Auckland Pride Parade 2015
Information and Rules
The mission of the Auckland Pride Festival is to facilitate New Zealand’s pre-eminent festival for the
Rainbow Community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Takatapui, Fa’afafine, Intersex, Queer) to
celebrate our culture, sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Auckland Pride Festival 2015 runs for three weeks and four weekends, from Saturday 7 February
until Sunday 1 March, right across the Auckland region.
The Auckland Pride Parade 2015 on Saturday 21 February is the main event and the divine spectacle
of the Auckland Pride Festival, celebrating our wonderously diverse Rainbow Community, here in
Aotearoa New Zealand.
The theme for the Auckland Pride Parade 2015 is Gods and Monsters!
The 2015 Pride Parade will start at 7.30pm. The Parade will begin at Western Park and will travel the
length of Ponsonby Road to end at Three Lamps, running for 90 minutes.
GODS & MONSTERS
He tatai whetu ki te rangi, ko te ira tangata ki te whenua. The stars come out to play at the Auckland
Pride Parade!
This is your invitation to release the beauty, or the beast, within. Whether you’re marching down
Ponsonby Road in the parade procession, dancing and prancing with the nymphs and satyrs,
cheering on your followers from the back of a float, or just checking out the heavenly bodies. The
Auckland Pride Parade is a time for revelation and celebration!
Deities and mythical creatures tower over humanity. They are central to our story-telling and the great
presence in our arts and culture. From the all-powerful beings who cover our nights with stars, to
Maori taniwha and Chinese dragons, their magical force remains potent in all our lives.
Ancient secrets live on in present day worlds. New Zealand has become a melting pot of cultures
and peoples, each with their own gods and monsters, radiant divinities and cult beasts, saints and
sinners, icons and pariahs, whose sexuality embraces every possible variation.
The Greek male gods, like muscled Zeus and blond Apollo, often lusted for young men and whisked
them off to the sky on eagle’s wings. The Australian Aboriginal rainbow serpent, Ungud, was
transgendered. In Hawaii, Wahineomo was in passionate relationships with two other goddesses,
Hi’iaka and Hopoe. For the Japanese, same-sex male love was introduced to the world by the godlovers Shinu no Hafuri and Ama no Hafuri, who could not endure separation.
All of these beings of love and light, and our most delicious creatures of the night, will congregate
together for a parade procession down Ponsonby Road on Saturday 21 February, commencing at the
later time of 7.30pm.
Come and join them in that magical summer twilight hour, when the inner self is released from the
constraints of sunlight, when sexuality finds itself free in the shadows, when old tales come leaping
into vivid life, and when every transformation is possible!
Information and Rules
for Pride Parade Entrants
Who Can Enter
1
Eligibility falls into the following 2 categories:
Category A
All applications from Rainbow Community individuals, groups or organisations are welcome. Your entry need not be focused on LGBTTIF related messages.
Category B
Other organisations supporting or celebrating the Rainbow Community are welcome.
You must communicate a clear, supportive and positive message relating to LGBTTIF people.
2
Entries must not be discriminatory, homophobic, racist or sexist.
No entries of this kind will be accepted.
3
All entries must provide details of your artistic concept and production values (i.e. how you
are going to make your vision a reality). This information will be used to help develop your
overall look in order to deliver the best possible viewing experience for attendees.
4
Auckland Pride Festival Inc reserves the right to refuse participation to entries that have
breached Parade guidelines.
Assessment
You will be assessed to ensure that your ideas are in alignment with the mission of the Auckland
Pride Festival Inc. We will also assess your creative concepts and production standards, and will
offer advice and support to ensure your entry reaches its creative potential. We want to assist you to
inspire, excite and challenge the audience.
Animals
Dogs, cats, or other household pets are permitted in the Parade. We recommend that you make
prior arrangements with the SPCA and Auckland Council Dog Patrol. In accordance with Auckland
Council regulations, you are responsible for cleaning up after your animals in the Parade set-up area,
along the Parade route, and in the pack-down area.
Choreography/Performance Manoeuvers
Please attach a description of all choreography, manoeuvres, formations, or other exhibitions that
have the potential to slow or stop the pace of the Parade. Your description should include the time
required for each manoeuver. You will be asked to demonstrate the manoeuvers at the Parade
Participant Training Workshops. Failure to submit an accurate description of planned manoeuvers, or
any attempt to insert a non-disclosed manoeuver on Parade day, may result in removal and/or denial
of future participation in the Auckland Pride Parade.
