This Pride, Kiwibank unveiled their new PRIDE Badge, ‘Te Kahukura Kāpuia’, a symbol of their commitment to the inclusion of Rainbow communities, spearheaded by their own Pride Network. Kiwibank Pride Network members Jess Segal and Seb Hopkins tell express about the creative process and meaning behind their badge.
We call our Pride symbol Te Kahukura Kāpuia, explains Senior Manager for Leadership, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Jess Segal. “Kahukura references ‘multicoloured’ and ‘rainbow’, and Kāpuia references ‘to gather’ or ‘unite as one’. Te Kahukura Kāpuia design uses the harakeke leaves to weave the colours of the Progress Pride Flag with our Kiwibank green together to acknowledge our strength and connectedness, our united view of inclusiveness, and our pride in our people.”
The symbol was a collaborative effort between Kiwibank’s design team and the Pride Network, who discussed design ideas and how best to represent the rainbow communities within Kiwibank.
“From the outset, we wanted both our internal and external community to know that we believe that the Rainbow community are an integral part of the tapestry of Kiwibank, that we are a stronger bank because of them,” explains Jess who acknowledges, “We also wanted to recognise that the Pride community itself is evolving and that the flag has become even more inclusive and representative of communities outside those represented on the original flag – and at Kiwibank, we want to show that they too are included and have a place to belong here – Ka tīmata i a tatou.”
“Our Pride Badge has all the rainbow colours of the LGBTQIA+ community folding into each other, to strengthen our mana,” highlights Kiwibank Lending Operations Representative Seb Hopkins.
“To me, this is important to have that representation of the LGBTQIA+ community within the corporate world and my place of work,” he tells us, explaining, “It shows acceptance and equity for all those who are part of Kiwibank, and it gives a feeling of belonging.”
Jess explained that the collaborative effort took a few iterations before they landed on a design that everyone could feel proud of. “Our Pride Network engaged in some really open discussion about the progress flag itself, how we’re acknowledging the evolving Rainbow community, and what would be the most meaningful way we could communicate who we are to our people and customers,” she tells us.
Jess’ pride is palpable as she describes the impact she has seen ‘Te Kahukura Kāpuia’ have on her workplace.
“This symbol is everywhere, every day, and that sends a really strong message about our culture,” she explains.
“I hope that it means our people and our customers feel like we’re serious about inclusivity, that it’s more than a reputational exercise and is something that sits at the very core of our DNA.”
Seb tells us that he feels proud that everyone who embraces it’s message can wear this symbol. “It is a badge you can wear not only if you are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, but also as an ally, friend, and support network of our rainbow community,” he explains.
As Auckland’s Pride month departs and Wellington’s and Christchurch’s begin, Seb tells us that Pride is a time where he feels the love for his community shining bright. “It’s meaningful to have that tautoko,” he says.
“To have the support of others to being yourself, without judgement, and to know that there are others out there who awhi, who care and embrace us for who we are!” – Seb Hopkins
Kiwibank wishes all express readers a happy Pride.
For more information on Kiwibank, visit Kiwibank.co.nz and follow @KiwibankNZ on socials.
