OUR Policies

Participation Policy

Welcome to our kaupapa
‍The Wellington Pride Parade is a celebration of our city’s vibrant Rainbow culture and diversity. Being based in the capital, we occupy a unique space home to Aotearoa’s government and political life. The aim of the Wellington Pride Parade Trust is to keep the Parade focused on celebration, connection, and what brings us together. 

Participation in Wellington Pride Parade events means sharing our kaupapa of community safety and care. True equity means actively protecting the safety and upholding the mana of our Rainbow communities – including takatāpui, irawhiti, trans, intersex, disabled, Māori, Pasifika, Black and other minorities. Anyone taking part must share this commitment.

‍Participation principles 

Affirming support: All participants, groups and organisations must actively support and affirm our whole Rainbow community—with clear and unequivocal support for trans and non-binary people. Any applicant or entity that, in the opinion of the Trustees, has policies, practices or communications that cause harm to Rainbow communities, or undermine the safety and dignity of trans and non-binary people, is not eligible to participate.

Genuine engagement: Pride is a space for authentic support, not marketing. To prevent 'pink washing', we may ask participating organisations to show evidence of their ongoing, genuine commitment to Rainbow communities. We love celebrating and partnering with organisations that truly walk the talk year-round.

Trust discretion: Approval of all registrations remains entirely at the discretion of the Trust. We reserve the right to decline or revoke participation for any individual, group or organisation at any point to safeguard the kaupapa of the Parade and the safety and wellbeing of our Rainbow communities.
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‍Guidelines for government agencies 
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Participation welcomed: Individual ministries and government agencies are welcome to enter and march under their agency’s banner. As with all Parade entries, we encourage agencies to focus their Parade presence around their Rainbow employees and their work to support Rainbow communities. 

Uniformed agencies: We recognise that certain uniformed agencies have histories that can evoke distress or discomfort for members of our community. We ask that any uniformed agency contact the Trust to discuss potential participation prior to submitting a registration. 

Collective option: Public servants whose agencies are not formally participating, or who simply prefer to march alongside colleagues from across government, are warmly invited to join the ‘Cross Agency Rainbow Network (CARN)’ entry.

‍Guidelines for political parties
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No individual party entries: Wellington is unique in hosting many individuals and organisations subject to public sector neutrality requirements. To maintain a safe, inclusive environment where all community members can freely participate without partisan division, individual political parties are not permitted to register or march under their own party banners.

Unified entry: Rainbow members, representatives, and allies from any political party are warmly invited to march together under a single, combined ‘Queer in Politics’ entry to celebrate Rainbow representation across the political spectrum. Party-specific branding, logos, party uniforms, campaign signage, and recruitment or election flyers are strictly prohibited.

‍Raising concerns
‍Maintaining a safe environment is a shared effort. If you believe a participating group or organisation is not upholding this policy, please let us know:
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Get in touch: Reach out to our Trustees by emailing kiaora@wellingtonprideparade.nz

Our process: We review all concerns with care and in good faith, informed by community guidance.

Final discretion: The Trust holds ultimate authority over Parade entry, including the right to deny or revoke participation at any stage.