Pride Taranaki Chair Chris Herlihy, left, and Puke Ariki Archives Curator Glenn Martin search through the archives ahead of the launch of The Rainbow Archive Project.

In this special episode of Lemon Drops with Smokeylemon, host Anna Richardson sits down with Chris Herlihy from Pride Taranaki to talk about what Pride means in a regional community – and why connection, visibility, and safe spaces matter more than ever. Pride Taranaki is a volunteer-led group focused on building community and being a visible, supportive voice for the rainbow community in Taranaki. From regular monthly catch-ups like walking groups, bowling nights and coffee

Pride Taranaki Pride Week is back from 10–19 April 2026 — and it’s bigger, bolder, and more colourful than ever! 🌈 Across ten fabulous days, we’re bringing our community together with an exciting mix of events that celebrate our stories, creativity, identity and joy. From inspiring conversations and community gatherings to live music, performance, art, workshops and dance-floor moments you won’t forget, there truly is something for everyone.

Our Marsden Fund supported  Inclusion through Difference  research team, in partnership with Moana Vā, is excited to let you know that our national survey of rainbow parent experiences is now open. We are really keen to hear from as many LGBTQIA+ Takatāpui parents as possible about who they and their whānau are, and their experiences of navigating child-related services and organisations. Please share this with anyone who is: Part of the rainbow community Living in Aotearoa N

We wanted to know what the candidates think about the Rainbow Community in New Plymouth District. This is the email that we sent to each New Plymouth District Candidate for the election……… we should know how they think about our community We are a registered charitable trust, check out our website to learn about what we do www.pridetaranaki.co.nz We have some great volunteer trustees https://pridetaranaki.co.nz/about/ and our focus is to be a voice and to be visible in the w

This week on Lemon Drops, we sit down with Chris Herlihy—the driving force behind Taranaki Pride Week. From his background in event management with WOMAD to being on the Pride Taranaki committee, Chris has been at the heart of building a vibrant and inclusive celebration in the region. We dive into the journey from Taranaki Pride Week in 2024 to this year’s expanded lineup and explore what makes Taranaki such a special place for him. Plus, we get to know Chris on a personal

Mpox (monkeypox) Vaccine is now available at Taranaki sexual health. Due to the lack of being able to advertise we have the vaccine until recently, our vaccination rates have been low. Aotearoa New Zealand has access to vaccines that can help to prevent the transmission of Mpox, and reduces the severity of symptoms for those who do acquire it. The JYNNEOS vaccine has received provisional approval by Medsafe, meaning it meets the standards of efficacy, quality and safety for p

Pride week 2024 was filled with a wide variety of events throughout Taranaki. Pride Taranaki ran from 8–14 April for a vibrant week of connection, celebration and community.