As Auckland’s Rainbow Parade gears up for another colourful celebration, Event Manager Shaughan Woodcock gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this year’s Parade so significant, and why our visibility remains vital.
How many groups and organisations are marching in 2026, and what does that number say about where the Parade — and the community — is right now?
For 2026, we’re seeing one of the strongest and most diverse turnouts the Auckland Rainbow Parade has ever had — over 3,500 participants from community, sports, corporate, creative, and grassroots spaces.
That number tells us that despite the current social and political climate, people want to show up, be connected, be proud, and deeply invested in being seen and heard.
Who are some of the standout groups taking part this year?
Rainbow sporting groups are out in force again this year, with the AlliGAYtors, Auckland Armadillos, Auckland Feathers, OutRunnerz, and Rainbow Strikers Football Club leading the charge.
We’re also proud to have community support organisations like YES Disability Resource Centre, Lifeline, and Netsafe marching alongside inclusive corporates including Tower Insurance, Microsoft, Les Mills, and KiwiRail.
And to close the Parade on a high, Auckland’s favourite band, White Chapel Jack, will bring the celebration home.
Are there any organisations or groups marching for the very first time this year?
We’re excited to welcome a number of first-time groups, including all four major banks, Everybody Eats, IKEA, nib NZ, and Pacifica Shipping.
Having these organisations join the Parade for the first time shows a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Last year’s Rainbow Parade was a huge success — what were some of the standout moments that really stuck with you as the Event Manager?
What really stood out was the energy — from the moment the Parade began to the final groups crossing the finish.
Seeing families, rangatahi, elders, first-time marchers, and long-time activists all sharing the same space was incredibly powerful.
Why does a public, visible event like the Rainbow Parade still matter in 2026?
Visibility still matters because inclusion, safety, equal rights, and acceptance are not guaranteed — even now.
In 2026, we’re seeing renewed debate, pushback, and harmful rhetoric directed at Rainbow communities, both here and globally.
The Rainbow Parade isn’t just for the LGBTQIA+ community — it’s for anyone who believes in inclusion, diversity, unity, and love. Its message is clear: we are here, we belong, and we’re not going backwards.
For someone who’s never attended the Rainbow Parade before, how would you describe the experience — and why should this be the year they come along?
It’s colourful, it’s a celebration, it’s diverse, and it demonstrates a deep sense of pride and community — it can also be emotional.
You don’t need to know where you fit to belong. You just need to show up.
What’s one thing you hope people feel as the Parade passes by?
On a personal level, I hope they feel seen.
Seen in their joy, their identity, and seen as part of something larger.
If people walk away feeling even a little more connected, a little less alone, and a little more hopeful, then the Parade has done exactly what it’s meant to do.
Auckland’s Rainbow Parade returns to Ponsonby Road at 7.30pm on Saturday 21 February. For more information, visit rainbowparade.co.nz
