Representation is a powerful thing. If people don’t see themselves, or who they want to be, reflected in the things Burnett Foundation Aotearoa creates, then we’re not going to be able to support them effectively.

We know that having a good first experience with condoms sets a person up for more consistent condom-use throughout their sexual lives. So, when we were told that young Māori, especially Takatāpui tāne, weren’t seeing themselves in the packaging of our condoms, we knew we needed to do better.

The stats for 2018 also showed a concerning increase in new HIV diagnoses among Māori MSM (men who have sex with men). While this is not yet a trend, it’s something we want to ensure we’re addressing and work toward equitable health outcomes for Māori.

We partnered with Te Kaha o te Rangitahi (Te Kaha) to deliver a competition that would redesign our condom wallets to one that included our takatāpui community.

Te Kaha judged the entries and selected the design you can now see on 100,000 free Ending HIV condoms around the country.

Te Kaha’s Whaea Chrissy says the hope for these wallets is that people will see themselves reflected in them and be empowered by them.

“My hope is that each individual who comes across this wallet feels empowered to be who they want to be and each creative person sees that it is possible to create something and have all of Aotearoa see it and have it on display. People will also get to see the collaboration between Te Kaha o Te Rangatahi and Burnett Foundation Aotearoa.

“For some of our young takatāpui whānau, it could give a sense of belonging for them. Those of our takatāpui whanau who have yet to announce their being so to their own or the world, those who don’t feel like they belong or who are struggling to find resources in their communities, those who have been themselves for a long time but not knowing where else to find resources that resonate with them – this could really empower a person to be what they want to be, encourage safer sex lifestyles and be open to have conversations.”

Winning designer Jackson Whitham said his inspiration for the design came from elements of nature in Aotearoa and the importance of the colour red in traditional Māori design as well as a symbol of HIV and AIDS awareness.

“Some thoughts around my design and use of the koru and pikopiko was for two reasons. I think that using the koru with pikopiko shoots symbolised to me new beginnings, growth and strength I think this forms a good foundation for the purposes of targeting this campaign to our takatāpui community and the overall goal of the NZ AIDS Foundation [now Burnett Foundation Aotearoa] to end new HIV transmissions by 2025. I think the formation and placement of the koru design on the flaps are placed in a way that I see them as people, interacting with each other and also forming the shape of a heart.

“My reason for using this specific colour theme is that I think it immediately resonates as a colour combination often used in Māori design - The Tino Rangatiratanga flag is a great example of this. Using predominantly red was also tied to the fact that this is recognised worldwide as the colour for HIV and AIDS awareness.”

Now users are greeted by, “kia ora kōrua / hello you two” and this condom wallet will equip young reo speaking guys (and English speakers alike) with the know-how and tools they need be noho haumaru (staying safe). The design of the wallet includes messages of consent and correct condom use that will help even the newest newbie to safely negotiate a sexual encounter without risk of HIV transmission.

We hope this small step is helping to empower young Takatāpui tāne to play safe and help a few pākehā learn te reo while we’re at it.

Check out the guide below to learn how to play safe and keep an eye out for these condoms.

Anei ētahi tohutohu mōu kia pai atu tōu wā

Instructions for a good time 

1. Pātai atu mena e whakae ana e to hoa ki te mahi ai. Ki te kore to hoa e whakautu ma te “Āe!”, waiho tēnei pūkoro-ure mō tētahi wā ānō.
   Ask your partner if they want to have sex. If you don’t hear a “Yes!”, save this condom for another time.
   
   
2. Mā ou matimati tēnei tatai e puare (kaua ma ou niho, kei pakaru te pūkoro-ure).
   Open the packet with your fingers (teeth may damage the condom).
   
   
3. Tirohia mena e tika ana te whakatakotoranga o te pūkore-ure.
   Ensure the condom is the right way up.
   
   
4. Whakataungia te pūkoro-ure ki runga i tō ure, kotētia te pūkoro-ure kia puta ai te hau.
   Put the condom on the head of your penis and squeeze any air out of the tip
   
   
5. Whakahekea te katoa o te pūkoro-ure, tae noa ki te ure-papa.
   Roll the condom all the way down to the base of your penis.
   
   
6. Kia kaua te pūkoro-ure e pakaru, whakamahia i te maene wai, i te maene takawai hoki. Miria te maene ki runga i te pūkoro-ure.
   Use water-based or silicone-based lube to help prevent the condom from breaking. Apply to the outer side of the condom, not the inside.
   
   
7. Ina ka mutu koe, i mua i tou maunu, me puritia e koe ki te wahanga o te pukoro-ure e tata ana ki te ure-papa. Taponatia i te pukoro-ure, a, whiua ki te rāpihi.
   When you’ve finished, hold on to the base of the condom before pulling out. Tie a knot at the base and throw it away.