Addy, of Whangārei, was crowned Queen of the Parade after winning a catwalk competition. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Whangārei was awash with rainbow flags, sequins and colour on Sunday as the city hosted its second Pride Parade and Gayla.
Several hundred members of Northland's rainbow community and their allies marched in a vibrant procession from Pohe Island across the landmark Te Matau ā Pohe bridge to Pūtahi Park, for an afternoon of celebration MC'd by drag stars Hugo Grrrl and Kerry Berry.
Banners carried during the almost hour-long parade carried messages such as "Out and Proud", "Trans-form the World" and "Born this Way".
Even police joined the festivities in a patrol car decorated with bold rainbow stripes.
Gayla entertainment included dance, drag acts and a catwalk competition, plus a circus skills zone for kids run by Dargaville-based Circus Kumarani.
Hooligan shows his colours as a loyal supporter of the rainbow community. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
There were no incidents and a solitary protester left the park before the parade arrived.
The inclusive event, hosted by Whangārei Proud, was first held last year to boost pride and visibility among Northland's rainbow community.
Cory Fernmoor, one of the organisers, said the parade and gayla would be back next year, "even bigger, better and gayer".
MC and “drag king” Hugo Grrrl performs at the post-parade Gayla. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
The Pride Parade crosses Whangārei’s Te Matau ā Pohe bridge. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Auckland entertainer Kerry Berry puts on a show for the crowd. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Diana and Joanna of Whangārei with their rainbow terrier Willbee. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Constable Alana Cameron, of Whangārei, turned up in the police force’s rainbow patrol car. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
MC Hugo Grrrl accompanies five-year-old Moana onto the catwalk. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Whangārei’s Annalisa Gabler carries a rainbow flag through the Town Basin. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
The parade passes Whangārei’s equally colourful Hundertwasser Art Centre. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Exuberant drag king Hugo Grrrl was the MC at the post-parade “Gayla”. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
The Wood whānau, of Hikurangi, make a statement by Whangārei’s Waka and Wave sculpture. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Marchers in Whangārei’s Pride Parade pass the city’s landmark Te Matau ā Pohe bridge. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
The parade passes Whangārei’s landmark Hundertwasser Art Centre. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Phoenix Wood, of Hikurangi, leads her whānau in the parade. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Gayla MCs Hugo Grrrl and Kerry Berry, from left, with Kayela Benseman and organiser Cory Fernmoor. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Whangārei’s Town Basin was awash with colour and rainbow flags. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf