Auckland Pride 2018 was our biggest ever, with more than 200 Police family and friends enrolled to attend and even more showing up on the day.
The Auckland Police Pipe Band came from a full day of competition, grabbed a quick snack and just kept playing up Ponsonby Road, introducing the Police contingent with great volume and gusto.
They were followed by the colour party led by Counties Manukau West Area Commander Naila Hassan.
Commissioner Mike Bush, Deputy Commissioners Mike Clement and Audrey Sonerson, Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables and Deputy Chief Executives Karen Jones and Kaye Ryan gave the parade a huge Executive seal of approval.
Then followed a massive contingent of uniformed staff and a ute carrying Police Diversity Liaison Advisor Miss Chocolate Box - pictured chatting to Commissioner Bush - resplendent in gold gloves, sequins and halo of Police blue feathers.
Non-constabulary staff wore T-shirts designed by Zoe Sotet, winner of our online T-shirt competition. They were in such demand that our stock of 100 were snapped up – and someone wearing one in Wellington was reportedly offered, and declined, $200 for it.
Our big-eyed remote control car provided the entertainment – and everybody loved the full-size Rainbow car. Commissioner Bush’s announcement that it would join the fleet permanently was especially welcomed.
Police dogs charmed bystanders – as did our Magnificent Six horses, fanning out impressively in their parade gear, with a bit of extra bedazzle and rainbow ribbons in their tails.
Even the pooper scoopers earned applause as they went about the business of dealing with the business.
Thanks are due to many people: to Assistant Commissioner John Tims for sponsoring the T-shirts and rainbow wrist bands; and the Tāmaki Makaurau District Commanders for sponsoring our entry fee. It was great to have Auckland District Commander Karen Malthus marching with us.
Thanks also to Superintendent Malthus for supporting the Rainbow car, which after all the visits and selfies will be based at Avondale, in the care of Auckland West Area Commander Grant Tetzlaff.
District Commanders nationwide sponsored staff to attend – and thanks to our Executive marchers for making it the biggest showing yet of Police top brass at Pride.
Kirsten O’Hara deserves a medal for her planning and organisation – she’s requisitioning three more of herself for next year. The Police Association sponsored our barbecue and Bryant Walker did a stunning job of catering for all, including the vegans and vegos.
Feedback from the community has been really positive. They are glad to see us genuinely working in the Rainbow community to effect positive change.
As I travel around I increasingly see rainbow lanyards, rainbow pins and support for our values.
We’ve come such a long way. There is still work to do but we’re getting there!
