Health & Safety

Intersex Aotearoa place the highest priority on the health and safety of all participants.

While this event is not a healing or therapeutic space, we acknowledge that intersex variations are often accompanied by lived experiences of trauma.

With this awareness, we are committed to creating an environment that is respectful, trauma‑aware, and supportive of participant wellbeing.

Clear processes and safeguards are in place to help minimise harm, support personal boundaries, and respond appropriately should challenges arise, as outlined in the plan below.

Health & Safety Plan

The Social Cohesion Wānanga is a two-day national event led by Intersex Aotearoa to strengthen connection, trust, and shared understanding between intersex people, whānau, healthcare workers, academics, and advocates in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Health and Safety Plan is to support the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of all participants. The organisers recognise that while this event is not a healing or therapeutic space, intersex variations are often accompanied by experiences of trauma. This plan outlines how risks will be minimised and how participant safety and dignity will be upheld.

2. Guiding Principles

Participant wellbeing is central to all event planning and delivery
A trauma‑aware and respect‑based approach is applied at all times
Personal autonomy, boundaries, and informed choice are respected
Harm minimisation takes priority over program continuity
Safety concerns are taken seriously and responded to promptly

3. Identified Risks

Potential risks may include:

Emotional distress related to sensitive topics or shared experiences
Overwhelm or sensory fatigue
Interpersonal conflict or boundary violations
Physical health incidents (e.g. fainting, dehydration, fatigue)

4. Risk Mitigation Measures

To address these risks, the organisers will:

Clearly communicate the nature of the event and content in advance
Encourage participants to engage at their own pace
Provide quiet, low‑stimulus spaces where possible
Set and enforce clear expectations around respectful conduct
Allow participants to step out or leave sessions without explanation

5. Wellness Role

A designated Wellness Person will be present for the duration of the event.

Role of the Wellness Person:

Act as a visible, approachable point of contact for participant wellbeing concerns
Offer non‑clinical emotional support and grounding assistance
Support participants experiencing distress to stabilise and identify next steps
Maintain confidentiality within reasonable safety limits
Escalate concerns to organisers or emergency services if there is risk of harm

The Wellness Person will be a trained therapist, counsellor, or medical professional trained in trauma‑aware support and harm minimisation.

6. Reporting and Response

Participants may raise concerns directly with the Wellness Person or an organiser
All reports will be handled respectfully and discreetly
Immediate safety concerns will be prioritised
Appropriate action may include mediation, time‑out, or removal from the event if necessary

7. Emergency Procedures

Emergency contact details will be available onsite
Organisers will be prepared to contact emergency services if required
Participants are encouraged to disclose relevant needs or concerns in advance if they feel safe to do so

Wellbeing Support Role

We're happy to share that Kristina Terrey B Couns (MNZCCA) & Phil Terrey B Couns (MNZCCA) from Waikato Counselling will be our Wellbeing Support.

You can find more about them on their website: Waikato Counselling https://www.waikatocounselling.net/

Code of Conduct

To support a safe, respectful, and meaningful Wānanga, we ask all participants to:

🔒 Protect Privacy and Safety

Keep the details of the Wānanga and its location private unless explicitly authorised by organisers
Do not share event information, participant identities, or conversations externally (including on social media) without clear consent
Help maintain the safety of all attendees by respecting any confidentiality protocols in place

🤝 Respect Confidentiality and Lived Experience

Treat all personal stories, identities, and experiences shared during the Wānanga as confidential and not for retelling outside the space
Recognise that lived experience is valid and should not be questioned, challenged, or invalidated
Avoid asking intrusive or personal questions unless the person has invited that conversation

💬 Engage in Good Faith and with Care

Participate with openness, honesty, and a willingness to listen and learn
Speak from your own experience rather than making assumptions about others
Be mindful of your words and their impact, especially in a diverse and sensitive environment

🌈 Honour Different Identities, Bodies, and Experiences

Respect all identities, including intersex variations, gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and abilities
Use people’s chosen names, pronouns, and language preferences
Acknowledge that experiences differ and avoid comparison, hierarchy, or judgement
Support a climate of social cohesion, where everyone feels a sense of belonging, respect, and collective care

🧭 Follow Facilitator Guidance

Respect the role of facilitators in guiding discussions and maintaining safety
Follow session agreements, time boundaries, and group processes
Honour any specific guidelines for closed sessions or designated participant groups

🚫 Behaviour That Is Not Accepted

To maintain a safe and supportive environment:

Harassment, discrimination, or harmful behaviour will not be tolerated, including:
- Offensive or discriminatory language or actions
- Misgendering, exclusion, or disrespect toward identities
- Bullying, intimidation, or hostile behaviour
Breaches of confidentiality or privacy
Disruptive behaviour that undermines the safety, wellbeing, or cohesion of the group

🌱 Shared Responsibility

Creating a safe and respectful Wānanga is a collective responsibility. We encourage everyone to:

Look out for one another
Raise concerns with organisers or facilitators if needed
Contribute to a space grounded in manaakitanga (care), whanaungatanga (connection), and kotahitanga (unity)