Tauranga’s waterfront is set to be transformed into a colourful and vibrant hub on Saturday 9 March when the precinct plays host to the inaugural Tauranga Moana Pride Picnic.

The family friendly event, organised by a group of volunteers from the Tauranga community, is a celebration of diversity, where people can be themselves and come together to enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment, music, food stalls, games and activities.

Describing the Pride Picnic as ‘much more than just a picnic’, organising crew member Lee Lucas says the event’s motto, ‘Be yourself, everyone else is taken’, reflects the diversity, passion and sense of pride shared by people across the Bay of Plenty.

“When planning the Pride Picnic, we were really keen to ensure that the event would be a fun and exciting experience that could be enjoyed by everyone,” says Mr Lucas.

The Pride event will start at noon with a welcome by Manurewa MP Louisa Wall. People will then have the opportunity to take part in a walk along The Strand to both acknowledge New Zealand’s journey in recognising LGBTIQ rights, and to celebrate the inclusive pride within the community.

With a host of local musicians and personalities set to take to the stage throughout the afternoon, providing picnic-goers with a great mix of entertainment and laughs, Mr Lucas says the organising crew is confident the Pride event will be one to remember.

“In between the live music and entertainment there will be a series of carnival style-games, including egg-and-spoon races, and sack races. There will also be a free photobooth operating during the afternoon with some great props,” says Mr Lucas.

“We are encouraging everyone to come down, enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate the diversity and inclusion that we are really proud of.”

Like Mr Lucas, Pride Picnic organising crew members Helen Alice and Carlo Koppe hope that people can leave the Pride event feeling that they accept themselves more, and that it is ok to be who they are.

“It is not just a once a year thing, it is something we have to do every day, but here we have this opportunity to get together and be super proud of who we are and show the community that we are here, we are part of this community,” says Mr Koppe.

“I hope that the event brings about exposure,” adds Mr Lucas.

“Community is not what you are taught, or what you might have been exposed to by one TV show, or through popular culture and social media. We are people, we are human, just like everyone else, we are a real part of this community.”

The Pride Picnic is also proud to be a waste-free event. Picnic-goers are encouraged to consider waste-free alternatives when packing their food and beverages or bring re-usable bags to take their rubbish home with them. All food and beverage suppliers will also be going waste-free and using sustainable packaging options.

The organising committee say they have been inundated with support for the inaugural Pride event and has paid tribute to the businesses and community groups helping to bring the vision for the Pride Picnic to life.

“We are so grateful for the support we have received from businesses and groups across the Bay of Plenty. It has been amazing to see so many people come together to celebrate the diversity and inclusion we are really proud of,” Mr Lucas says.

If people would like to support the Tauranga Moana Pride Picnic, or volunteer to assist the organising crew at the event, please contact Lee Lucas on 022 184 8358 or via email leelazo@yahoo.com

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