Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere warns that Government reforms could threaten events like Palmy Drag Fest, which celebrate diversity and bring communities together.
As we head into the second half of 2025, there are some great community events to look forward to, including in my hometown of Palmerston North. Festivals and events are incredibly important to our rainbow community, and an opportunity to celebrate the wonderfully diverse community we have here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Palmy Drag Fest is no different. I’m proud to have been a strong supporter of this annual event for many years – it’s a fantastic weekend of events, ending with New Zealand’s biggest drag show, featuring an all-star line-up of drag royalty.
Last year, I was fortunate to be joined at Palmy Drag Fest by members of Labour’s Rainbow Caucus, who came along to enjoy the festivities and show support for our LGBTQI+ community. This event is also well supported by Palmerston North City Council and the local Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA).
However, the recent Government announcement around local government reform could indicate that events such as Palmy Drag Fest – events that promote inclusivity and a sense of belonging – are not important to this Government.
Requiring local councils to focus only on what the Government calls “core services” may mean that local government support for events like this, that bring communities together and celebrate diversity, is firmly in the past.
Local government plays a pivotal role in both maximising economic development opportunities and bringing communities together.
Our councils do important work, representing and supporting communities at a local level. I’m incredibly fortunate to be part of a multicultural, diverse community where we acknowledge and celebrate those things that make us unique – as individuals, and as a community. Other towns and cities around New Zealand are no different in this regard either.
Our communities are about more than rates, rubbish, and roads. And it’s our rainbow community, along with others, that will pay the price if the Government heads down that path.
Funded by Parliamentary Services and authorised by Tangi Utikere MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
