Later Start Time for Auckland Pride Parade 2014

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Later Start Time for Auckland Pride Parade 2014

The Auckland Pride Festival Trust is pleased to announce the official route and new start time for next year’s Auckland Pride Parade 2014.

The Auckland Pride Parade 2014 will start at the later time of 7pm on Saturday 22 February. The Parade will begin at Western Park and will travel the length of Ponsonby Road to finish at Three Lamps.

The Auckland Pride Festival’s massive closing Party will commence immediately after the Parade at an iconic inner city venue.

"We are really excited about the later start of next year's Auckland Pride Parade,” says David Coltman, Auckland Pride Festival Trust co-chair.

“We listened to feedback from this year's participants, feedback from the hugely supportive Ponsonby businesses along the Parade route – and with the support of Auckland City have been able to confirm a later start for the Auckland Pride Parade 2014. This means the Parade will flow into the closing Party to create an incredible night for all our community and our supporters to remember. It will be the big finish to a fantastic Auckland Pride Festival!"

Auckland Pride Parade Director Richard Taki has been connecting with stakeholders and the community for the last two months to gain the approvals required for a 7pm start.

“The 2014 Parade will be moving into twilight – that time when magical and wondrous imaginings happen!” says Taki. “The 7pm start allows us to take full advantage of the last embers of daylight in showcasing our Rainbow Community. You'll see colour, movement, culture, satire and commemoration.”

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“The later start time has more risks and costs associated with it than a daytime parade. I've met with all the key stakeholders, including the Ponsonby Business Association, ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development), New Zealand Police and Auckland Transport – as well as our own key suppliers for traffic management, security, health and safety – in order to ensure the event is held safely and with a minimal amount of disruption to residents, business owners and the public, whilst maintaining the integrity and vision of the Parade.”

The theme for the Auckland Pride Parade 2014 is TIME. New Zealand's Rainbow Community is the product of our collective histories, which we need to understand, honour and celebrate in order to move forward. Where did we come from? What did we feel and want? When and why were our community organisations founded? Where are they headed in 2014 and beyond? Who are we now and what do we want to become?

“I want us to think about our past, present and especially our future – and these are the dimensions I'd like to see in the Parade,” says Taki. “I also wish to showcase the Pacific Rim and make this our point of difference from other Pride Parades around the world.”

Registration Forms now online for Auckland Pride 2014

New Zealand’s biggest and best programme of events for and by the Rainbow Community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Takatāpui, Intersex and Fa’afafine), the Auckland Pride Festival 2014 will run for two weeks and three weekends, commencing on Friday 7 February and concluding on Sunday 23 February.

Registration forms for Festival events and activities are now available on the Auckland Pride Festival website. Event registrations will close on Monday 23 December 2013. Please contact Festival Director Julian Cook to discuss your event or activity before completing the registration form: festival@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz

Registration forms for Parade entrants are also available on the website. Parade registrations will close on Friday 17 January 2014 – if not earlier, as space is limited. Over half of the 2013 Parade participants have already confirmed interest in the 2014 Parade! To ensure your group or organisation does not miss out, please contact Parade Director Richard Taki at your earliest convenience: parade@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz

The Auckland Pride Festival 2014 will officially open with the Auckland Pride Gala at Q Theatre on Friday 7 February. The 2014 Festival also features the ever-popular LYC Big Gay Out at Coyle Park on Sunday 9 February, as well as the internationally renowned Bear New Zealand Week 2014, running from Sunday 9 to Sunday 16 February.

Kicking off an unmissable final weekend in world class style, Pam Ann will be landing her new show at the Aotea Centre on Friday 21 February, the evening before the Auckland Pride Parade and Party!

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Call out for Pride Volunteers!

The Auckland Pride Festival and Parade is now looking for enthusiastic, welcoming and thoughtful volunteers from all backgrounds with a broad variety of skills. There are many roles available in which you can apply your expertise, make new friends and enjoy the Auckland Pride experience!

The Parade Director is currently seeking volunteers for a variety of Parade Marshal positions. These positions have the best view of the Parade! The Parade Crew is a supportive, community-focused team. Parade Marshals will be required to attend several training sessions, including health and safety briefings.

To express interest in these vital Parade support positions, please complete the Auckland Pride Parade Volunteer Registration Form, now available on the Auckland Pride Festival website, or email Volunteer Coordinator, Trevor Hynes: trevorhynes@gmail.com

The Festival Director is currently seeking a couple of smart and dedicated marketing interns to assist with various aspects of the campaign, from photo shoots and publicity appearances to social networking, internal communications, database development and programme distribution.

To express interest in Festival marketing positions, please email Festival Director, Julian Cook: festival@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz
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