The NZ Police are keen to get behind the LGBTI community, with over 60 members of staff confirmed to participate in the 2017 Auckland Pride Parade. LGBTI Police march in the 2015 Auckland Pride Parade Joining the 60 Police staff members are supportive friends and family. Co-organiser of the Police contingent for the Parade, Sergeant Rhona Stace says “There are a large number of straight members of staff, friends and family attending. They are coming to support their LGBTI colleagues, friends, family and community.” Stace says the Police contingent are putting all their core values on show, particularly recognising the value different perspectives and experiences bring to making Police better at what they do. “Accordingly we've invited everyone who represents the rich diversity of our people and the community we serve to come along and publicly express our commitment to our values,” she says. “We told them you don't have to be queer, just be there.” Stace says there is no filtering process for staff participation and that everyone is welcome. She says it is the Dog Section that have been the staunchest supporters and the most popular participants. “Their motivation is as it’s always been – to support our organisation's core values and our much respected and admired colleagues in all tiers of policing – and to have a great evening taking part in one of the most enjoyable events on the yearly calendar.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 30th November 2016 - 8:47am