Conduct
All Parade participants must demonstrate respect for the tone of the Parade and consideration for the
audience. The following artistic guidelines will apply to all Parade participants in addition to Health,
Safety and Logistical requirements:
1. Sexy is acceptable – sexual acts are not permitted
2. Provocative is acceptable – to shock is not acceptable
3. Satire is acceptable – degrading is not acceptable
4. Interaction is acceptable – altercation is not acceptable
5. Celebration is acceptable – crassness is not acceptable
6. Floats and individuals must not present images or messages that promote or condone violence or
hatred of any person or group
7. Handing out food or beverages is strictly forbidden
8. Full nudity and genital displays are not permitted
Corporate Businesses, Franchises and Third-Party Sponsorship
Corporations or franchises must obtain written permission from the Auckland Pride Parade
Director in order to participate in the Parade. No logos or trademarks from third party businesses
or organisations are allowed without the express written permission of the Parade Director. Such
permission, if granted, may include additional fees and conditions. Please contact us for more
information.
Lighting
Lighting packages are now available. Given that it will/may still be light – and to ensure their effective
use – face your lights towards reflective surfaces that will maximise illumination.
Parade Marshalls
There are three types of Parade Marshalls:
• Float Marshalls (Float can mean walkers or vehicles)
• Stationary Marshalls
• Gap Marshalls
Float Marshalls
Every float must supply its own team of Float Marshalls, who will walk the Parade route with your float
and act as safety marshalls. It is your responsibility to source these marshalls and ensure they are
present on Parade day. If your entry includes a powered (electric, petrol or diesel) vehicle, additional
marshalls will be required. Float Marshalls are required to attend a training session. At least one
member of your group must also attend the training session.
Training is mandatory for certification as a Float Marshall. The training sessions cover the Parade setup area, route, pack-down area, as well as health and safety information.
Float Marshalls learn the 5 Safety Rules:
• Nobody gets hurt
• Float Marshalls must stay with their entry
• Float Marshalls must be alcohol and drug free
• No throwing anything into the crowd
• No getting on or off vehicles
You must have the correct number of trained Float Marshalls on the day of the Parade, otherwise this
will jeopardize your participation in the Parade. No refund will be provided.
How many Float Marshalls do you require?
Examine the following table to determine how many Float Marshalls you require. If there are vehicles
(e.g. trucks, cars, convertibles, floats) additional Float Marshalls will be required. Motorcycles do not
count as vehicles.
Walkers (No Vehicle)
1 to 5 people marching = 0 Float Marshalls
6 to 25 people marching = 2 Float Marshalls
26 to 50 people marching = 4 Float Marshalls
50+ = add another 2 Float Marshalls per 25 people
Walkers and a Small Vehicle (based on 2 axles less than 3.5 meters apart, i.e. a car or
small truck)
1 to 5 people marching plus vehicle = 2 Float Marshalls
6 to 25 people marching plus vehicle = 4 Float Marshalls
26 to 50 people marching plus vehicle = 6 Float Marshalls
50+ = add another 2 Float Marshalls per 25 people
2 marshals must remain on either side of the vehicle at all times
Walkers and Large Vehicle (based on 2 axles more than 3.5 meters apart, i.e. a large truck)
1 to 5 people marching plus vehicle = 4 Float Marshalls
6 to 25 persons marching plus vehicle = 6 Float Marshalls
26 to 50 persons marching plus vehicle = 8 Float Marshalls
50+ = add another 2 Float Marshalls per 25 people
4 Float Marshalls must remain on either side of the vehicle at all times
Small Vehicle (No Walkers)
2 Float Marshalls with one on each side of the vehicle located by the rear wheels
Large Vehicle (No Walkers)
4 Float Marshalls with two on each side of the vehicle located by the wheels
Examples:
A Parade entry with 20 people and a car must have a total of 4 trained Float Marshalls: 2 for the car
and 2 for the people.
A Parade entry with 26 people and a large truck (float) must have a total of 8 trained Float Marshalls:
4 for the truck and 4 for the people.
Stationary Marshalls
Stationary Marshalls, provided by the Parade, are located at regular intervals along the entire Parade
route. Their primary roles are to avert injury and prevent the crowd from moving onto the Parade route.
Stationary Marshalls are complimented with Security Officers, as and when required. Stationary
Marshalls are required to attend a training session.
Gap Marshalls
Gaps in the Parade can disrupt the steady flow of the procession. The primary role of Gap Marshalls
is to minimize gaps and to ensure the flow of the Parade. The success of this plan depends on the
cooperation of all Parade participants.
Stationed along the Parade route on traffic Islands, the Gap Marshalls will provide instructions to
your group to slow down, increase your speed, or resume a safe pace. Your Float Marshalls will be
responsible for helping to get your group to comply with directions from Gap Marshalls.
At no point should you be asked to assume a pace that is faster than what is safe for you, or for other
participants in the Parade. Gap Marshalls are required to attend a training session.
Order of Parade
A number of factors determine your placement in the Parade, such as the theme, the number of large
trucks in the Parade, the type of entries, the size of the entry, and the number of participants. With
the Parade starting at the later time of 7.30pm, consideration will be given to those that wish to be
placed towards the beginning of the Parade order. The Parade Director has the final say on the order
of the Parade.
