Rainbow/Takatāpui Support Services in Christchurch
Christchurch has a wide range of supports for LGBTQIA+ and Takatāpui communities, including peer support, social groups, employment help, counselling, and culturally specific services. Whether you’re looking for connection, gender‑affirming healthcare navigation, or safe community spaces, the organisations below can help.
Qtopia
Qtopia supports transgender, non‑binary, and gender diverse people of all ages across Waitaha Canterbury.
What they offer:
Navigation through the healthcare system, including pathways for puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender‑affirming surgery
Recommendations for affirming GPs
Free peer support (available via a GP referral)
Flexible meeting options — walks, shopping for affirming clothing, or meeting in community spaces
Training for healthcare professionals
Website: qtopia.org.nz/contact
Moana Vā
Moana Vā supports Pacific Rainbow+ individuals with culturally grounded services.
What they offer:
Advocacy and mentorship
Regular walks, yoga, and physical activities
Annual Pacific Rainbow+ netball tournament
Safe, welcoming community spaces
Email: info@moanava.org
Phone: 021 416 347
Website: moanava.org
OutLine Aotearoa
OutLine is a national rainbow mental health organisation offering confidential phone support. Calls are answered by trained LGBTQIA+ volunteers. If they can’t answer, you can leave a message for a call‑back.
Support Line: 0800 688 5463 (6pm–9pm daily)
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
Burnett Foundation offers counselling and group programmes for Rainbow communities, people living with HIV, and men who have sex with men.
Their counselling is available for people living with or affected by HIV, Rainbow and Takatāpui individuals, and men who have sex with men (cis and trans).
The Christchurch Support Group is called Empowering Yourself. It is a free seven‑week programme for gay, bi, takatāpui, and other men who love men.
GendAffirm
GendAffirm helps Rainbow and gender diverse people find workplaces that are safe, inclusive, and gender‑affirming. They offer a database of workplaces with gender‑affirming policies and benefits, and they can help you find employment that aligns with your needs. They also provide training for workplaces to improve inclusion.
Email: kiaora@gendaffirm.org.nz
Adhikaar Aotearoa
Adhikaar Aotearoa provides support, community building, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people of colour.
They offer community events (online and in‑person) and helpful resources. They work with a lot of other rainbow organisations, so they can refer you to the appropriate supports.
Connect: adhikaaraotearoa.co.nz/connect-with-us/
Gender Minorities Aotearoa
Gender Minorities Aotearoa provides nationwide peer support for transgender and intersex people. They provide trans and intersex peer support, where you will talk with a peer who shares your lived experience
Contact for Peer Support:
Phone: 022 517 1366
General Enquiries:
Phone: 022 673 7002
Local Queer Social Groups
Christchurch has several active queer social groups and online communities. Joining local LGBTQIA+ Facebook groups is a great way to find social events, meet‑ups and supportive community spaces.
Christchurch City Libraries host regular LGBTQ+ book clubs open to anyone interested in queer stories and authors. A welcoming space for connection and discussion.
Lambda Trampers & Lambda Latte Walkers offer safe, friendly outdoor activities for rainbow communities and allies. They go on day tramps of varying difficulty (Lambda Trampers) and shorter walks with a social coffee afterwards (Lambda Latte Walkers). Website: lambdatrampers.org/
How The Loft Can Support You
The Loft is proudly a safe space for all members of the Rainbow and Takatāpui community. All of our connectors undergo specific rainbow training to ensure they are providing safe and affirming support. We are here to help you navigate the wide range of rainbow supports available in Ōtautahi Christchurch. We can talk with you about what you’re looking for, help you understand which services might be the best fit, and connect you with organisations. If you’d like someone to walk alongside you as you explore your options, contact us, and our team will support you to take your next steps with confidence.