The Auckland Pride Parade is defending its road closure period after some Ponsonby Road businesses have expressed reservations about the Parade's effect on some businesses. Although it broadly supports the parade, the Ponsonby Business Association says the long pre-parade period when barriers are erected and the road is closed to cars is "a bit frustrating and disappointing... people get confused and stay away." And a pizza shop owner, himself a gay man, feels blocking off traffic from 4pm when the parade starts at 7.30pm seems unnecessary when the route of the Santa Parade is closed only two hours before that parade starts. Jonny Rudduck questions whether the barriers are necessary. Parade co-producer Jonathan Smith says the barriers are essential to protect both the people watching and the parade participants. And, he points out, adults can be more unruly than children especially when alcohol is involved or where protest action is possible.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 15th December 2016 - 8:06am