Crowds gather to celebrate Auckland’s Rainbow Parade last year. Photo \/ Sylvie Whinray <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a public expression of diversity, unity and support. And if you don\u2019t support any of that kaupapa [philosophy], then don\u2019t come. It\u2019s as simple as that,\u201d Woodcock said when asked about potential protesters, as seen at last year\u2019s parade.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not encroaching on their rights. And we just encourage them not to encroach on our rights.<\/p>\n
It was all smiles on Ponsonby Rd at last year’s Rainbow Parade. Photo \/ Sylvie Whinray <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m respectful that there is a freedom of speech and that we live in a democracy that supports free speech and protest, but protest needs to be peaceful and not fearful or intimidating.\u201d<\/p>\n
At last year\u2019s event, members of Brian Tamaki\u2019s Destiny Church broke through police barricades and blocked a part of Ponsonby Rd \u2013 holding up the parade \u2013 as they performed a haka.<\/p>\n
Destiny Church members disrupt the Rainbow Parade last year. Photo \/ Morgan Huffman<\/p>\n
A group wearing T-shirts with words such as \u201cMan-Up\u201d and \u201cReal Men\u201d turned up to protest at the event. Many of those involved were young men or teenagers.<\/p>\n
Police were called on to move the protesters off the road.<\/p>\n
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown later criticised their actions \u2013 particularly as the incident came after an earlier one at a West Auckland library, during which violence broke out when Destiny Church members turned up in protest of a children\u2019s event featuring a drag king.<\/p>\n
Brown said at the time that their actions were out of line and unacceptable. He also gave a nod to Auckland\u2019s population of 1.7 million people, who he said are from all walks of life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is absolutely no place for thuggery.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senior Sergeant Anthony Turner said authorities had maintained ongoing communication with the event\u2019s organisers in the lead-up to it.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur people will be visible and the focus is on ensuring public safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cShould any instances of disruption occur on the night, then our staff will deal with that appropriately,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Woodcock said like all major events, the Rainbow Parade has a robust health and safety plan in place to ensure the safety and protection of all those within the rainbow community, as well as all members of the public there to celebrate.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fair to say that any focus on protests or talk of protests just simply reminds us why we have this parade.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about showing support, but also about showing unity. If I can make one person feel safe or happy or that they belong, then I\u2019ve actually done my job.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of negativity and hatred in the world these days. But there\u2019s also a lot of support and love \u2013 and that\u2019s what really shines out from the people coming to the parade.\u201d<\/p>\n