Otago Polytechnic is proud to have achieved Rainbow Tick re-accreditation again, recognising that we provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for people of diverse sexual and gender identities.

This week, Stuart Terry from Proud@OP presented the Rainbow Tick Certificate to Jase Tibble at Kaunihera Whakahaere | Leadership Council. Stuart commented on the progress OP has made and highlighted the positive satisfaction results from LGBTiQ+ ākonga who made up 12% of all respondents in the 2022 Student Opinion Survey. The survey also identified that mental health, difficulty with workload, and study-life balance, were the main reasons that LGBTiQ+ ākonga had considering leaving in 2022.

For the last week of Dunedin Pride Month (27-31 March) we will be celebrating our Rainbow Tick certification, with the Hub decorated in Rainbow colours, Rainbow cupcakes for sale at our cafes, and meet-ups for kaimahi and ākonga happening during the week.

The Re-accreditation Report from Rainbow Tick stated:

Congratulations on being certified with the Rainbow Tick. As the first ITP (Institute of Technology and Polytechnics) to have been awarded the Rainbow Tick and one of the first organisations in the South Island to gain the certification, OP has committed much to an inclusive and equitable campus culture. This excellent mahi has continued over the past year, as evidenced by the self-evaluation submission and the perspectives shared by employees. Your commitment to rainbow inclusion allows for greater understanding, empathy, and celebration of the differences that make us all unique. Ultimately, a rainbow-friendly campus culture contributes to creating a more positive and enriching educational experience for all members of the campus community.

The Report acknowledged OP for celebrating Rainbow Pride Week at OP for kaimahi and ākonga (July 2022), providing rainbow-specific training, education and resources, as well as promoting transgender and non-binary inclusion. In 2023, this mahi will be continued through raising awareness and use of pronouns and preferred names, sharing people’s stories and rainbow experiences, integrating rainbow awareness and issues into teaching programmes, and seeking to ensure that rainbow ākonga have readily available and accessible rainbow-specific support. OP will continue to work with leaders and kaimahi across Te Pūkenga to support rainbow inclusion.

Read the full Rainbow Tick Re-accreditation Report 2022 

Read about the Gender Transitioning Guidelines for kaimahi and ākonga

Visit the Working Under the Rainbow Community Page

Gain awareness of the range of rainbow identities and how to support LGBTiQ+ inclusion through the online Rainbow (LGBTTQIA+) Training modules


Published on 23 Mar 2023

Orderdate: 23 Mar 2023
Expiry: 23 Mar 2025