After a brief hiatus, Woof! – The Auckland Rainbow Dog Show is making its much-anticipated return on Sunday, 9 March.
Presented by Steven Oates, a stalwart of Auckland’s rainbow community, Woof! is known for its fun, camp energy and heartwarming community spirit and bringing together dog lovers for a fabulous day of furry festivities.
A Dog Show Like No Other
Woof! began as part of the first official Auckland Pride Festival when Oates, looking for a way to contribute something unique, had an idea that combined two of his greatest passions—dogs and the rainbow community.
“I was talking to Festival Director Julian Cook about what I could do to add something different to the festival,” Oates recalls. “I decided that I wanted to do something I really loved… so I thought, Dogs! What about a fun, camp Dog Show?!”
Teaming up with fellow dog enthusiasts Moana McDowell and Paul Rose, the trio organised the first Woof! with a vision of creating a relaxed, fun, and inclusive event. While the show has grown over the years, it has stayed true to its grassroots origins.
“We could probably push it into something more commercial and mainstream,” says Oates. “But to be honest, we really love the idea of it being a group of friends doing something in a park, where dog lovers can come, just hang out, and have fun!”
Famous Faces on the Judging Panel
A highlight of Woof! is its celebrity judging panel, which brings extra star power to the event.
“In the beginning, we had to beg celebrities to come along and really sell them the idea of it,” says Oates. “But now, it’s become such a well-known and fun event that they literally contact us, dropping not-so-subtle hints about being asked to do it!”
Oates emphasises the importance of keeping a strong queer presence on the judging panel.
“Our community needs to be at the table, always!” he asserts.
Fan-Favourite Categories
Woof! is known for its entertaining and creative competition categories, including:
- Best Dressed
- Most Camp
- Dog & Owner Lookalike
- Wee Woofers (kids and their dogs)
While all categories are a hit, it’s the Wee Woofers section that truly steals the show.
“The kids are just too sweet, and they have so much fun coming down the runway in all sorts of cute outfits,” says Oates. “It really makes my heart melt. You can feel the love coming from all directions.”
Beyond the fun, Oates sees a deeper significance in this moment:
“I also know that none of those kids are gonna grow up to be homophobes. I just love every aspect of it.”
Memorable Moments Over the Years
Hosting an event that brings together dogs, costumes, and a lively audience guarantees plenty of surprises.
“The most memorable moments come when people turn up looking amazing,” Oates says. “I love seeing people really get into it, especially people I don’t personally know. Sometimes I just look at them and the effort they went to and think, Wow!”
Then, of course, there are the dogs themselves.
“The unexpected stuff comes with the dogs, of course. Their personalities and quirks always surprise and delight. Even when they do silly things like pee on the runway right in front of the judges, it makes for great entertainment. Dogs will be dogs!”
Why Woof! Was on Pause & Its Triumphant Return
Woof! didn’t take place last year due to the loss of a major sponsor. However, thanks to the support of Jonathan Martyn-Trenberth, owner of Pooped Dog Walking, the event is back on track.
“Jonathan approached us to step in as a new sponsor, and Pooped is a perfect fit,” says Oates. “I’ve known him for a while, and I know his values align with ours perfectly. The fact that it’s a queer-owned business just made it a no-brainer.”
With Pooped Dog Walking joining long-time sponsor Nutrience Pet Food, Woof! is ready to return bigger and better than ever.
What Keeps Woof! Going?
Organising an event like Woof! is no small task, but for Oates, the joy it brings to both humans and dogs is more than worth the effort.
“The biggest challenge is just getting all the pieces of the puzzle together in time,” he admits. “At a certain point, you’ve done all you can do, and then it’s really over to the public to show up and bring their magic.”
And, of course, the weather is always a major factor.
“We’re watching the forecast like hawks in the days leading up to it—it can be really anxiety-inducing,” he says.
But in the end, it’s the dogs and the kids who make it all worthwhile.
“At the end of the day, it’s really their day. They are the stars.”
What to Expect at Woof! 2025
If you’re attending Woof! for the first time, Oates has some simple advice:
- Arrive early to grab a good spot.
- Check out the stalls and relax.
- No dog? No problem! You don’t need a pup to enjoy the show.
- Even if you bring a dog, entering the competition is optional—just come and soak up the atmosphere.
- Bring sunblock, a rug, and some doggy treats for the furry friends you’ll meet.[Text Wrapping Break]
“It’s good vibes only,” Oates says. “Come with a friendly, relaxed attitude, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”
The Future of Woof!
Despite its success, Oates isn’t looking to massively expand the event.
“We’re really happy with the size of it,” he says. “It’s a lovely community event, like a big picnic for pooches. We don’t believe bigger is necessarily better.”
However, there is interest in taking Woof! to other towns.
“It’s a great formula that people from all walks of life enjoy. It’s also a great way to introduce people to an LGBTQ+ event that’s fun, easy, and all ages. We will always be proudly queer, but everyone is welcome.”
And, of course, Oates ends with a cheeky nod to the event’s true stars:
“This event really has gone to the dogs!”
Woof! – The Auckland Rainbow Dog Show is making its much-anticipated return on Sunday, 9 March (with a rain date set for Sunday, 23 March) at Western Park Ponsonby (Beresford Street entrance).
