A bright and colourful crowd came out in full strength to participate in the Auckland Rainbow Parade. The event, which was high on love, light and hues, took place in Ponsonby on Saturday (February 18). The pride parade started at Tole St and made its way down Ponsonby Road finishing at the intersection of Crummer and Hopetoun St.
Some 12,000 to 15,000 people lined Ponsonby Road to watch the parade, which saw 2,500 participating.
Over 45 community groups, organisations, and businesses participated in Auckland's first motorised Rainbow Parade since 2018, highlighting the love and support. The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, Bear New Zealand, Body Positive, Rainbow Westies, New Zealand Falcons Rugby team and Positive Women were just a few who took part, followed by Bollywood dancing from the team at Indian Origin Pride NZ (IPONZ). RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under star Elektra Shock looked incredibly lickable on the Ben and Jerry's float, and the energetic choreographed performance by Danza Dance Studios officially closed the parade.
The Auckland Police pipe band also had a fantastic time being part of the Pride Parade. Going by the enthusiastic cheering for the Police contingent, the crowd enjoyed their company.
National Party MP Judith Collins said, “Enjoyed the Pride Parade last evening in Ponsonby Road. Good to see New Zealand Police in uniform.”
While Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni and Minister for Auckland Michael Wood walked alongside other MPs from the NZ Labour Party, Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities walked with Indian Origin Pride NZ (IPONZ) as did MPs from the NZ National Party.
While Sepuloni wrote ‘love is love’, sharing the parade photos on social media, Radhakrishnan wrote, "Relentlessly proud #pridemarch2023.
Sharing her experience of marching at the parade with the Indian Weekender, Radhakrishnan said, “I spoke at the launch of Indian Origin Pride at Parliament last year and was touched to be invited to march with them at the Ponsonby's Pride Parade over the weekend. It was the first time that a group of people of Indian origin from our rainbow communities marched together under one common umbrella and it was an absolute honour to support them.
“We also had a lot of fun – there was music, dance and colourful outfits. The reception to them from the crowds who’d gathered to support the parade was phenomenal. I’m proud to support their kaupapa as someone of Indian origin myself and as the Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities”
Labour Party's MP for Upper Harbour, Vanushi Walters, who was also present at the parade called it a special walk. She said, "In 2021/22 as Deputy Chair of the Justice Select Committee, I had the privilege of being part of the team who ushered the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill through Parliament. The Bill passed its final reading on February 15, 2022. Very special to walk with Labour colleagues in the Rainbow Parade, a day marking one year since the Act received royal assent. Love is love.”
Calling it a “day of celebration and solidarity”, IOPNZ founder, Shay Singh, said, “We were very heartened to have the support of our friends and allies.”
When asked to share his reaction about participating in the event, Ajay Chibber, a core member of IOPNZ, said, "I loved the cheers and positive vibes from everyone in the crowd. It is a great platform for recognition of queer Indian folks.”
Sailing in the same boat, Moushumi Das, a Board Member of IOPNZ, says, "The outpouring of support and warmth from the crowds was heart-warming. We received great responses from Indian and non-Indian communities, which helped show us that there is a way forward and hope for more progress.
Sharing his thoughts about the event, which was cancelled in 2022 due to Covid-19 fears, Shaughan Woodcock, the organiser of the parade, says, “The sun was shining, and Tamaki Makaurau certainly enjoyed the Rainbow after the storm with 12,000 – 15,000 people lining Ponsonby Road to celebrate love, courage, inclusion, and diversity. I am so proud of how the event went, the team that helped make it happen, the community, and its allies. The crowd was electric, and it was great to see so much passion and support."
According to Woodcock, such events endeavour to honour and celebrate the rainbow community and raise awareness in society so that people can break free from the stigma and biases surrounding them. "Parades serve as a rousing reminder that the rainbow community still faces significant levels of challenge in life," he says.
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