Auckland Pride has announced the team which will spearhead the event in 2016, with Ta’i Paitai returning as Festival Curator and a new Parade Producer appointed. Nick Davion UK expat Nick Davion will organise next February’s Auckland Pride Parade on Ponsonby Rd. He has a theatre and corporate and major event background, and since he has been in New Zealand he’s worked on the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover in Auckland and for Variety the Children’s Charity. He most was most recently the Operations Manager for the Auckland on Water Boat Show. Auckland Pride says Davion has experience working with volunteers, community engagement and grass roots event delivery. “I understand the potential of the Pride Parade/Festival from my home town of Brighton UK where the Pride Parade just celebrated its 25th Anniversary with an estimated 200,000 spectators and participants” he says. “I’m thrilled to be selected for the role of Parade Producer for the Auckland Pride Festival and I’m looking forward to getting amongst the community and leading the charge to put together a spectacular parade in February 2016”. Along with Paitai returning as Festival Curator, former board member Lexie Matheson has agreed to produce the Opening Gala and current board member Phylesha Brown-Acton is looking at introducing a Human Rights thread into the festival. Pride says Auckland drag queen Miss Ribena has also signed up to be face of a new ambassador programme. “We are thrilled to have such a range of skill and acumen to oversee the coming festival” says co-Chair of Auckland Pride Festival Inc Vinnie Sykes. “It will be an absolute privilege to support them in their mahi for our community in February 2016.” Paitai is describing the team around him as a “stellar line-up”. “The synergy of both fresh and established faces will bring an exciting dynamic to an already fabulous project. I can’t wait to start working alongside all this wonderful talent.” The 2016 Auckland Pride Festival will run from 5-28 February. The Opening Gala will be held on 5 February, and the Parade and Proud Party will be on 20 February. The Big Gay Out will be on Valentine’s Day. Community forum dates have also been set. Details here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 5th October 2015 - 8:56am