In 2017 a group of volunteers from different public sector organisations came together and formed the Cross Agency Rainbow Network (CARN). CARN is made up of LGBTTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatāpui, queer, intersex, asexual, plus) people from different organisations across the Public Service.
What we do
CARN was formed to share information and support each other to build internal rainbow networks and has grown into a thriving forum for collaboration to raise the profile of rainbow communities and inclusion within the Public Service.
We aim to strengthen participation, representation and respect of LGBTTQIA+ kaimahi throughout Aotearoa New Zealand's public sector.
The Rainbow Chief Executives panel at the 2023 CARN conference with Peter Mersi from Papa Pounamu on the screen.
Who can join
If you work in the Public Service and are LGBTTQIA+ you can join our network.
We endeavour to be accessible, inclusive, welcoming and representative of all LGBTTQIA+ communities.
CARN membership is also open to active allies working in the public sector, so long as they uphold the purpose of CARN and the wellbeing of diverse LGBTTQIA+ people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Why join us
Our mahi within the Public Service includes:
- working together to ensure rainbow voices are included and respected
- sharing information and resources to support each other and build internal rainbow networks
- advocating for and celebrating the diversity of rainbow communities.
How to join
Click the button below to join the network. To leave the network, please contact them directly.
Who is involved
Carolyn Tremain
Chief Executive for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Role: CARN sponsor since 2021
Bridget Murdoch (she/her)
Manatū Mō Te Taiao | Ministry for the Environment
Role: Toihau-Takirua CARN Co-chair
Jen Wilde (she/her)
Te Tari Taake | Inland Revenue
Role: Toihau-Takirua CARN Co-chair
Jaimee Matthews (they/them, she/her)
Te Tari Taake | Inland Revenue
Role: Kaiarataki Pāpāho CARN Communications Lead
Lottie Borra (she/her, they/them)
Manatū Mō Te Taiao | Ministry for the Environment
Role: Kaiarataki Wheako CARN Membership Experience Lead
Rāwiri Te Hurinui-Haumaha (Ia, they/them, he/him)
Hīkina Whakatutuki | Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
Role: Kaiarataki Pāhekoheko Intersectionality and Engagement Lead
Mana Whakahaere General Governance
Hayley Goldthorpe (they/them, she/her)
Hīkina Whakatutuki | Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
Nat Simon (they/them)
Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development
Sophie Parker (sher/her)
Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections
Sunny Houston (she/her)
Te Kaporeihana Āwhina Hunga Whara | Accident Compensation Corporation
Theresa Peters (they/them)
Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development
Contact us
You can email us at carn.gov@gmail.com
Whakamana Ira Tangata
Whakamana Ira Tangata is a group that sits within the wider Cross Agency Rainbow Network. We are open to all gender diverse, transgender and gender questioning people within the Public Service.