New Zealand prime minister becomes first ever to march in gay pride parade
'The streets were packed, and what an important message that sends about diversity and inclusiveness', says Jacinda Ardern
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Jacinda Ardern became the first Prime Minister of New Zealand to attend the country's Pride March over the weekend.
The Labour Party leader was one of 25,000 people at the colourful event in Auckland. She described it as a "particularly special" experience.
Ms Ardern used the opportunity to applaud the parade's message of peace as she posted a selfie on Instagram.
"I’ve loved every Pride Parade I have been lucky enough to walk in, but this one was particularly special," she said.
"The streets were packed, and what an important message that sends about diversity and inclusiveness. Thanks to everyone who came!"
The Prime Minister was photographed walking alongside two gay colleagues - her finance minister, Grant Robertson, and Labour MP Louisa Wall.
Ms Ardern danced, posed for selfies, gave hugs to people in the crowd and cut the last rainbow ribbon to mark the event.
The parade also featured a rainbow-coloured police patrol car, police dogs, horses and motorbikes, a decorated cement truck, and a "peace bird" made with 500 painted aluminium rods.
A post shared by Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) on
Parade producer Shaughan Woodcock told the New Zealand Herald it was "very exciting" to have a Prime Minister at the Parade for the first time.
"I think the overall message is that we are being led by a progressive government, a government that stands for all groups not just some," he said.
"It also sends a very clear message outside of New Zealand that New Zealand is leading the way around basic human rights and human rights for our rainbow community, and that it is time for the other countries to step up."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments