Unitec first NZ tertiary institution to introduce Gender Affirmation Policy for staff and students
Auckland, 15 February, 2018 – Unitec Institute of Technology is the first tertiary provider in New Zealand to introduce
a Gender Affirmation Policy in recognition of both staff and students who undertake a gender affirmation process while
they are working or studying at Unitec.
The policy aims to support people as they go through the social and medical processes needed to match their gender
identity, and covers such elements as staff training, education, additional leave and other forms of support.
Unitec’s Gender Affirmation Policy was drafted in response to ALLY coordinator Cathie Powell’s Masters Research, which identified the discrimination diverse-gender tertiary students can experience. The ALLY network is a group of
staff and students who work to build an inclusive environment for diverse sexualities and genders at Unitec.
Cathie says: “This policy was developed in conjunction with members of the diverse-gender community and reflects
Unitec’s commitment to working towards normalising gender diversity on campus. Whilst we acknowledge that education and
awareness raising is a powerful way to create social change, it is also important that our policies and processes
acknowledge the unique needs of this minority population.
“I hope that diverse-gender staff and students see this as recognition that they are valued and respected at Unitec.”
Sonya Collie, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Unitec adds, “The ALLY Network at Unitec is focused on advocacy on several
levels and we are always looking to improve and strengthen our commitment to building an environment that normalises
diversity of gender and sexuality. The Gender Affirmation policy is another example of this commitment.”
With the launch of its new student enrolment portal last year, Unitec introduced the option for students to identify
themselves as gender diverse.
And in 2014, Unitec was the first New Zealand tertiary provider to offer a Diverse Gender Scholarship, designed to help
develop more inclusive learning environments.
Unitec will field its largest contingent ever in this weekend’s annual Auckland Pride Parade which is themed Rainbow Warriors: Pride and Peace. More than 60 staff, students and their families will make up the Unitec walking float, accompanied by Pacific drummers
and waving rainbow flags.
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