Photo: Getty ImagesThousands of people have taken part in Auckland's annual Pride Parade - including Jacinda Ardern, the first Prime Minister to walk in the event. Ardern launched the parade by cutting the last of several rainbow ribbons shortly before 7.30pm before marching alongside the Labour Party's red caravan. Bush posted on social media before the parade started: "Great to see the turnout for the 2018 pride parade, we are really appreciating the community support." The theme for this year's Pride Parade was peace, love and unity and the event came at a time of escalate global unrest and human rights breaches, organisers said before the event. Parade producer Shaughan Woodcock also said it was "very exciting" to have Ardern taking part.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 17, 2018 20:37 UTC