Rainbow Pride Auckland has announced it has cancelled this year’s Auckland Rainbow Parade due to health concerns over Covid-19. The organisation announced the decision via a press release which reads:
Rainbow Pride Auckland has confirmed that the AKL Rainbow Parade scheduled for 19 February 2022, has been cancelled citing a potential health risk now that New Zealand is facing the very real threat of Omicron in the community.
“Months of planning goes into being able to deliver an event for Auckland and the rainbow communities and while we’re disappointed, health and safety is paramount for everyone participating and supporting the parade,” says the Parade Event Manager Shaughan Woodcock.
Co-Chairs Trevor Easton and Matt Bagshaw comment, “We want to acknowledge the groups and businesses from Auckland and rainbow groups across New Zealand who were joining us to celebrate in the parade. We had an extensive and engaged number of partners which is great to see! It is, however, important that we show support and practice safety during a time of vulnerability. Considering the ‘case of when, not if’ there was an Omicron outbreak, we believe that we need to give our partners joining the parade enough notice before incurring cost and unnecessary work. Whilst we don’t have a crystal ball – we are taking a proactive step here based on the information we have to hand today”
“We know there is rainbow coloured light at the end of this tunnel and our community and partners will spring back – leap back – with the enthusiasm, colour and vibrancy they are known for… early next year,” says Woodcock.
