We sat down with Parade Event Manager Shaughan Woodcock to talk about the Auckland Rainbow Parade 2025, which saw its largest turnout since its revival in 2020. Thousands lined Ponsonby Road, dressed in vibrant colours, celebrating love, pride, and inclusion at one of Aotearoa’s most beloved rainbow community events.
However, the night was not without challenges. An attempted disruption by members of Destiny Church’s Man Up group served as a stark reminder of why events like this remain so essential. Woodcock shared his thoughts on the record-breaking parade, the obstacles faced, and the resilience of the community.
A Celebration of Pride and Community
Parade Event Manager Shaughan Woodcock expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and vibrancy of the night, applauding everyone who contributed to its success.
“I asked you to bring the love — and you did. I asked you to be proud — and you were. I asked you to bring colour, fun, and diversity to Ponsonby Road — and you did that and so much more!”
This year’s parade set records, boasting the largest-ever turnout of rainbow sporting groups and unprecedented bipartisan political support. The night’s unity and inclusivity underscored the importance of the event in fostering visibility, acceptance, and celebration of Aotearoa’s diverse communities.
Overcoming Hate with Resilience
Despite the joyous atmosphere, the event was briefly interrupted when a group from Destiny Church’s Man Up program attempted to disrupt the celebrations. Woodcock did not shy away from addressing the incident:
“These were misinformed boys who think they are men but have no mana or integrity. They thought they could storm our event—one filled with celebration, diversity, and unity—and trample our strength. But love always wins, and the love and support for the parade drowned out their hatred.”
Thanks to swift action from NZ Police, Global Risk Consulting, Hato Hone St John, and event security, the disruption was quickly contained, ensuring the safety of all participants. Woodcock commended the security teams for their professionalism and preparedness in handling the situation.
“Every year, we work with police and security experts to develop robust risk assessments and safety plans to mitigate any disruptions. While we anticipated some form of protest following the vicious and unprovoked assault earlier in the day, you never fully know exactly how things will unfold until they do. The key is to be prepared.”
A Call to Keep Fighting for Equality
The incident was a stark reminder that, despite progress, there is still much work to be done. Woodcock emphasised the continued need for advocacy and solidarity:
“The world seems to be taking a few steps back, but New Zealand has a strong history of rising up and showing a united front when the time calls for it. The time is now. Our work is far from done!”
Despite the challenges, the resounding message from the 2025 Auckland Rainbow Parade was clear—love, unity, and resilience will always triumph over hate. As the rainbow community and its allies continue to stand together, the parade remains a beacon of hope, pride, and strength for years to come.
The Auckland Rainbow Parade 2025 saw its largest turnout yet, celebrating love, pride, and diversity. Despite an attempted disruption, unity and resilience shone through, proving once again that love always wins.
