Sat 11 Feb 2017 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
As the sun sets on early preparations for tomorrow's Big Gay Out in Auckland it appears that Prime Minister Bill English will be putting in an appearance at the gay party and picnic day. Invitations are sent to all political parties inviting their leaders and/or representatives to attend with spokespeople the major parties allotted time to speak to the thousands gathered at Coyle Park at Pt Chevalier. Although no formal announcement has been made regarding the PM a spokesperson for the NZ AIDS Foundation which runs the event says "at this stage it looks likely he will put in an appearance." Representatives of Labour and the Greens are among those who regularly attend and speak at the annual event, as did English's predecessor, John Key. At least one protest against the government is known to be planned for tomorrow. This evening the main stage, hospitality and VIP tents are set up as are the bar and dance spaces. Tomorrow morning Coyle Park will be a hive of activity as stallholders and other groups such as first aid, police and traffic management establish their presence. The weather office is predicting light westerly winds, some overcast with a very small chance of light rain and 76% humidity.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 11th February 2017 - 6:59pm