Auckland DHB has achieved Rainbow Tick accreditation for inclusivity and diversity, making it the first District Health Board in New Zealand to reach this milestone.

Last December, Auckland DHB also became the first DHB to receive the Accessibility Tick for their efforts to make the work place more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

Auckland DHB Chief Executive Ailsa Claire says the two ‘tick’ programmes are the right thing to do for staff, patients and whānau.

“We serve a diverse community and we want Auckland DHB to be inclusive for our patients, whānau and employees. We want our hospitals and clinics to be a place where everyone is accepted for who they are and where our people are supported to do their life’s best work.

“It doesn’t mean we have everything right. It does mean we are committed to continuing to make this a great place to work. And we know that an engaged community of staff who are inclusive and accepting reflects in the wellbeing of our patients.”

The achievement of the Rainbow Tick is particularly meaningful because the New Zealand Rainbow Tick certification programme (operated by Kāhui Tū Kahi) has its origins in a contract with Auckland DHB.

In 2013 the DHB commissioned Kāhui Tū Kaha to prepare a report on the public health needs of LGBTTI communities. The report highlighted the link between well-being and an inclusive environment, free of discrimination. The concept of Rainbow Tick grew out of this report, as a way of encouraging inclusive workplaces throughout New Zealand.

Chief Executive of Kāhui Tū Kahi, Barbara Browne says, “It is especially poignant to be back at Auckland DHB and to be recognising them as the first DHB to achieve the Rainbow Tick.

“The Rainbow Tick had its beginnings in the initial support and openness shown by Auckland DHB.”

Ailsa Claire says: “I am incredibly proud that Auckland DHB is the first District Health Board to achieve the Rainbow Tick. I want to thank Kāhui Tū Kahi for all they have done to support and challenge us over the years.

“I also want to thank all our Auckland DHB staff, particularly the Rainbow Network and the HR team for all the work that has gone into reaching this milestone.”

Auckland DHB Rainbow Network member Jacob Toner, adds, “The rainbow flag is a powerful symbol for the queer community and gaining the rainbow tick shows anyone who looks at recruitment material or walks through the door, that this is a place for them, it’s a place they can be safe and accepted and that if things don’t go according to plan, the organisation will back them regardless of who they are.

“It’s also a commitment that Auckland DHB is making to continue working in this space and we’ve got a lot of ideas and enthusiasm to work together to continue making improvements.”

The Rainbow Tick is a certification process that tests whether a workplace is safe, welcoming and inclusive for people of diverse gender identity and sexual orientation. It supports the workplace to continue to develop and improve its inclusivity and diversity, and holds it to account.

The DHB was the second organisation in New Zealand to receive the Accessibility Tick. Managed by Access Advisors, a subsidiary of the New Zealand Blind Foundation, the Tick is a mark of confidence for all parties that accessibility needs are being taken care of.

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