The Auckland Rainbow Parade Is Back on Saturday, 18 February, with pre-Parade celebrations kicking off at 5.30 pm and the parade beginning at 7.30 pm sharp.
The Auckland Rainbow Parade returns to Ponsonby Road, bringing diversity, unity, respect, celebration, inclusion and loads of colour next month.
Co-Chair Matt Bagshaw says, “We’re absolutely thrilled to be delivering the first motorised parade since 2018, and that comes down to our amazing financial supporters, parade participants and support from the community.”
Removing the financial barriers to allow our rainbow whanau to participate has never been more critical. Thanks to the ongoing support of the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust, 15 Rainbow groups could be financially supported with up to $200 to support any purchases towards the parade. Furthermore, an additional $2,500 will support up to 5 of our rainbow whanau from outside Auckland. From accommodation to transport, if you’re coming from out of town, to making your float visually sing with balloons, music and signage, the money is there to help.
Parade Event Manager Shaughan Woodcock tells express, “We called, and our rainbow whanau and business diversity groups answered.”
“With organisations such as Rainbow Westies, Auckland Rainbow Community Church, Tauranga Moana Pride, Bear New Zealand, Oceania Pride Aotearoa, Ahakoa Te Aha, Body Positive, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, alongside business diversity groups from Tower Insurance, Fonterra, Media Works, Fire & Emergency NZ, Kiwirail, Hato Hone St John and the New Zealand Police…..just to name a few…. we’re delighted with the support and response.”
From 5.30 pm, Ponsonby Road will come alive with a range of pre-parade activations, and from 7.30 pm, it’s time to start the engines, kick your dancing heels together and hit play on those sound systems!
Starting at Tole Street, the parade will travel south along Ponsonby Road past Western Park and conclude at the Crummer/Hopetoun Street intersection.
To find out more about the 2023 parade or to register your business or group, head over to rainbowparade.nz
Anyone wanting to be a parade partner can contact Shaughan Woodcock at 021 744 138 or by emailing parade@rainbowpride.org.nz
