The Rainbow Tick is a New Zealand workplace certification that checks whether an organisation understands and welcomes sexual and gender diversity. It is now run under the name Toitū Takatāpui, part of Kāhui Tū Kaha. Certification reviews your policies and practices and surveys your staff. For an organisation with fewer than 20 staff, the annual cost can be as low as $1,105.
This guide explains what the Rainbow Tick covers, how certification works, what it costs, and what it does and does not prove. Checked 9 November 2026.
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A workplace inclusion certification for rainbow employees |
| Who runs it? | Toitū Takatāpui, part of Kāhui Tū Kaha (Auckland) |
| How long has it run? | Over 10 years |
| What is assessed? | Your policies and practices, plus a staff survey |
| Cost | Annual fee by organisation size; from $1,105 for fewer than 20 staff |
| If you don’t pass first time | You get specific recommendations to reach certification |
What the assessment looks at
Rainbow Tick certification evaluates your existing workplace culture in two ways: a review of your organisational policies and practices, and a survey of your staff. Earlier descriptions of the programme grouped the evaluation into five areas:
- Policies: anti-discrimination, parental leave, dress code, gender transition at work, and inclusive forms and systems.
- Staff training: whether people understand sexual and gender diversity.
- Staff engagement and support: networks, allies and how concerns are handled.
- External engagement: how you show up for rainbow customers and communities.
- Monitoring: how you measure progress and keep it going.
Check the current criteria with Toitū Takatāpui, as the programme may have changed since those areas were published.
How to get the Rainbow Tick
- Contact Toitū Takatāpui through toitutakatapui.co.nz or info@rainbowtick.co.nz for a quote based on your size.
- Gather your policies, such as your code of conduct, HR policies, leave policies and forms.
- Run the staff survey they provide.
- Receive your evaluation. If you meet the criteria you are certified; if not, you get recommendations to work through.
- Keep it up. The fee is annual, so plan for ongoing work rather than a one-off.
What the Rainbow Tick does and does not prove
A Rainbow Tick shows an organisation has done structured work on inclusion and had it reviewed. It is not a guarantee of every person’s experience. A 2019 article by Dr Jessica Lai of Victoria University of Wellington argued that the Rainbow Tick is a normal trade mark rather than a registered certification mark, and that its standard is not public. Ask a certified employer what changed because of it.
Small business? Start here
You do not need certification to be a safe, welcoming place for rainbow customers and staff. Simple steps, like inclusive forms, using people’s names and pronouns, and acting on complaints, make a real difference. Our guide on how to make your business rainbow-friendly covers the basics. For training, InsideOUT Kōaro offers rainbow competency workshops.
Show customers you’re welcoming
Whether or not you hold a Rainbow Tick, the Rainbow Directory helps rainbow New Zealanders find businesses that welcome them. List your business free.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rainbow Tick the same as Toitū Takatāpui?
The old rainbowtick.nz address now goes to toitutakatapui.co.nz, which runs Rainbow Tick certification and uses a rainbowtick.co.nz email address.
How much does the Rainbow Tick cost?
It depends on your organisation’s size. For fewer than 20 staff, the annual cost can be as low as $1,105.
Is it only for big companies?
No. Organisations of all sizes take part, including health providers, law firms and government agencies.
Sources
- Toitū Takatāpui: Rainbow Tick certification
- Victoria University of Wellington: “‘Rainbow Tick’ is not a certification mark” (4 June 2019)
Checked 9 November 2026.
