There is a growing rainbow community in Central Otago, and safe spaces for young people are becoming increasingly available across the region.

In Alexandra, there are two groups for rainbow youths: Puna Rangatahi, after school; and a lunchtime group at Dunstan High School. 

The groups provide a safe space at school and in the community for members of the LQBTQIA+ community as well as allies.

The groups have the opportunity to meet up with other rainbow groups from different regions. 

Facilitator Marley Ferguson said rangatahi from Alexandra will “join with Whakatipu to have a mocktail evening during Winter Pride in Queenstown.” 

The Winter Pride festival will be held August 25 to September 3 for 2023.

Between 12-15 students are involved at the Dunstan-based group and about 10 of them attend the after school group. 

Puna Rangatahi also has good connections to rainbow youth charity InsideOUT, as well as people coming into schools, resources, and health nurses.

Word of mouth is the biggest way information gets around to help “keep confidentiality” around people’s identity, Marley said. 

These youth services are set to expand with Cromwell where the rainbow community is in the process of setting up their own group.  

To find out more or get involved, get in contact with Marley on [email protected]