Published Monday, 2 March 2026
As part of Pride Month celebrations, LPC was presented with a special print of Awaroa Pilot Launch flying the Pride flag.
The artwork was gifted by Pilot, Phillip Sweetman, and is based on a photograph he took during LPC’s first Pride celebrations. It was later transformed into a painting by Line Supervisor and artist Stephen Robinson.
Phillip said the artwork commemorates an important moment in LPC’s Pride journey.
“This image was captured during our first Pride celebrations, when the Pride flag was flown on the water,” he said.
“It was a memorable week, and I wanted to acknowledge the people who helped make those celebrations possible by gifting this artwork to the company.”
Now in the third year of Pride celebrations, LPC continues to demonstrate our commitment to inclusion through visible symbols and everyday actions across the Port.
Chief Executive, Graeme Sumner, said the artwork reflects both the creativity and talent of our people and the values the company stands for.
“It’s a marvellous artwork and important that we are all respectful and acknowledge the differences that we have around the Port. We’re going to continue that conversation about pride and about recognising diversity,” says Graeme.
For Phillip, the flying of the Pride flag and the artwork that captures it are about visibility and creating a sense of safety and belonging.
“Visibility matters. You don’t always know the challenges people are facing. Seeing Pride Flags and Pride lanyards shows support and allyship and lets people know they’re not alone. That’s incredibly important in any workplace.”
Head of Marine Operations, Andrew Van der Bent, said inclusion plays a key role in helping people thrive at LPC.
“I think, as a team, Marine has done a really great job of supporting people in being successful in their chosen profession. I’m really proud of that,” Andrew said.
The gifted artwork will be displayed as a lasting symbol of Pride, allyship and the shared values that continue to shape Lyttelton Port Company’s culture on land and on the water.