Out in the City 2026 - opening speeches

The opening of Out in the City 2026 in Wellington began with a formal whakatau and a series of speeches that reflected on the history of LGBTQ+ activism in Aotearoa New Zealand while celebrating the progress made over the past four decades. Held at Odlins Plaza on 15 March 2026, the event marked two significant anniversaries: the 40th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986 and the 40th anniversary of the first Lesbian and Gay Fair held in Wellington in 1986. These milestones provided a powerful backdrop for the gathering, bringing together community members, activists, civic leaders and performers to honour the past, celebrate the present and look toward the future of rainbow rights in New Zealand.

The event opened with members of Tīwhanawhana, a takatāpui community group founded in 2001, who led a whakatau to welcome those assembled. The ceremony included acknowledgements of mana whenua and remembrance of those who had passed on, reflecting the importance of tikanga Māori in community gatherings. Participants were encouraged to join in waiata, creating an atmosphere of shared connection and collective participation. Tīwhanawhana described their role as providing a supportive space for Māori and rainbow communities to connect, advocate and celebrate kaupapa that strengthens community bonds.

MC Homer Neurotic then welcomed attendees and highlighted the historical significance of the day. Speaking to the crowd gathered for the Pride Festival event, they emphasised that the celebration coincided exactly with the anniversary of the first Gay and Lesbian Fair organised to support homosexual law reform in the mid-1980s. That earlier fair had been part of the broader campaign that led to the passage of the Homosexual Law Reform Act in 1986, legislation that decriminalised sexual relationships between men over the age of sixteen. The MC acknowledged the bravery of activists who fought for change during a time when homosexuality was still criminalised and public advocacy could lead to job loss, family rejection or social exclusion.

A message from former Member of Parliament Fran Wilde, who introduced the Homosexual Law Reform Bill in Parliament, was read to the audience. Wilde reflected on the campaign of the 1980s and paid tribute to those who supported the reform effort. In particular, she recognised the gay men who publicly came out during the campaign, risking personal consequences to show fellow New Zealanders that they were ordinary people deserving dignity and equality. Wilde also acknowledged earlier generations who had attempted to change the law long before the political climate allowed reform to succeed. Her message noted that while much progress had been achieved, ongoing work remained to ensure equality and safety for all members of the rainbow community.

Homer Neurotic continued by acknowledging the uneven experience of rights and acceptance within LGBTQ+ communities, noting that trans and gender diverse people still face significant barriers. They emphasised that visibility remains a powerful tool for change. Simply gathering publicly and celebrating rainbow identities can provide hope and reassurance to those who may be struggling or questioning their place in society. The MC framed the day as both a celebration of achievements and a reminder that advocacy must continue.

Joanna McLeod, Chair of the Wellington Pride Festival Committee, spoke next. She thanked volunteers and organisers who made the Pride Festival possible, noting that the festival programme included more than one hundred events across the city. McLeod encouraged attendees to take part in upcoming events such as concerts, community gatherings and the Pride Picnic in the Botanic Garden. While acknowledging that the festival was a time for celebration and connection, she also reminded the audience that political engagement remained essential. With an election year approaching, she urged people to enrol and vote with rainbow rights in mind, emphasising that social progress requires ongoing civic participation.

The Mayor of Wellington, Andrew Little, addressed the gathering on behalf of the city. He expressed pride that Wellington has one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in New Zealand and described that diversity as an important part of the city’s identity. Little spoke about the responsibility of civic leadership to stand alongside rainbow communities and challenge prejudice wherever it appears. While acknowledging that discrimination and hostility still exist, he emphasised the importance of collective action in confronting those attitudes and ensuring that human rights are respected. The mayor reassured the audience that Wellington City Council would continue to support LGBTQ+ communities and promote a city where people are free to live openly and authentically.

Following further waiata and karakia led by Tīwhanawhana, the final speaker was long-time activist Des Smith. Smith had been involved in organising the original 1986 Gay and Lesbian Fair and spoke about the challenges activists faced at that time. He recalled the difficulty of securing a venue for the fair and the hostility encountered during the law reform campaign. Despite that opposition, he reflected with pride on how far the community had come since those early days of activism.

Smith paid tribute to Fran Wilde for introducing the reform bill and acknowledged the courage of campaigners who worked tirelessly to promote the cause. He remembered posting campaign posters throughout Wellington while the legislation was being debated in Parliament and the backlash that followed. Looking out over the crowd at the 2026 event, Smith expressed amazement at the transformation of the community and the level of visibility and celebration now possible.

He concluded by emphasising two key principles that remain important for the rainbow community: visibility and vigilance. Being visible helps build understanding and acceptance, while vigilance is necessary to guard against misinformation and prejudice. His closing message echoed the theme of the Pride Festival: honour the past, celebrate the present and build the future.

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Andrew Little Des Smith Homer Neurotic Joanna Mcleod Richard Tankersley Tīwhanawhana

1980s, 2020s, andrew little, des smith, homer neurotic, joanna mcleod, lesbian and gay fair, odlins plaza, out in the city (wellington), richard tankersley, tīwhanawhana

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