The inaugural New Zealand's First LGBTI Awards raises $10,000 for Youthline in a highly successful awards evening.

The luxurious Cordis Hotel in central Auckland played host to the first-ever coveted New Zealand LGBTI Awards on Thursday night.

Hosted by Tamati Coffey, people from around New Zealand came together at this glitzy black-tie event to celebrate individuals, organisations and businesses that have contributed to the fight for equality and inclusion for the LGBTI community.

Just about $10,000 was raised for Youthline which was selected as the charity partner for New Zealand LGBTI Awards.

Youthline, which aims to assist children and teens in need of counselling and support, has several youth development centres around New Zealand. These aim to assist children and teens in need of counselling and support.

“Youthline is an incredible organisation and we are overjoyed at the amount raised for them on Thursday  night as achieving funds for them was one of main goals of the event,” says Silke Bader, Director and MD of the New Zealand LGBTI Awards

 ‘’Our other goal was is to create LGBTI role models, and to create a positive chronicle around the work being done by them and many others to make New Zealand a safer place for everyone,” adds Silke.

Internationally-known actress and activist Lucy Lawless attended the star-studded event as The First New Zealand LGBTI Awards as its ambassador.

New Zealand’s most famous and well-loved comedy double act, the Topp Twins, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the most prestigious awards granted by the LGBTI Awards.

Other award winners include Anika Moa, Sir Ian McKellen, Kate Weatherly, Fletcher Building and Gina Mills. You can check out the full list of winners here:

• Diversity Champion of The Year: Brad Poulter
• Inspirational Role Model of The Year: Gina Mills
• LGBTI Employee Network of The Year: Fletcher Building
• Corporate & Social Ally: Tracy Phillips
• Brand/ Marketing Campaign of The Year: Absolut Vodka
• Community Initiative/ Charity of The Year: The Wallace Arts Trust
• Media Professional of The Year: Kim Baker Wilson
• Hero of The Year: Bruce Kilmister
• NZ LGBTI Awards Ambassador 2019: Lucy Lawless
• Organisation of The Year: New Zealand Police
• Politician of The Year: Louisa Wall
• Takātapui Role Model: Dr Elizabeth Kerekere
• Sports Personality of The Year: Kate Weatherly
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Jools & Lynda Topp (The Topp Twins)
• Music Artist of The Year: Anika Moa
• Destination of The Year: Auckland
• International Icon of The Year: Sir Ian McKellen

For a complete list of the Award winners and more information, visit: http://www.newzealandlgbtiawards.com

Contact New Zealand LGBTI Awards:

Email: silke@newzealandlgbtiawards.co.nz

Phone: +61 2 8097 0054

Website: http://www.newzealandlgbtiawards.com

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/lgbti_nz

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSbpixysMQ3czoelIgzixGQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-zealand-lgbti-awards/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzlgbtiawards/

Contact MediaPA:

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