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The Auckland Rainbow Parade will return to Ponsonby Road from 7:30 pm on Saturday, 15 February. Ahead of this vibrant celebration of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Rainbow communities, we talk to Parade Event Manager Shaughan Woodcock about the importance of the event, the criteria for participants, and the return of the glamorous Smirnoff Grandstand.

Why is it important that we still have a Pride parade in 2025?

Despite significant milestones being achieved, there is still more work to be done. Auckland’s Rainbow Parade may not cater to everyone, but one thing it does provide for our community is visibility.

“Why do we still need a ‘Rainbow Parade’ now that the gays can marry?”, “We should have a straight parade,” “Oh God, the queers are at it again,” and “Just another breeding ground” are examples of comments frequently seen on social and mainstream media. These comments are often fuelled by hate speech, misinformation, or politicians using their platforms to create division instead of unity.

The parade is a key moment when nearly 3,000 people participate and over 25,000 line the street to stand united and show their support for Rainbow communities.

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What have been your key learnings since bringing the Rainbow Parade back to Ponsonby Road?

What’s essential to making the parade a success is building strong relationships, knowing there’s always another door to open, staying true to your values, and never giving up—because, at the end of the day, that’s what the haters want.

The Smirnoff Grandstand is back this year. What can our readers expect if they buy a ticket to that?

With two grandstands set up in Western Park, ticket holders will be treated to a range of perks, including free merchandise, face painting, and live entertainment from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, followed by the best spot to watch the parade from!

The event will be hosted by our resident community hostesses (Steven Oates and Buckwheat) because we can never have too much glitz and glamour.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase; however, tickets are limited, so get in quick! You can purchase tickets at rainbowparade.nz.

Auckland Rainbow ParadeHow political should we expect the parade to be this year?

The parade isn’t just about celebration; it’s also an acknowledgement of those who have paved the way before us. It’s a platform for groups to continue advocating for queer rights and addressing the issues of the day, including—but not limited to—those wishing to challenge our founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

A change for 2025 is that all registrations must now include information on which area(s) apply to their organisation: Inclusive Policies and Practices, Advocacy and Representation, Community Engagement and Support, Transgender-Inclusive Practices, Education and Awareness, and/or Safe Spaces and Support Networks. Organisations must also outline what steps they have taken (or are taking) in these areas to support the Rainbow community. Any groups unable to provide this information will not be accepted in the parade.

What pre- and post-parade entertainment can we look forward to?

Pre-parade entertainment will begin at 5:30 pm along Ponsonby Road, providing a vibrant lead-up to the main event. This entertainment will include Brazilian dancers, samba band AKSamba, Sammy the Steam Train, face painting, and live drag acts along Ponsonby Road!

The parade will begin at 7:30 pm, and afterwards, the post-parade entertainment will continue with various celebrations at establishments along Ponsonby Road, as well as popular spots on Karangahape Road (K Road), including G.A.Y, Eagle Bar, and Family Bar.

Miss Ribena at the Auckland Rainbow Parade

Are you able to reveal some of the groups and organisations that will be taking part in the parade to give us a sneak peek?

Body Positive, Auckland Sexual Health, Palmy Drag Fest (Miss Rhubarb Rouge and her entourage promise us “camp, camp, and more camp”), Auckland Feathers, Auckland Armadillos, Intersex Aotearoa, NZ Police, NZ Defence Force, Bear NZ, Chinese Pride NZ, Indian Origin Pride NZ, Lifeline, Auckland Rainbow Community Church, Tower Insurance, Netsafe, Hato Hone St John, and KiwiRail are just a few who have registered. The NZ Labour Party is the only political party to have submitted a registration.

Why do you think Labour is the only political party to sign up for the parade this year?

The Labour Party’s participation in the Rainbow Parade reflects its long history of championing LGBTQ+ rights, supporting same-sex marriage, and expunging historical homosexual convictions. In contrast, National and ACT have been criticised for their association with anti-trans rhetoric, particularly regarding transgender participation in sports, due to their coalition with New Zealand First.

The Rainbow Parade Board, prior to the 2024 parade, issued a directive to both National and ACT that their involvement must reflect genuine commitment to LGBTQ+ issues, not just symbolism.

Perhaps these parties have reconsidered their involvement, changed their admin staff, or simply aren’t committed to supporting us. Either way, any group—including political parties—must justify their involvement and support for our communities to participate in the Rainbow Parade.

Despite identifying as queer, Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick has never attended the Rainbow Parade since it returned to Ponsonby Road. Has Chlöe or her team ever given you an explanation as to why?

Any invites sent to Chlöe early on in the parade’s rebirth were declined by her staff due to availability. I understand how busy MPs are, but I’d love for Chlöe, as the Auckland Central MP, to participate in karakia prior to the parade’s start, and of course, join the parade itself.

I first met Chlöe after her campaign for Auckland Mayor, when I was a part-time events lecturer at Unitec. I invited her to be a guest speaker for our student graduation, and even then, she was an inspiring leader and speaker. So, I hope she reaches out and joins us on Saturday, 15 February!

Lastly, is there any message for the new year that you’d like to share with our readers?

As we begin the new year, stay true to yourself, cherish your loved ones, and stand up for what you believe in. The world may be changing, but our strength lies in unity. It’s okay to disagree, but we are stronger when we stand together.

I also want to take a moment to remember Nikki Kaye, who recently passed away. As Auckland Central MP, Nikki was a true ally to the Rainbow community. She always attended the parade and key Rainbow events, and she played a pivotal role in bringing the Rainbow Parade back to Ponsonby Road in 2013. Her dedication and support will never be forgotten.

How to Get Involved

💜 Want to march? Community groups, organisations, and businesses can still register at rainbowparade.nz.
🌟 Want the best parade experience? Book tickets for the Smirnoff Grandstand at rainbowparade.nz.

📅 Auckland Rainbow Parade | 🏳️‍🌈 15 February 2025 | 📍 Ponsonby Road | 7:30 PM Start

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