Takatāpui and queer members – make your voices and experiences heard.

By Ori Atkins, Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington

The 2025 conference was a big step for expanding representation within our union. We created new roles on the TEU Council and all of the National Committees: Takatāpui Māori Representative and Queer Tiriti Representative. These roles are designed to ensure that the voices and experiences of our takatāpui and queer members are heard and reflected in our decision-making.

You may also be aware that in accordance with TEU rules, only members of a community may vote for that community’s representative. This means that to vote in the upcoming elections for these new positions, it’s important that you let the TEU know that you are eligible to do so.

If you’re not out at work, or work in a workplace that is hostile to your lived experience, you may have some very warranted concerns about doing this. Your voice is especially important to us – we need to make sure that we are doing the best we can to represent those of us in the worst situations. The TEU is absolutely committed to ensuring that the information you provide stays between you and the election administrator, and that this information will only be used for election purposes.

So, if you’re a takatāpui or queer member of the TEU and would like to participate in this vote, please get in touch. If you’re unsure how to do this or have any questions, feel free to reach out – we’re here to help.

Click here to Identify as queer for the purposes of the TEU national elections.