Gender-affirming healthcare

Our healthcare team and counsellors can provide advice and support for gender-affirming healthcare.

We recognise that you are the expert around your own gender identity journey and will work alongside you to establish your health goals, including goals you have around transitioning. We recognise that everyone has individual needs and we will listen to your needs, and work with you to access the care and support that is right for you. We always work within our clinical scope and knowledge to ensure safe practices. This includes following national and international best practice guidelines.

We have an experienced gender-affirming healthcare team at Mauri Ora who look forward to supporting you with your health needs. Our team is made up of counsellors, doctors, and a nurse. We can provide support and advice, and help you to access other services, including hormone care, fertility advice, physiotherapy, surgery, and mental health.

Availability and cost

Our medical services are available to any student who is currently enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington and also enrolled with Mauri Ora.

Our counselling services are free of charge if you are a domestic, Manaaki, or ELTO student, but there may be a cost if you are an international student. Check your insurance policy for confirmation.

General healthcare and prescriptions

Make an appointment to see one of our doctors or nurses if you want general support and advice, or if you have medical needs. If you're already taking hormone medications, ask one of our doctors for an ongoing prescription. You can request a repeat prescription online.

Starting hormone therapy

If you would like to discuss hormone therapy or other aspects of gender-affirming healthcare, book an appointment with Nurse Bianca Sepulveda (she/her) during her Friday clinic hours.

Let our team know that you want to start hormone therapy when you call to make an appointment—they'll make sure that your appointment is long enough.

Before starting hormones, we take time to get to know you and your individual needs. We'll make sure you have the information you need to make decisions about your healthcare that are right for you. We use an informed consent approach and include non-binary identities.

When you will be able to start on your hormone therapy will depend on your individual needs and the availability of appointments. We may need to refer you to a healthcare provider that isn't part of Mauri Ora, which can prolong the process.

We encourage you to see your regular doctor for your general medical care, such as screening, sexual health, and immunisations.

Counselling and other support

Our health team works closely with counsellors Anny da Silva Freitas (they/them), Mary Allan (she/her) and Jay Treloggen (he/him) who have or are working towards accredited GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity) specialist training.

We can also refer you to support groups, gender-affirming physiotherapy, voice therapy, peer support, mental health services, and surgical care.

The University's Rainbow and Inclusion Adviser connects students with appropriate services and works with our community to ensure the University is a safe and inclusive environment for students of all sexualities, genders, and sex characteristics. Find out more on our Rainbow hub.
Gender Minorities Aotearoa has a wealth of information, support and resources. The organisation is based in Wellington.
OUTLine offers a free and confidential phoneline service for rainbow people.
RainbowYOUTH provides a number of services for queer and gender diverse youth and their wider communities all across Aotearoa.
The Physio Spot offers discounted prices for Victoria University of Wellington students and community services card holders. If you are referred by your doctor, you may be able to get the cost of your physiotherapy appointments covered.