‘Dungeon’-like Auckland Rainbow Room may change

The Albany rainbow room sits in the Atrium building basement, a room people find so dark and sad not even rainbow flags can save it.  

Kate Duin, Oteha rainbow rep said, “The feedback we often hear is that it's a 'basement/dungeon' and lacks natural light due to having no windows”. 

However, a plan to change from the dark Atrium basement to the old UniMart and pharmacy space has started.  

Duin felt due to the financial state of the university and ongoing changes, “rainbow issues can sometimes be lower on the priority list”.  

She said it is mostly rainbow students, rainbow staff and the student association who are prioritising rainbow spaces, rather than the university.  

Duin wanted to see a space that was more visible and accessible for queer students.  

“We don't want students to feel like they have to hide who they are and would prefer a rainbow room that's easy to find and access.”  

The proposed space has natural light, easy access to outdoor areas, and a second entrance with frosted windows for students who prefer some privacy. Duin hoped they could move into the new space before the end of the year.  

In 2022, the space was being used by the Massey Muslim student association who complained to Massive at the time that the room wasn’t only theirs but was also being used for other purposes.  

A Massey spokesperson said they’d received the proposal from Te Tira Ahu Pae, however, the relocation wasn’t finalised and couldn’t confirm details. They said students will be informed when it is confirmed.  

Regarding the Muslim students' past issues with the room, the spokesperson said, “Different groups are likely to have different needs (capacity and access, for example) when it comes to spaces and the university endeavours to work with groups to find appropriate spaces to meet their needs.”  

They said the development of the room was made with the aim of providing students with opportunities to create tangible change. “This process allows us to test ideas and spaces, and for these spaces to evolve with feedback”.  

Albany UniQ president Devon Painton said a central room would be nicer, “At the moment it’s down in the basement and there are no windows and devoid of any natural light which is sad”. 

Despite posters about the room's location around campus, rainbow counselor Maria Millar said there are rainbow students who don't know the room exists.