Pride Hīkoi (2024)

The Pride Hīkoi of 2024, held in Wellington on 9 March, was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, visibility, and advocacy for the rights of Aotearoa New Zealand’s rainbow and takatāpui communities. Beginning in Civic Square/Te Ngākau and making its way through the city to Parliament, the event combined a celebration of identity with urgent calls for social and political change. The hīkoi featured a diverse range of voices, including organisers, volunteers, and participants who shared their personal experiences and motivations for taking part.

Quack Pirihi, one of the key organisers, described the hīkoi as a necessary response to ongoing threats to the rights of takatāpui and rainbow communities. The event’s core kaupapa (principles) included Toitū Te Tiriti, Free Palestine, and Mana Takatāpui, each reflecting broader concerns about human rights, indigenous sovereignty, and the protection of legislative gains for marginalised communities. Placards carried messages affirming queer identity and advocating for inclusive education and protections for trans and gender-diverse people. The presence of Palestinian flags alongside Tino Rangatiratanga flags reinforced a sense of global solidarity, linking struggles for justice across different contexts.

Many participants shared deeply personal reasons for attending. One marcher, who had recently undergone gender-affirming surgery, spoke of the importance of visibility and representation, particularly in the face of increasing transphobia in the media and political discourse. For them, participating in the hīkoi was a way to affirm their existence and help others in similar situations feel seen and supported. Another attendee, attending their first Pride event, highlighted the power of collective action in fostering community and normalising queer presence in public spaces.

Richard Tankersley, a long-standing advocate for takatāpui rights, reflected on the historical progress made since their early activism in the 1980s. While acknowledging gains, they also expressed concern about political regression, particularly for younger generations who may feel the impact of legislative rollbacks more acutely. They emphasised the importance of public demonstrations like the hīkoi in holding decision-makers accountable and maintaining momentum for change.

The atmosphere at Civic Square before the march was one of anticipation and unity. Volunteers in high-visibility vests coordinated logistics, while participants gathered with banners and flags. The event was opened with a karakia (prayer), grounding the hīkoi in a sense of collective purpose. Chants such as “Queer rights are human rights” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” echoed through the streets, amplifying the intersectional nature of the protest.

The event was not without its challenges. Organisers had to navigate differing opinions within the community, particularly around the presence of uniformed police, the Department of Corrections, and the New Zealand Defence Force at Pride events. Despite these tensions, there was a strong emphasis on ensuring cultural and community safety, with organisers working hard to create an inclusive and respectful space for all participants.

Festival Director Craig Watson spoke about the broader Wellington Pride Festival, of which the hīkoi was a key component. The festival featured a range of events, including a youth ball, poetry readings, and the evening’s Pride Parade and street celebrations. Watson acknowledged the challenges of organising such a large-scale event but stressed the importance of maintaining both celebratory and activist elements within Pride.

The hīkoi also served as a reminder of the resilience of the rainbow community. Many attendees noted that despite ongoing struggles, events like this reinforced their sense of belonging and hope for the future. There was recognition of the progress made over the decades, but also a shared understanding that vigilance and activism remain crucial in the face of new political and social challenges.

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Craig Watson Gabi Hemsley Quack Pirihi Richard Tankersley Sandra Marekino

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