was a culmination of collaborative efforts between Pride Taranaki and various local organizations, fostering a sense of community, visibility, and advocacy.

Objectives Achieved: The week aimed at achieving several objectives, notably connecting the community, being a visible presence, and acting as a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. These objectives were successfully met, with each event contributing positively to the overarching goals.

Community Engagement: The readiness and enthusiasm displayed by partnering organizations were commendable. Their support not only ensured the success of individual events but also facilitated the building of strong community relationships. Notable supporters included The Good Home, Taranaki Cathedral, Rainbow Youth, and many others.

Support from NPDC and MP: Significant support was received from the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), with the Mayor speaking at the launch and the council providing logistical assistance such as erecting rainbow flags. Additionally, Glen Bennett MP played a crucial role in endorsing and participating in various events throughout the week.

Media Coverage: Media support was instrumental in amplifying the message of Taranaki Pride Week. Coverage from Taranaki Daily News, Stratford Press, NZ Herald, and radio interviews with stations like More FM and RNZ National helped reach a broader audience, spreading positivity and awareness.

Events Overview: A total of 17 events and 2 activities were organized throughout the week, attracting over 1000 participants. Events ranged from informative discussions and workshops to social gatherings and community activities, offering something for everyone to participate in and enjoy.

Financial Overview: The financial outcome of Taranaki Pride Week was positive, with a surplus of $1251.70. Income sources included donations, event fees, and support from partnering organizations. Expenses of $1113.30 primarily covered event logistics, ensuring smooth operations and memorable experiences for attendees.

Conclusion: Taranaki Pride Week 2024 exemplified the spirit of unity, acceptance, and celebration within the Taranaki community. Through collaborative efforts, meaningful events, and widespread support, the week succeeded in fostering inclusivity and pride. Looking ahead, the momentum generated by this year's events sets a strong foundation for future endeavors in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy in Taranaki.

This report encapsulates the vibrant and impactful journey of Taranaki Pride Week, showcasing its achievements, community engagement, and the collective effort that made it a memorable success.

Events Hosted

We propose to host another Pride Week in 2025 – watch this space….

New Plymouth District Council

We would like to acknowledge the New Plymouth District Council Community Funding which allows us to maintain our website and to keep it updated as well as supporting our monthly newsletters.  Thanks to Smokey Lemon who actually do the work….. We’d also like to thank NPDC for supporting Pride Week and for those fabulous Rainbow Flags that let everyone know we’re here…. Thanks also to Mayor Neil Holdam for launching our Pride Week and for leading the way to participate in our community.

Boatshed Lawn renaming project

We are pleased to announce that through the LTP process at NPDC that Pride Taranaki has been able to start a submit so that a new name can be selected for the “Boathouse Lawn” which will more accurately reflect the importance of the Aids Memorial and Memorial Tree that recognises the very first death in NZ in April 1984 from HIV Aids. This process has began and we are seeking suggestions from our community, check our website www.pridetaranaki.co.nz to make your suggestion…..

Having a visible presence in our community is a way to acknowledge our members and be a beacon for our youth.

Puke Ariki Archive Partnership with Pride Taranaki

Pride Taranaki has been meeting with Puke Ariki over the past year in order to establish a Rainbow Archive in Taranaki that will capture the glorious and colourful rainbow history that exists here. This will be a project that will require funding and this is a challenge that we will face. This will be a long term project for a minimum of three years in which we will look to:

·       Lodge items of interest into the collection

·       Accurately tag existing items in the collection

·       Capture oral histories from our community

·       Recognise the inspirational people from our community

·       Become a nationally significant resource for the rainbow community

General Activities

We also regularly as part of the Taranaki Rainbow Action Committee TRAC in an effort to support our community year round. There is a need to remain strong and maintain a voice and be visible in our community. The ethos of Pride Taranaki is to “Connect Our Community.” By this we mean to build strong relationships and to be a resource for our community. To do this we have established a website which connect those seeking support and assistance. We don’t need to “reinvent” the wheel, just to let all members of our community know what is available to support where we can. We publish a monthly newsletter and ask that you visit our website and subscribe.

Our primary source of communication is our Facebook page currently has 1897 followers (200 up on last year), we have room for more… so like and follow us and share our posts…

We have mahi ahead of us and in 2025 we are looking to making our voice being heard… and to being visible. We welcome ideas and input from you all. Some of the projects we’d like to aspire to include:

·       Expanding our social groups

·       Building support through Clinical Support

·       Improving Health Service available locally

·       Develop archives at Puke Ariki and collect oral histories

·       Continue to develop our website to become a useful resource

Thank you for your ongoing support.

We’re Queer and we’re here…