February marks the beginning of Pride Month in Auckland, Victoria, and New South Wales, with celebrations across our other locations running from March to May, leading up to international Pride Month in June. Regardless of the month or location, Tonkin + Taylor is committed to ensuring the safety, visibility, and inclusion of rainbow communities across our organisation and industry.
Local Connections
For the second year running, our Melbourne team proudly took part in the Midsumma Pride March, with support from the Melbourne Social Club and Rainbow Network. Gathering in St Kilda, we walked in solidarity for LGBTQI+ inclusion, rounding off the event with a picnic in Catani Gardens. The lead-up to the march was just as vibrant, with an evening of arts, crafts, and costume design to prepare our outfits – well worth the effort on the day!
Industry Collaboration
Similarly, in Auckland, our team braved the rain for the Ponsonby Pride March, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in collaboration with our peers from the Diversity Agenda.
Tonkin + Taylor also invited our teams to take part in Active Allyship Training this month. This aims at going beyond awareness to focus on how we can actively foster inclusion and create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Delivered by Rainbow Tick, this session equipped attendees with the tools and confidence to be an active ally – someone who actively supports and advocates for LGBTTQIA+ colleagues to create a culture of belonging.
Collaboration Beyond Engineering
Our involvement in Gaybourhood, a newly formed coalition of rainbow networks from organisations across Auckland, showcased the power of connection.
Bringing together representatives from Tonkin + Taylor, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Les Mills, AA Insurance, Datacom, Chorus, and Goodman Fielder, this initiative provided a platform for meaningful discussions and inclusive events, including:
- A History of Pride lunch-n-learn session hosted by Auckland Transport
- A Les Mills ‘Dance with Pride’ class starring a live DJ and the fierce and fabulous Miss Geena
- A picnic with fellow Gaybourhood networks to foster new connections
Sharing and Learning about Pride and Inclusion
A key part of Tonkin + Taylor’s approach to inclusion is sharing knowledge and learning from others. Throughout February, we participated in panel discussions exploring the importance of visibility, resilience, and collaboration.
At the Pride Pledge ‘Navigating the Rainbow Beyond 2025’ event at Fletcher Building, Tonkin + Taylor’s Josephine Graham and Talia Ritchie joined industry leaders from ASB, Les Mills, Fletcher Living, and Massey University to share their experiences in embedding DEIB principles within their workplaces. Martin King from Pride Pledge noted,
“This group shows up, steps up, and are leading Rainbow DEIB in Aotearoa despite numerous challenges. A huge thank you to our incredible panel of DEIB leaders who shared their authentic wisdom, insights and top tips for 2025 and beyond.”
Goodman Fielder hosted their inaugural Gaybourhood panel where Talia Ritchie shared insights alongside speakers from Datacom and Chorus on what it takes to create safe and inclusive workplaces. Jamie MacKay, Senior Ecologist and Rainbow Committee member at Tonkin + Taylor reflected:
“Talia is great at telling the story of Tonkin + Taylor’s journey towards rainbow inclusion and it was lovely hearing her speak about her experience as an ally. I think everyone finds our story inspiring, particularly because of honest we’ve been about our challenges. We know that we still have work to do, and that rainbow inclusion is a journey of continuous improvement, not something you ‘achieve’ and move on from.”
The Pride Journey Continues
Tonkin + Taylor’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond Pride Month, with ongoing engagement through our Rainbow Network, industry partnerships, and university outreach.
One thing that stood out to our team this year is that events don’t need to be big or involve a lot of fanfare, people simply enjoy a sense of connection.
“I had great chats with our hosts at Goodman Fielder and people from Air NZ, Auckland Council, and Auckland Transport, speaking with rainbow whānau from other organisations in fields outside of engineering. I got to carry on some of these chats at the Gaybourhood picnic and I’m hoping to develop some of the relationships more as the Gaybourhood network continues beyond pride month.” – Jamie MacKay, Senior Ecologist and Rainbow Committee member at Tonkin + Taylor
What’s Next?
Join us in Wellington on Saturday 8 March as we take part in the Wellington Pride Parade with the Rainbow Special Interest Group and The Diversity Agenda, celebrating and supporting our rainbow communities.
Walking behind the Engineering and Architecture for Everyone banner, you’ll connect with others who are passionate about fostering inclusivity in our industry and across Aotearoa. Organised by our friends at The Diversity Agenda, this event brings together professionals from engineering and architecture firms nationwide.
Everyone is welcome – friends, family, and allies included.
Sign up here: Wellington Pride Parade 2025 | Engineering NZ
