I am so very proud to say that after more than a decade without a proper festival, Auckland Pride reinvigorated the LGBT community and helped unite straight Aucklanders with the community through its range of awesome public events. Hats off go to Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development(ATEED) which shelled out 100 grand for the festival; an impressive figure, particularly with the knowledge that former mayor Les Mills tried to have the Hero Parade and Hero Programme shut down. The day of the pride parade was absolutely magical — my roller derby team took part in the parade of smiling faces, which happened on both sides of the fence down Ponsonby Road. The vibe on the day was amazing and we can’t wait to do it again.
Hannah H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Auckland, New Zealand
I love festivals. But the worst part of them for me is usually the people. Drunk idiots who aren’t there for the vibe or the fun, they’re just there to get wasted and ruin it for everyone. It honestly sometimes makes me lose a bit of faith in humanity. The Auckland Pride Festival restored my faith. I have many important people in my life who are part of the gay New Zealand community and I am flabbergasted that it is still an issue in the world, but lets not get into that. This Festival is all fun and love. It runs for about a month and includes numerous nights out, performances, day time events and things to get involved in. We decided to head down to the parade which happens around the middle of the month long festival. It was amazing. Hundreds of people were involved and showed amazing costumes, floats, dances and music. There were HEAPS of people watching and cheering them on, and all the stores along Ponsonby Road participated by making it a sort of market day. It was such an amazing vibe, everyone just supporting each other, no judgements, no hate, just love and fun. I actually got a bit emotional seeing older people supporting their old friends in the parade. If your faith in humanity needs a refresher, or you just want an awesome day out go to the Parade. It rules.