March 2025
Reflecting on Pride Month
Opinion
By Lizzi Whaley
Pride Month has been a time of celebration, reflection, and, at times, challenge. From the Pride Parade to Big Gay Out, it was incredible to be surrounded by so much joy, colour, and community. But amongst the celebration, there were also reminders that progress isn’t always linear. Visibility still comes with resistance, and that’s exactly why it matters.
Standing alongside my 21-year-old son, I saw something powerful. His generation doesn’t just accept inclusivity—they expect it. For them, diversity isn’t a debate—it’s a given. That shift is happening not just in society, but in business too. The way we design and shape workplaces plays a huge role in fostering inclusivity, belonging, and culture. A workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and seen changes everything.
Pride isn’t just a celebration—it’s how we show up every day. It’s about creating spaces where people don’t have to hide parts of themselves to fit in. At Spaceworks, we believe inclusivity isn’t just about policies or ticking a box—it’s about designing environments that reflect the people who use them. It’s about making sure workplaces aren’t just built for some, but for everyone.
If you’re thinking about inclusivity in your design and fitout, Pride shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s more than just gender-inclusive facilities—it extends into the materials and finishes we select, how spaces foster connection, and the way environments make people feel safe and valued. Designing with inclusivity in mind means ensuring that workplaces support belonging at every level.
If your business is new to its Pride journey, or if you’re well-established and want to explore how inclusivity can be embedded into your design projects, Let’s talk. At Spaceworks, we specialise in creating spaces that reflect the people who use them.
Reach out to me, Lizzi Whaley—a fellow rainbow & inclusive design specialist on 021 392 999.
Pride Month has wrapped up, and the real question is: Are we ready for the change this next generation is bringing? We are. And we’re here for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spaceworks is proud to sponsor Reset 2025 because it aligns perfectly with our mission to drive sustainability and innovation in the built environment. The summit is a vital platform to advance ESG principles across the property sector—and we want to be part of that progress.
The building and construction sector contributes roughly 20% of New Zealand’s carbon emissions. That means the way we design, build, and fit out spaces has a significant impact—and presents a huge opportunity to lead positive change.
We design and deliver fitouts that are carbon-reduced, carbon-zero, and waste-reduced. From material selection to construction practices, we embed sustainability into every step—without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.
Not at all. Sustainability includes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Mental Health Resilience session at Reset 2025—because people’s wellbeing is just as important as environmental outcomes.
Easy—just get in touch. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve an existing space, we’ll help embed sustainability into your design and fitout journey. Contact Lizzi Whaley on 021 392 999 to chat.
