Our employee-led networks
At Kāinga Ora we are committed to growing diversity across the organisation and enabling a culture of inclusion in everything we do.
Kāinga Ora is an organisation that aspires to be a wonderful place to work, an innovative and supportive supplier of services, and a respectful and valued partner to our suppliers and the communities we work with and within. We recognise that central to achieving these objectives will be the ability of the organisation and all those who work here to embrace and harness the principles and practices of diversity and inclusion.
As a diverse and inclusive Kāinga Ora, we want our people to:
- Experience fair and equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination.
- Feel safe, protected and valued at work.
- Can and do bring their whole selves to work.
- Connect, understand and reflect the communities we serve.
We have a number of employee-led networks that are a safe space for discussion, sharing and learning for all.
The ultimate goal of the Rainbow Network is to raise awareness of our Rainbow Community both internally and externally. With this in mind, we’ve signed on to the Pride Pledge, a values-based commitment that we are making to demonstrate our dedication to the safety, visibility and inclusion of all the rainbow members of our community and workforce.
We’re now in our second year of Pride Pledge Gold level membership and have made great progress in driving awareness and education of our staff in our flourishing Rainbow Community, including being finalists in the 2023 Rainbow Excellence Awards. As an organisation, when employees feel accepted and able to bring their authentic selves to work, we see a huge improvement in engagement, wellbeing and productivity, as well as employee attraction and retention.
Finalists in the NZ Rainbow Excellence Awards 2023 - August 2023
Our Neurodiversity Network supports, informs, and connects our neurodivergent members and allies at Kāinga Ora. We are working to promote awareness of invisible disability and understanding of individual access needs. Our aim is to remove barriers to full participation at work, for everyone.
From our own lived experience, we:
- advise on inclusive practice and policy (for example, hiring, running events and meetings)
- give presentations on neurodiversity
- co-write articles for the intranet
O lupe sa vao ese’ese, ae ua fuifui faatasi
We are from different parts of the forest but connect in one cause
Pacific peoples make a significant contribution to Kāinga Ora through their participation and roles across a range of areas in the organisation. There are currently three networks across the motu dedicated to connecting with Pacific peoples at Kāinga Ora. Each network is supported by an established working group who are mainly based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato and Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Anchored by Pacific values, the aim of the networks is to provide spaces of support for its members to be culturally safe, aware and connected Pacific public servants, enabling Pacific expression at Kāinga Ora. Collectively the networks are committed to weaving the foundations for the next generation of Pacific people to continue to serve our customers and communities.
Whakatauki: Mā mua ka kite a muri, Mā muri ka ora a mua.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Ngā Mata national Māori network provides spaces of support for its members to be culturally safe, aware and connected as Māori public servants, enabling Māori expression at Kāinga Ora.
Our network is actively supported by 7 rōpū which is focused on helping members to connect with each other at a local level. Ngā Mata celebrate diversity at both national and local hui, regularly connecting with its members at an online hui once a month. Hui provides further opportunities for our members to; whanaungatanga, maramatanga, tautoko and manaaki each other; proudly promote kaupapa Māori initiatives and activities locally; invite special Indigenous Māori speakers; openly share Māori whakaaro in a safe space; positively uplift and celebrate te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, whakapapa, waiata; and competently enhance te ao Māori at Kāinga Ora.
The Kāinga Ora Women’s Network aims to represent the diversity of women across Kāinga Ora, promote gender equity and celebrate our great talent.
The network focuses on promoting internal and external networking events and professional development opportunities. Through these events, we aim to create a sense of connection and solidarity among members. We also aim to facilitate an environment where women at Kāinga Ora can support one another, share their professional knowledge and experiences, and feel inspired.
At the Pan Asian Network, we are committed to embracing the diversity of Pan Asian cultures. Our mission is to provide a platform for Pan Asian employees to connect, share their experiences, and promote cultural awareness. Our purpose is to connect, work and learn together to promote, celebrate and to have a collective voice that can influence change within the organisation and by doing so, we contribute to the organisation's broader commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Kia whānau tupu ngātahi – we work and learn together to connect, promote, celebrate our cultural diversity.
A Kāinga Ora staff member is the current Chair of this Government-wide network. Membership is open to all staff who are either personally part of the disabled community or who may wish to participate as an ally/support person.
Page updated: 13 September 2023