Ardern became the first New Zealand Prime Minister to walk in the parade when she walked with Rainbow Labour in this year’s event.
In the wake of Auckland Pride’s ban on uniformed police officers participating in next year’s Pride parade, Jacinda Ardern has said Pride is “at its best when it is an inclusive event,” the NZ Herald reports.
The Prime Minister’s comments came after Police Minister Stuart Nash says he was, “extremely disappointed,” at the Pride board’s decision.
“In the New Zealand of the 21st century, police celebrate diversity and promote inclusion,” he said in a statement.
“The graduation parade in June this year was one of the new constables proposed to his same-sex partner is a good example of this”
“I’m pleased that police are looking at alternative community events where they can take part in a positive way, such as the Big Gay Out and the Wellington Pride Parade.”
National’s police spokesman Chris Bishop also said National was opposed to the decision.
“It’s a regrettable decision … I think it’s quite sad. As police spokesperson, I know how hard the police have worked to be a more inclusive and diverse organisation.”
He noted a number of LGBT police officers that he knows personally who are upset that they won’t be able to participate in this year’s event.
It is unclear whether Labour or National will continue to participate in next year’s parade if indeed it goes ahead.
One party that won’t be participating, however, is ACT.
The party’s leader David Seymour said it was a shame the Pride board was practising the politics of exclusion instead of the politics of inclusion.
“ACT had planned to enter a float but will not unless there are changes,” Seymour says.
He called on Mayor Phil Goff to intervene and says the council should rescind permission and re-offer it to a tolerant and inclusive organisation.
