Auckland Pride Parade

He pōkēkē uenuku i tu ai! Against a dark cloud, a rainbow stands out brightly!

Come out to Ponsonby Road on Saturday 17 February – commencing at the twilight time of 7.30pm – for the largest and loudest carnival of equality and diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand!

The 2018 Auckland Pride Parade will march for peace, love and unity at a time of escalating global unrest, when human rights are increasingly under attack all over the world.

Featuring more than 50 moving entries, the 2018 Parade will begin at the north end of Ponsonby Road, near the Tole Street intersection, before progressing south along Ponsonby Road, and ending just past Western Park.

Auckland Pride’s showcase event brings together people from across Aotearoa New Zealand to celebrate our Rainbow communities – which includes people identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, takatāpui, whakawāhine, tangata ira tāne, fa’afafine, fakaleiti, akava’ine, māhū, vaka sa lewa lewa, rae rae, fiafifine, fakafifine, palopa, kathoey, hijra, baklâ, genderfluid, genderqueer, pansexual, asexual, queer and questioning.

A crowd favourite on Auckland’s summer calendar, the Auckland Pride Parade is a colourful and inclusive reflection of our great city, and the incredible cultural diversity within it.

Road Closures and Parking

Ponsonby Road will be closed to cars from 4.30pm – but your fabulous feet are still welcome! Come early, support the local retailers, and enjoy free and fun pre-Parade entertainment all along the Ponsonby strip from 5.30pm.

Ponsonby Road will be closed to traffic from 4.30pm to 11pm. Parking restrictions apply from 4.30pm on Ponsonby Road and adjoining roads.

Public Transport

Getting to the Auckland Pride Parade shouldn’t be a drag. Leave your car at home and catch public transport. All bus services will be operating to a normal Saturday service. Minor route changes are in place. The Inner Link will be operating via Wellington and Pitt Streets. For more information check: www.at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry

Accessibility

A wheelchair accessible area at the side of the Auckland Pride Parade Grandstand will be available to view the Parade. Space is limited, so please arrive early.

There is no allocated parking available in the area – but there is a drop-off option. If the driver of the car is mobility impaired, limited parking will be available on Hopetoun Street between Ponsonby Road and Hereford Street. This can be accessed via the Hopetoun/Hereford Street barrier.

Public Safety

Please keep behind the barriers and only cross the road at the designated areas.  Do not cross Ponsonby Road once the Parade commences.

Standing on awnings and verandas at any time within the designated area is prohibited under Auckland Council bylaws.

Please refrain from bringing glass to Ponsonby Road.

For any Lost & Found items, including children, please speak with one of our helpful Auckland Pride Parade Crew members, or visit the Lost Kids marquee next to the Auckland Pride Parade Grandstand in Western Park.

Should you require medical assistance, representatives from St John Ambulance will be located at the beginning, middle and end of the Auckland Pride Parade route.

In the event of an emergency, please notify the nearest Auckland Pride Parade Crew member, or a uniformed security guard, who will have direct access to Auckland Pride Parade Operational Headquarters. Alternatively, call 111 and help will be dispatched immediately.

Alcohol Free Event

In cooperation with Police and Auckland Council, this event is alcohol free. The current liquor ban on Ponsonby Road will be strictly enforced. If you fancy a wee tipple, we suggest that you visit one of the many fabulous bars and restaurants along Ponsonby Road. Always drink responsibly.

Rubbish and Recycling

Recycling stations will be set up along Ponsonby Road. Please use the correct bins provided for rubbish and recycling. For safety reasons, please refrain from bringing glass to Ponsonby Road. Make a positive difference.

Hawkers

No buskers, hawkers, or unauthorised sellers of goods, are allowed on Ponsonby Road and the surrounding streets.

Postponement

There is no rain date for the Auckland Pride Parade. Should it not be possible to run the event on Saturday 17 February, the 2018 Parade will be cancelled. Please listen to ZM (91.0 FM) for details.