Unitec has marked World AIDS Day on Monday, 1 December with the installation of a FREE HIV Self-Test Machine in the Rainbow Room in Te Puna (The Hub).
Wellbeing and safety of our ākonga and kaimahi is at the heart of what we do so this initiative ensures that our whānau have access to discreet, private, and empowering testing options right here on campus.
“We recognise that taking a test can feel daunting, so providing a safe and supportive space is a priority for us. The machine offers a simple and confidential way for students to check their HIV status whenever they need to,” says Wellbeing and Safety Advisor, Maree Lightfoot.
World AIDS Day is a time to honour those living with HIV and to acknowledge that stigma still affects many in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Last year, over a third of new HIV diagnoses were in people under 30—reinforcing why open conversations, education, and easy access to testing remain so important.
We also acknowledge the important mahi of the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, who continue to advocate for people living with HIV through education campaigns, support services, and stigma reduction.
If you’d like to show support today, a donation of any amount helps them continue this crucial work.
“By providing free self-testing on campus and standing alongside organisations like the Burnett Foundation, Unitec is committed to ensuring our ākonga feel informed, supported, and never alone,” says Ms Lightfoot.