From left to right: Cherie Te Rore (lecturer with Leisa Apanui – Biddle, Diana Matere, Averline Maxwell, Barry Hovell, Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, Renata Wawatai, Carol Watson, Kylee Grant and, Caroline Koia. Also present was Fepaki Koka.

Students of the Health and Wellbeing programme (Advanced Support, Level 4). were inspired by a workshop with leading Rainbow rights campaigner Dr Elizabeth Kerekere.

As part of their studies in cultural diversity and collaboration, students were able to hear first-hand about Dr Kerekere’s work in providing leadership for the health and wellbeing of takatāpui and youth throughout the motu (nation).

Her work involves giving speeches, running workshops and training, conducting research, making resources available and mentoring youth leaders.

She spoke to students about the impact of colonisation which suppressed takatāpui identity, and the resultant issues that still impact on takatāpui health and well-being today.

Dr Kerekere also talked about the ways in which takatāpui identity is strengthened, in building resilience and connection.

In 2017Dr Kerekere completed her PhD thesis entitled ‘Part of The Whānau: The Emergence of Takatāpui Identity – He Whāriki Takatāpui’.

Of Ngāti Oneone, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Whānau a Kai, Rongowhakaata and Ngāi Tāmanuhiri descent, Dr Kerekere is an artist, a scholar, and an activist within the LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and more) community. She travels extensively throughout Aotearoa and the world, advocating for takatāpui and Rainbow rights.

Dr Kerekere told students she had more than 25 flights and over 50 speaking engagements booked from now until the end of May this year.

“We were deeply honoured to be the first group in Gisborne to have the benefit of hearing about her life’s work and passion, since she moved home nine years ago,” said health and wellbeing lecturer Cherie Te Rore.

As well as being a scholar, Dr Kerekere is a specialist in strategic planning, policy development and project management and an artist, having her work exhibited internationally.

She is founder and chair of Tīwhanawhana Trust – supporting takatāpui well-being – and sits on the boards of LAGANZ (Rainbow and Lesbian Archives of New Zealand) and the Human Rights Commission.  Among her many community interests, she has been part of the ‘It’s Not OK’ Campaign”.