Kia ora Auckland Pride whānau,

As we come together to celebrate Matariki and Te Tau Hou Māori, it is with immense pride and excitement that I reach out to you as the newly appointed Executive Director of Auckland Pride. My journey from Kaiwhakahaere Takatāpui, leading Te Tīmatanga, to this new role has been deeply rewarding, and I am honoured to continue serving our vibrant and diverse communities in this way.

In the spirit of renewal and reflection that Matariki brings, our organisation is undergoing significant and positive changes based on feedback from post-festival surveys and in-depth debriefs with our audiences, event producers, and artists. These conversations have inspired us to evolve from our previous Co-Director Model, which included a Creative Director, to a streamlined structure designed to enhance our operational efficiency and creative outputs.

As part of this transformation, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Julia Croft and Nathan Joe, whose contributions as Co-Director and Creative Director, respectively, have been invaluable. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership and dedication to our kaupapa.

In alignment with the new beginnings symbolised by Matariki, we are thrilled to welcome Vic Walsh (she/her) to our team as our Operations Manager. Vic joins us from Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi and the Burnett Foundation, bringing a wealth of experience in creative coordination & production, systems change, and behavioural-change marketing particularly within Arts Advocacy, Rainbow & Takatāpui health and event management. Her expertise will be instrumental in driving our creative projects and community engagements forward, ensuring that our organisation is operating functionally, so that our mission continues to resonate deeply within and beyond our communities.

We are equally excited to introduce Blaise Clotworthy (they/them) as our new Partnerships Manager, starting July 1st. Blaise's role is pivotal in strengthening our connections with prospective members, sponsors, partners, and our Rainbow Service Collective. By fostering meaningful partnerships and collaborations, Blaise will enhance our ability to deliver impactful and inclusive events. This role will ensure that Auckland Pride remains a vibrant and supportive hub for everyone involved, facilitating growth and sustainability within our organisation.

Additionally, we are in the process of hiring an Executive Producer who will play a pivotal role in supporting the many venues who support us and our communities during Pride month and executing our Te Tīmatanga, Pride Elevates & Pride Connects events, ensuring they reflect the diverse voices and talents within our communities.

Te Tīmatanga, our initiative aimed at uplifting takatāpui, has laid a strong foundation for this new chapter. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment remains unwavering. The insights and experiences gained through Te Tīmatanga will continue to inform our approach and initiatives at Auckland Pride.

These changes are designed to achieve our vision of creating an equitable Aotearoa where Takatāpui, MVPFAFF, Queer Pasifika & Rainbow Communities are liberated, thriving, and connected. We believe that with these strategic adjustments, we are better positioned to achieve our mission of empowering, celebrating and serving  Tāmaki Makaurau’s Takatāpui, MVPFAFF, Queer Pasifika and Rainbow Communities through events, creativity, and advocacy.

Thank you for your continued support and trust in Auckland Pride. If you’re passionate about ensuring queer futurity for Aotearoa, join us by becoming a member and attending our upcoming AGM. Together, we will navigate this new path and achieve greater heights for our communities. 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts to [email protected]

Your feedback is always valued.

Ngā mihi nui,

Hāmiora Bailey