Pride moving on after vote

‘‘honoured the democratic process and everyone had a fair chance to have a say’’ by voting, Rock said.

Looking back on the meeting, Auckland Pride board member Zakk d’larte´ said it was a ‘‘beautiful moment’’.

‘‘I’m feeling very reassured.

‘‘It feels so right to keep our Pride festival and parade in the hands of a community with a vision of a truly inclusive Pride, one that doesn’t leave behind those who are vulnerable or considered minorities,’’ he said.

The debate exposed a rift in Auckland’s LGBTQIA+ community. Those in favour of police marching in uniform said inclusion was a long-standing Pride value, while those opposed cited police mistreatment of trans people and people of colour.

Going forward, there were ‘‘so many ko¯ reros to have’’, d’larte´ said. ‘‘We are planning more community hui and will revisit discussions with the police.’’ A hui is planned for December 18.

‘‘We are committed to strengthening our relationships and helping those that have never felt like they have a platform or voice within Pride to feel like this is for them.’’

The members of People Against Prisons Aotearoa (Papa) were key players in the push to keep police uniforms out of Pride.

Spokeswoman Emilie Ra¯ kete said the result ‘‘ratified that the people want repoliticisation of Pride, not just a hollow celebration of state and corporate power’’.

Inspector Tracy Phillips, coordinator of the diversity liaison officer service, said police hoped to work with the board to identify specific issues the LGBTQIA+ community had.