The Board of Auckland Pride would like to confirm their position that the New Zealand Police will not be marching in uniform in the 2019 Auckland Pride Parade.
This decision has been made following a series of community feedback sessions, including the 2018 AGM and Community Hui series held in venues across Auckland. These discussions indicated that whilst there is goodwill towards the NZ Police, as an institution, they do not currently meet the degree of safety and awareness of intersectionality required by our rainbow communities.
The Auckland Pride Board is committed to ensuring that the Auckland Pride Parade is a celebration of rainbow community visibility. We welcome any and all rainbow people to be a part of the Auckland Pride Parade, including members of the NZ Police, who are invited to march in plain or fancy clothes.
The Auckland Pride Board is keen to work with the New Zealand Police to establish a stronger relationship, identifying what is needed to take both parties forward throughout the entire year, and providing a clear indication of meaningful systemic change within the NZ Police.
The Board encourages people wishing to discuss this decision to join in the next Auckland Pride Facebook LIVE session on Sunday 18 November: https://www.facebook.com/AucklandPride/