Parade Route
The Parade will begin in the set-up area (Crummer Road, Maidstone Street and Pollen Street) and
proceed north along Ponsonby Road to the pack-down area (Pompallier Terrace, Redmond Street
and Sheehan Street).
Set-up is from 3.00pm. You must be in your allocated position, ready to depart, no later than the time
that is given to you. The Parade will commence promptly at 7.30pm.
Safety
You must listen to and comply with all directions given by Parade Marshalls. In particular you must:
• not throw items into the crowd
• not board or dismount a moving vehicle
• consider how many people can safely ride on your float
A warning will be given to your group should any of these infractions occur, and a penalty of $500 for
each infraction may be levied. If infractions continue after the warning has been given, your entry may
be removed from the route.
Traffic Islands
The use of traffic islands is prohibited. Traffic islands are exclusively for the use of the Gap Marshalls
and emergency stations.
Training
All volunteers and marshalls, as well as one of your group members, must attend the training
sessions. You will be advised of the training dates via email.
Vehicles
Driver and Vehicle Information
All drivers must possess a valid driver’s license, which will be checked at the training sessions and on
the day of the Parade.
All vehicles must be insured and registered for the day of the Parade. Vehicles must be road-worthy
and in good operating condition. The pack-down area is designed for you to dismantle your vehicle
and make it road-safe for removal.
Please comply with New Zealand Road Code regulations. Automatic vehicles are preferred. Manual
vehicles are most prone to breakdowns due to excessive clutch use. Ensure your vehicle has a first
aid kit and a tool kit. Plan for a driver to stay with the vehicle at all times in the set-up area.
Motorcycles
If you wish to ride with the Dykes on Bikes, please do not fill out this application. Please contact the
Auckland Pride Parade Director: [email protected]
Vehicle/Float Dimensions
To follow are the maximum dimensions for floats that can be displayed on Ponsonby Road and in
the pack-down and exit streets. Please contact us if your float will be larger than these dimensions.
Height: 4 metres (to clear traffic lights, pedestrian crossing lights and power lines)
Length: 12 metres (there is a sharp turn from Crummer Road into Ponsonby Road)
Width: 3 metres (including rails)
Street Clearance: 40 centimeters above the ground (to clear traffic island edges)
Visibility
You can increase your visibility during the Parade by:
• Wearing matching coloured t-shirts, hats and headbands
• Playing amplified music
• Making effective use of lighting
• Displaying signs (unbranded) and flags (unbranded)
• Inviting your friends and family
Waste Management
We are endeavouring to keep the cost of running the Parade to a minimum – and in turn to keep the
registration fees low. We need your help to achieve this. Please remove all rubbish from the set-up
area before you commence onto the Parade route. There are rubbish bins located in this area.
Please be respectful of resident’s rubbish bins, as they are not for our use.
Leaving rubbish along the Parade route is not permitted. If you have approved/permitted giveaways,
please hand these to the crowd rather than throwing them. Please note that there is a charge for any
giveaways or handouts.
Use paper streamers in place of confetti, as it is easier to clean up.
The pack-down area is designed for you to dismantle your vehicle and make it road-safe for removal.
Please comply with New Zealand Road Code regulations. You must remove all waste from the packdown area.
Registration Fees 2015
These fees assist us to meet the costs of running a Parade of this size. They are set according to the
size and type of the entry. Should you have difficulty meeting the cost of the fee, please contact the
Auckland Pride Parade Director: [email protected]
** Permits one vehicle. Additional vehicles to a maximum of 2 (total) per entry, pending approval, may
be purchased. Due to limited space the Auckland Pride Parade reserves the right to approve/not
approve extra vehicle requests to maintain the size and safety of the event.
Vehicles requiring sound, lighting and power should contact us. We have a special rate for this
equipment, which includes drop-off and collection.
++ Group 3: Businesses with 2 or fewer physical stores/retail outlets/franchises in NZ only. All other
business are classified as Group 4
2015 Parade Awards
The Auckland Pride Parade Awards recognise those that have truly captured the essence of the
theme and have inspired our community. We are looking for that WOW factor – and we want to
celebrate creativity, humour, culture and passion – so think outside of the box. Create a powerful
message that hones in on your purpose. Comedy can be key! Challenge your creative friends to
assist in developing your idea and putting it into action. Plan early, so your vision can become a
reality. Remember, some people may only glance at you once, so you need to make an impact!
Simple and punchy can be very effective! And remember to smile and enjoy the experience!
Key Dates
Registrations Close
5pm, Friday 16 January 2015
Should Parade entries reach maximum capacity, registrations will close sooner
Parade Date and Time
7.30pm, Saturday 21 February 2015
Key Contact
Richard Taki
Auckland Pride Parade Director
E: [email protected]
W: aucklandpridefestival.org.nz
[email protected]
aucklandpridefestival.org.nz