Thousands of people filled the streets of central Wellington on Saturday as the Wellington Pride Parade returned in a vibrant show of colour, community and visibility.
Marchers made their way through the heart of the city from Courtenay Place along Dixon Street, finishing at the famous Cuba Street Rainbow Crossing, with crowds lining the route waving flags, cheering and celebrating the capital’s rainbow communities.
This year’s parade carried special significance, marking 40 years since the first Wellington Gay and Lesbian Fair in 1986 and four decades since Homosexual Law Reform — milestones that helped shape the freedoms celebrated today.
Leading the parade were 2026 Grand Marshals Des Smith and John Jolliff, two pioneers of Wellington’s rainbow community whose activism stretches back more than four decades.
In 1986, Des helped organise the very first Wellington Gay and Lesbian Fair — “A Fair for a Fair Law” — at a time when visibility itself was an act of courage.
Over the following decades, Des and John helped nurture the event into a cornerstone of Wellington’s rainbow community while also advocating for LGBTQ rights during the campaign for Homosexual Law Reform.
The couple later made national history in 2005 when they became the first same-sex couple in New Zealand to enter into a civil union, receiving Civil Union Document Number One.
Ten years later, they married following the introduction of marriage equality, cementing their place in Aotearoa’s LGBTQ history.
Their presence at the front of Saturday’s parade was a powerful reminder that today’s celebrations are built on the courage and advocacy of those who came before.
The event also saw strong support from across the region’s civic leadership, with four of the Wellington region’s five mayors in attendance.
Among them were Wellington Mayor Andrew Little, Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban, Upper Hutt City Mayor Peri Zee and Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, reflecting broad regional backing for Pride celebrations.
Opening the day’s formalities, Wellington Pride Parade Trust chair Sam Mackay reminded the crowd why Pride still matters.
“We march to show every young person in Aotearoa that they belong, they are loved, and they have a massive chosen family standing behind them.”
From dazzling drag performers and community floats to marching organisations and allies waving rainbow flags high above the crowd, the parade captured the energy, diversity and resilience of Pōneke’s rainbow communities.
For many in attendance, it was both a celebration and a statement — a reminder that Pride is about joy, visibility and continuing the work toward equality.
📸 Photos | Jeff Smith
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