Dianne Ryan wipes a GABA hospitality tent table after a spot of rain 12 NOON: The sky is clearing and hurried last minute preparations are being attended to as the Get It On Big Gay Out opens at Auckland's Coyle Park. Thousands of glbt people are expected to descend on the BGO this afternoon for a picnic and family fun day. Included amongst those already setting up a picnic spot under the trees are Whangarei lesbians Kylie, Hales and Ali with their dogs Tobi and Chloe. "We've come down today because here we can be who we are and not be judged as happens up home, " says Hales. "It's a perfect day to mix with our own people." Team Auckland sports group members prepare their stand Gay police officer Glen Parrant and lesbian officer Demelza Kaan are already mixing with the stallholders and early arrivals, handing out rainbow coloured police wrist bands and sticking 'New Cop' badges on people as part of a major police recruitment drive being held at the event. "We need more gay police and we're also hoping to organise a seminar for glbt people soon to bring them up to speed with what being a gay serving Police officer can mean," says Kaan, a Diversity Liaison Officer. A sound check underway on the main stage At the eastern end of the park dozens food and entertainment stalls are adding colour and aromas to the atmosphere and tuning up is underway on the main entertainment stage. Amongst the highlights this afternoon will be speeches by the leader of the opposition David Shearer at 1.30pm, the Prime Minister at 3.30, and Auckland mayor Len Brown at 4pm. GayNZ.com Daily News will file live regular reports throughout the afternoon from the Big Gay Out. You can discuss this New Zealand gay community news story in the GayNZ.com Forum.