Out of the Gutter (key info + seeking volunteers)

Out of the Gutter (key info + seeking volunteers)

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Closing the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival
Myers Park | Sat Feb 28 5:00PM – 9:30PM

Join us as we close the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival and commemorate 40 years since the passing of Homosexual Law Reform with a powerful, joyful, unapologetic celebration of our communities — past, present and future.

Come down, bring your people, and take up space.

The name Out of the Gutter is a direct reference to comments made by National MP Norman Jones during his 1985 anti–Homosexual Law Reform speech, where he said: 

“Go back to the sewers where you came from.”
 “As far as I’m concerned you can stay in the gutter.”
 “Turn around and look at them… you’re looking into Hades… don’t look too long — you might catch AIDS.”
🔥 WHY “OUT OF THE GUTTER”?

Fourty years ago, these words were used to shame, dehumanise and push our communities into the shadows. 

Rainbow communities have long reclaimed language that was weaponised against us, transforming harm into power, stigma into pride.

Fourty years on from the passing of Homosexual Law Reform, it felt fitting to reclaim those hateful words and flip them into something punchy, defiant and celebratory.

🙌 VOLUNTEER CALL OUT

We’re looking for community members and supporters to help with:

  • Set up & pack down (tables, tents, decorations)
  • Greeting and manaaki on the day

If you’re keen, fill out 👉 this form by 25 February 2026 with as much detail as you can and we’ll be in touch.

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🎧 FROM 5:00PM – STREET PARTY ENERGY

We kick things off with special guest DJs (announcement coming soon 👀) bringing Myers Park to life while you browse community stalls and prepare for the Parade of Heroes.

🗓️ SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28 - WHAT'S ON

✨ PARADE OF HEROES

Hosted by the legendary Elibra Fleur

At 6:00PM, the pink carpet rolls out.

Come dressed in outfits, costumes and adornments that showcase your most authentic self. Dust off your old Hero Festival looks. Re-wear your Pride classics. Honour the eras that shaped you.

Walk the pink carpet. Strike a pose. Show us your fabulousness.

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🖼 EXHIBITION

Take a walk down memory lane with a promenade of archival images celebrating our communities over the past 40 years since Homosexual Law Reform in 1986.

With support from:
Kawe Mahara • The Charlotte Museum & Nicole Duval • Auckland Council Heritage Collection • Peter Nowland • Melanie Church

See someone you recognise? Have a story connected to the images?
Email [email protected] so we can pass your kōrero to the kaitiaki of the archive.

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🌅 SUNSET VARIETY SHOW

7:30PM – 9:30PM

We close out Pride 2026 with a sunset spectacular celebrating community excellence: then, now and into the future. Featuring:

  • Ramon Te Wake
  • Buckwheat & Tess Tickle
  • Hugo Grrrl
  • Janaye Henry
  • Tyrun
  • Paul Fagamalo
  • Taiaroa Royal
  • Lijah Mavaega
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💛 COMMUNITY STALLS & PARTNERS

  • Elder Queers Give Advice
  • Celestial Market
  • AMI Sausage Sizzle
  • Rocketwerkz Dance Mat
  • Body Positive
  • Easy Tiger Pride Tattoo Flash
  • Toitū te Ao
  • Rainbow Youth
  • The Charlotte Museum
  • The Village Collective
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🍴 FOOD & DRINK

We’re backing our Karangahape Road and Pitt St small businesses, whānau. There will be a couple external food trucks, but we encourage you to support local and bring a picnic! There will not be alcohol sale at the park, so pop in to your favourite bars before and after. Many businesses will be operating as usual with special Pride deals.

Pop into:

  • No 7
  • Northern Line
  • Red Bar
  • St Kevin's Arcade Businesses
  • Lim Chhour Food Court

Or bring something from home or another local business.

See you in Myers Park on Saturday, February 28!

Stay tuned for more updates on this page and on our social media channels.