Proud to be a Rainbow Nation
New Zealand has a reputation as a forward-thinking, tolerant country with progressive views, and is consistently rated as a world-leader in LGBTQI+ rights. New Zealand has a lot to be proud about. We are an inclusive society that earned the reputation as the ‘social laboratory of the world’. This is supported by historical and present-day legislative changes and global rankings, and showcases the values that New Zealand is proud of: caring for people and place.
New Zealand is Proud Together
Aotearoa New Zealand is known as a liberal nation. We were the first country in the world where women won the right to vote and was home to the world’s first openly transgender Member of Parliament.
Under New Zealand’s Human Rights Act, discrimination based on gender or sexuality is prohibited. New Zealand has recognised same-sex civil unions since 2004, and in 2013 was the first Pacific-Oceania country to legalise same-sex marriage. That same year they also made adoption by same-sex couples legal.
New Zealand’s military leads the world too, ranking number one in the LGBT Military Index, thanks to inclusive policies and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members.
What’s Next?
New Zealand is known for being a progressive nation that recognises the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive society. Auckland has been rated alongside Toronto, San Francisco and London as one of the top gay-friendly cities in the world, with a vibrant annual pride festival.
So, if you want to see humanity at its best… we know a place.
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