Our Services
At Gender Dynamix we offer a range of comprehensive services and
resources tailored to the unique needs of our trans and non-binary and
gender diverse whānau.
We are committed to fostering a welcoming community where you can explore,
grow, and connect on your journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
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Clinical Support Services
People see mental health professionals for many different reasons. Our clinicians work with you to discuss your needs and create a personalised support plan — covering transitional needs as well as general mental health concerns such as low mood, anxiety, or social isolation. We understand that many people are neurodivergent; please let us know of any sensory needs so we can make you as comfortable as possible.
First Appointment:
- Meet with a clinician to discuss your needs
- You can bring a support person with you
- Together you will create a personalised support plan
- Sensory needs are accommodated — just let us know
Ongoing Clinical Support:
- Regular one-hour appointments with your clinician
- Sessions focus on goals in your support plan
- Support tailored to wellbeing, relationships, gender identity, transition, and dysphoria
- Family/whānau may be included with your consent when needed
WPATH Assessment:
- A questionnaire is sent before your appointment
- This is not a test. You do not have to do it. This is only a chance to tell your story.
- The clinician will ask about your life, history, mental health, transition, and support systems
- A draft letter is sent to you for review before finalisation
Peer Support Services
Our peer support workers all have lived experience with transition. Using the Intentional Peer Support model, they are here to answer your questions about local pathways and our services, and to walk alongside you on your journey.
First Appointment:
- Meet your peer support person and ask any questions about local pathways and our services
- Your wellbeing is explored across four dimensions: physical, mental & emotional, family & community, and spiritual
- Your next appointment is scheduled before you leave.
- If your appointment is with another provider, you will be emailed about your next appointment
Ongoing Peer Support:
- Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly appointments
- Work towards realistic goals around transition, socialisation, or mental health
- Your provider can accompany you to doctors, WINZ, Justice of the Peace, and other appointments
- Peer support workers can guide you through the legal transition process
Train in Intentional Peer Support:
- Interested in becoming a Peer Support Worker? Take the funded Intentional Peer Support course
- A 40-hour, in-person course running covering all IPS basics
- After completing the course, work towards an NCEA Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing within your first two years of employment
Group Support Services
Our support groups provide a safe, welcoming space for transgender and gender-diverse people to connect, share experiences, and support one another. All groups are free to attend. When attending any group, we ask that you are respectful and welcoming of others: put your phone away or on silent, avoid talking over others, arrive on time, and maintain the privacy of fellow attendees. Not everyone who attends our groups is out — please be mindful of this if you see another attendee in public.
Tauranga
Teen Group
Open to teens aged 13–18. Caregivers are welcome to meet staff before the group starts and stay for check-in. The group begins with a round of check-ins, followed by mindfulness and activities including board games and crafts at Turning Point Trust.
- When: Thursdays
- Time: 4:30pm — 6:30pm
- Venue: Building 55, Historic Village, 17th Ave
Adult Group
A welcoming peer support group for gender-diverse adults. Open discussion on topics suggested by attendees with a brief mindfulness exercise.
- When: Mondays
- Time: 5:30pm — 7:30pm
- Venue: Building 55, Historic Village, 17th Ave
Whakatāne
Teen Group
Open to teens aged 13–18. Caregivers are welcome to meet staff before the group starts. Includes check-ins, mindfulness, and social activities.
- Regular: First Tuesday of each month
- School Holidays: Tuesdays during term breaks
- Time: 5:00pm — 6:30pm
- Venue: Art House, Whakatāne
Adult Group
Open to people aged 18+. The group begins with check-ins, a mindfulness exercise, then open peer discussion. Light snacks provided.
- When: First Friday of each month
- Time: 6:00pm — 7:30pm
- Venue: Art House, Whakatāne
Online
Online Adult Group
Join us from anywhere in Aotearoa — our online group is open to all gender-diverse adults, get in touch to recieve an invitiation.
- When: Last Wednesday of each month
- Time: 6:00pm — 7:30pm
- Format: Online
- Contact Us: Request an Invite
Additional Support Services
Alongside our core services, we collaborate with other Sexual Health for adult medical transition and paediatrics for the needs of youth to help you on your journey. All services are free unless otherwise stated.
Adult Hormones & Sexual Health:
- Sexual Health will contact you with your appointment time — notify them immediately if you cannot attend
- Your first appointment is an information consultation; hormones are not prescribed at this stage
- The doctor will ask about your health history, living situation, transition, identity, and embodiment goals
- Your next appointment will be in three months; a blood test may be required before then
- Transfem only: If you're considering fertility preservation, let us know before your first appointment.
IPL/Hair Removal (18+):
- A handheld, self-use IPL hair removal device is available for active clients
- Consent form and instructional video completion required before use
- A 24-hour test patch is mandatory to ensure skin safety
Paediatric Clinic:
- A paediatric referral can be made at any time with consent from your legal guardian
- First appointment is one hour; follow-ups are 30 minutes every three months
- You will not receive medication at your first appointment
- Please give notice for cancellations as this is a once-monthly clinic
Events & Social Groups
Dungeons & Dragons
A fun, social way for gender-diverse people to make friends and
build community.
The group requires registration because D&D campaigns require commitment.
- Tuesdays: 4:00pm – 6:30pm
- Location: Our Tauranga Centre
- To Join: Email us to register
We are always looking for new players and Dungeon Masters to join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I have to wait to start hormones?
Everyone's timeline is different. For adults in the public system, the process could take several months and is dependent on your current situation.
What is a peer support worker?
Our Peer support workers all have lived experience with transition. They are not clinicians — they use Intentional Peer Support model and must complete an NCEA Level 4 qualification or higher within their first two years of employment at Gender Dynamix.
Do I need to RSVP to come to a group?
No. You are welcome to come to any group that fits your age range, provided that you can uphold our group expectations. If you have any questions about a group, please contact us and have a read through the information on our website.
How much are appointments?
We are not Non-Profit Organisation and all our services are completely free.
Is there support for family/whānau
We are happy to see parents and/or families for one-off individual sessions.
Where is the office located?
Our office is situated near the back of The Historic Village (bottom of 17th Ave), Tauranga. When you enter The Village, walk straight down the main pedestrian walkway. Cross the street at the end of the cobblestones and look for our flags — we are next to the chapel. A large map is available just inside the entrance, or check the maps at the bottom of our Contact page.
Please call or email us if you have any other questions.
Training
We provide trainings on a range of topics related to the transgender community, and the experiences and healthcare needs of transgender people, to organisations and businesses around the Bay of Plenty.
What We Offer
- Training tailored to your organisation's needs and prior knowledge
- Available to medical, mental health, school, university, social service, government, and other organisations
- Flexible duration: from 30 minutes to a full day
- Delivered at your location (Bay of Plenty) or by arrangement
Interested in Training?
Book a Training Session