Support for rainbow students

Learn about one-on-one support, peer-support groups, gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy, and mental health services available for rainbow students.

Meet Sterling, your Rainbow Adviser

Sterling Jones in a Rainbow and Inclusion Te Herenga Waka t-shirt

Hi! I’m Sterling (they/them), the University’s Rainbow and Inclusion Adviser. Things I can help with include:

Conversations with me are private and confidential. I have appointment slots available daily that you can book at the link below.

Book an appointment

About Me

I’m an Italian-born Kiwi and grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, but I found my home in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington when I moved here in 2019 to study. I identify as queer and non-binary, and I am part of the neurodiverse community—my attention goes to many things. I have a psychology degree from Te Herenga Waka and have previously worked in mental health and peer-support roles. In my free time, you will find me re-watching Star Trek, adventuring with my camera, or reading a good book.

Peer support groups

NDQ (Kahukura—Rainbow and Inclusion)

  • NDQ is a group for neurodiverse queer folks to connect, unwind, and find community. Come along for chats, support, and plenty of laughs with people who get it!
  • Facilitators: Aria and Nick.
  • Date and time: 10 am to 11 am, every second Monday (weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11).
  • Location: Rainbow room, SU209.

Sappho’s girlies (Kahukura—Rainbow and Inclusion)

  • Sappho’s Girlies is a group for queer women, femmes, and thems to connect, share experiences, and build community. It’s a welcoming space for laughter, growth, and solidarity. Join us for kōrero, friendship, and snacks!
  • Facilitators: Aria.
  • Date and time: 10 am to 11 am, every second Wednesday (weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11).
  • Location: Rainbow room, SU209.

TransXP (Kahukura—Rainbow and Inclusion)

  • TransXP is a group for trans and gender-diverse folks to connect, share experiences, and support each other in a welcoming space. Whether you're looking for community, kōrero, or just a place to be yourself, TransXP is here for you—no judgment, just good vibes and genuine trans joy.
  • Facilitators: Nick and Sterling
  • Date and time: 10 am to 11 am, every second Monday (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12).
  • Location: Rainbow room, SU209.

Yarn & Yarns (Kahukura—Rainbow and Inclusion)

  • Yarn & Yarns is a crochet group for queer folks to craft, chat, and hang out in a relaxed, inclusive space. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, join us for crafting, connection, and plenty of colourful kōrero—one stitch and one story at a time! Snacks, hooks and yarn provided.
  • Facilitators: Aria and Nick
  • Date and time: 10 am to 11 am, every second Wednesday (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12).
  • Location: Rainbow room, SU209.

Gender-affirming care and counselling

We are proud to offer gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy in-house at Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling. Students can also access mental health support from our rainbow counsellors. Click here to find out more on the Mauri Ora website

Four brightly dressed members of the Mauri Ora gender-affirming team
The gender-affirming team at Mauri Ora includes (left to right) Bianca Sepulveda RN (she/her), Dr Rona Carroll (she/her), and our gender-affirming counsellors Mary Allan (she/her) and Anny da Silva Freitas (they/them).