The secondary teachers' union says one in 30 school pupils identify as part of the LGBTI community, and it's important their needs are recognised.

The PPTA rainbow taskforce has released a fresh set of recommendations, including introducing gender-neutral uniforms, allowing same-sex ball dates, and offering private and safe bathrooms.

Taskforce member Shawn Cooper told Mike Hosking many schools have acted already.

"Schools are responding to this. They're recognising that for the students, for whom this is a major issue, it can have huge impacts on their feeling of self-worth."

Transgender advisor Kim Prance told Nadine Higgins New Zealand is making real progress.

"The uniform policy is a very easy one to make into a unisex policy for schools. That's really nothing much."

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