Meet our Rainbow Support Worker, Michael

His role as the Kaimahi Taumatua mō te Hunga Āniwaniwa | Rainbow Support Worker is to advocate for the diverse student rainbow communities on campus.

The Rainbow Support Worker takes a holistic, personalised approach to student wellbeing for our rainbow community, offering 1:1 and group opportunities to discuss issues that might impact student success. This includes offering wellbeing support, the provision of rainbow education and training resources, and addressing structural issues within our tertiary environment. The role also seeks to cultivate a rainbow community and enhanced sense of belonging for students.

Michael's biography

Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko wai au?
Ko Hauraki te moana
Ko Ngāti Paoa rāua ko Ngāti Maru aku iwi
I tipu ake au ki Tāmaki Makaurau
Kei Waipapa Taumata Rau e mahi ana ahau, he Kaimahi Taumatua mō te Hunga Āniwaniwa
Ko Michael taku ingoa

Michael (he/they/ia) is a local in the Waipapa Taumata Rau community. Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, he completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Science, entering into the world of peer support and community development.

Michael has come into the Rainbow Support Worker role as of August 2022, here to support our rainbow students. Alongside offering pastoral support, he exists as a connector across the University and contributes to a better student experience.

You can contact Michael directly, via the form linked at the top or the page or by emailing studentrainbownetwork@auckland.ac.nz