About Pride Taranaki

Chris Herlihy, born and raised in Waitara now living in New Plymouth. I have worked in hospitality and events all my life.

My commitment to Pride Taranaki is to “connect our community”, to make sure we are visible and a voice in our community.

The essence of Pride Taranaki is that all people are welcome and that there is no judgement, there is equality and that each individual has the right to be their own identity.

In my life I have supported community organizations as a volunteer, I recommend that and have met the best and most diverse members of our community.

Born in Inglewood. I live in Tikorangi, North Taranaki. I am an Artist, my work spans over 50 years, covering aspects of our lives considered to occupy the fringes of society. I am the 2023 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Visual Arts Laureate. I consider my view on the world as queer.

My name is Lance Mepham. I am a founding and current Trustee of Pride Taranaki.

I am a former Public Education Advisor for the Ministry of Children, former Parliamentary Secretary and currently works for Entain TAB NZ.

I am a passionate and enthusiastic diversity and inclusion advocate, working to support and grow Taranaki's rainbow community. I actively seek opportunities to improve the well-being and safety for all, and support other organisations in the Rainbow space to create a more diverse range of activities for our members.

My name is Peter Williams and I became a Trustee of Pride Taranaki Charitable Trust in August 2023. I am a lawyer at Govett Quilliam in New Plymouth and assist the Trust in a legal capacity.

I am proud to support the values and the mission of Pride Taranaki; to provide spaces, events, support, resources and a voice for the rainbow community in Taranaki.

Kia ora whānau... I’m passionate about creating opportunities that connect our community. I work in the event/festival industry. I get inspired when I can go on road trips within Aotearoa and when budget allows, travel overseas, and get to live music gigs. I pretend to do yoga most mornings and like watching documentaries like History 101 on Netflix (nerd!) and visiting art galleries.

My name is Emma (she/her), most people call me Em.

I hail from bonnie Scotland. I moved to New Zealand four years ago and settled in New Plymouth after falling in love with this beautiful region that I now call home.

I have worked in various volunteer roles throughout my life using my professional skills in marketing, social media and event management to help make positive changes within my community.

It's been a pleasure joining Pride Taranaki. It's given me the opportunity to understand the local challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community. It's great being part of a collaborative team who aim to address these challenges and build a better society for the queer people of Taranaki.

Hey, I'm Mands, and I am one of the Trustees. I was born in New Plymouth & have spent the majority of my life here. I own a company called Smokeylemon and have been in business 22 years.

I joined this amazing group of people because I felt that some of my skills might be useful in helping to rebuild a solid community in Taranaki.