Dozens of protesters from Brian Tamaki’s Man Up group briefly disrupted the Wellington Pride Parade, performing a haka at the event’s start. The demonstration, involving 30 to 40 members, was met with chants from the crowd and a swift police response, ensuring the parade continued without further interference.
Mayor Tory Whanau, present at the event alongside Wellington Paranormal actor Karen O’Leary, praised the police and attendees for maintaining the parade’s celebratory atmosphere. “They are not welcome here. They are not welcome in Wellington. Our city is all about diversity and our rainbow community,” Whanau stated.
O’Leary dismissed the protest, saying, “I didn’t pay any attention, because it doesn’t deserve any of my attention.” She highlighted the overwhelming support shown by the parade’s large turnout.
Concerns about potential disruptions arose following an incident at Auckland Pride last month, where Man Up members interrupted an event and allegedly barricaded people inside a library. Linked to Destiny Church, the group’s actions were widely criticised, with church leader Brian Tamaki encouraging demonstrators to “storm the library.”
Despite the disruption, the Wellington Pride Parade proceeded along Courtenay Place and Dixon Street, culminating at the rainbow crossing on Cuba Street. Event organisers had prepared for possible protests, encouraging attendees to respond peacefully and keep the focus on celebration.
Rainbow organisations, including Rainbow Youth and InsideOUT, condemned the protests, calling for government action against targeted violence towards the LGBTQ+ community. InsideOUT’s Managing Director, Tabby Besley, noted, “Loud bigoted voices are being drowned out by the growth of visibility in the rainbow community.”
The Pride Parade continued as a symbol of resilience, reinforcing Wellington’s commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
