Politicians from National’s Government, Labour, the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori were met with an intense reception when they stepped onto the Big Gay Out mainstage at 2.10pm, as loud protests and boos rang out across Coyle Park.
ACT and NZ First politicians did not attend the event.
The 10-minute political panel, hosted by drag performer Miss Ribena, unfolded amid sustained chanting from demonstrators organised by Rainbow Action Tāmaki. Protesters repeatedly shouted “National off the stage”, their voices carrying across the crowd as politicians attempted to speak.
Tensions escalated briefly when a woman breached a barrier and ran onto the stage’s runway. She was intercepted by security staff and police just metres from where the politicians were standing. The incident heightened an already charged atmosphere.
National MPs were largely drowned out by boos. In contrast, there were audible cheers for Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni and Rainbow Labour co-chair Shanan Halbert, who appeared to receive a warmer reception from sections of the crowd.
Representatives from the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori also took part in the panel, with crowd reactions varying throughout and reflecting broader tensions that have emerged over political representation at the event.
The protest, organised by Rainbow Action Tāmaki, had called on supporters to gather at the mainstage in opposition to National, ACT and NZ First politicians being given a platform. Chants continued for much of the session, underscoring divisions within parts of the rainbow community about the role of elected officials at Pride celebrations.
Despite the disruption, the panel concluded without further physical incidents.
Photos & video | Jasmin Shiekh.
