New Gender Affirmation guidelines launched to support people in Construction and Infrastrucure. 22 May 2025 With around 60,000 employees in New Zealand identifying as trans or non-binary (2023 Ipsos LGBT+ Global Pride Survey) there is a need for employers to have the knowledge and resource to support them. To address this need, Waihanga Ara Rau, the Workforce Development Council for Construction and Infrastructure, has developed Gender Affirmation guidelines to help support employers and employees, so that businesses and people can thrive. Gender affirmation (often referred to as transition) is the process where a transgender or gender diverse person takes steps to socially, legally, and/ or physically feel more aligned with their gender identity as distinct from the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender affirmation in the workplace is about the support systems put in place to support authentic presentation for trans/non-binary individuals – both those who are settled (already transitioned) and those who are transitioning. ‘Over the next few years, we will face a major shortage of workers in construction and infrastructure, so it is important that we get and keep good people with the right skills. These guidelines have been developed to help employees.’ explained Erica Cumming, GM of Engagement and Insights. ‘We would like to thank all of those who shared their voices to put this together, including The Diversity Agenda, BCITO, Pride Pledge, Gendaffirm, and Dr Kaisa Wilson’ added Zoe Lyon-Gifford, Inclusion and Diversity Partnership Manager. Download this free guide, and other guides, here: Benefits of a Diverse Worksite: Tips from the Pros – Waihanga Ara Rau
