CARN Co-chairs Jen Wilde and Bridget Murdoch lead a group of approximately 40 Rainbow public servants, allies, friends, and whānau. The group danced their way through Wellington celebrating joint experiences and the freedom to be who we are.

We were honoured to have several senior public servants join us, including Peter Mersi and Gaye Searancke who attended in their capacity as allies and Co-chairs of Papa Pounamu which sets the diversity and inclusion work programme for the wider Public Service. Having this visible ally ship from the top means we know that as Rainbow public servants, we are supported. We were also joined by Solicitor General Una Jagose, one of the Rainbow Chief Executives. 

Jaimee Matthews - Te Tari Taake, Inland Revenue commented on how fun and lively it was - “the atmosphere was amazing – as we turned from Cambridge Terrace onto Courtenay Place the crowds gave a cheer. The sense of community all joining together as whānau to celebrate was wonderful”.

Phoebe Lockett - Te Kawa Mataaho The Public Service Comission who marched for the first time said "The public support was incredible. I loved seeing people cheering from their balconies with flags joining in on the festivities. I felt so much hope and solidarity. The opportunity to march alongside CARN as a Rainbow public servant demonstrated a celebration of and commitment to a diverse, inclusve and proud public service. I'd like to thank the CARN organisers who were able to pull this off at such short notice". 

Una Jagose, Peter Mersi, and Gaye Searancke celebrating. Una is holding a rainbow pride flag.