The Pride crew (Pic thanks to Craig James Ashby) More than 70 people turned up for the official opening of Christchurch Pride Week at the Palette Pavilion in Christchurch's CBD, which was followed by a performance by Kiwi Singer Anika Moa and an outdoor movie screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. The event was officially opened by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel on Thursday, who said Pride Week was an important event to build relationships with people from diverse cultures, religions, races and sexualities. “Our community is gay friendly and recognises the benefits of being welcoming and engaged with all the communities that make up Christchurch.” Anika Moa’s twin children entertained the crowd of revellers more so than the singer herself as she joked about her family life and affirmation as being the “Maori version of Lorde.” The Two Hearts singer shared some of her tips for love, suggesting people “stalk and send gifts;” lots of gifts, an iPad, flowers; but maybe that only worked for those in the entertainment and music industry. Movie-goer and Christchurch resident Gary Cowens said Pride Week was “fabulous” for Christchurch as it brought people together in a social environment and he only expected it to get bigger in the future. Cowens said Christchurch Pride week encouraged all groups of people to come together. “It had felt like people had stayed home for years following the February 2011 earthquake. “ Pride Week will continue with a poetry showcase, gay bingo, 10-pin bowling, HIV workshops, an evening of card games and a mystery bus trip all before the Love Your Condom Closing Party on Sunday 23 March. All events and further information are available here
Credit: Hunter Calder – Aoraki Polytechnic Journalism Student in Christchurch
First published: Monday, 17th March 2014 - 9:35am