The name, Te Ngākau Kahukura, reflects their role as a heart, strengthening and nourishing the system of support around rainbow people in Aotearoa. They circulate rainbow expertise to key decision makers and systems, and share resources and connections with rainbow communities.

As a heart, they support those who provide health and social services to have the confidence and courage to work with rainbow people appropriately. They emphasise reciprocity and relationality, working within a wider ecosystem of interconnected organisations across a range of sectors.