The Board of the Auckland Pride Festival and Parade is seeking new members for Auckland Pride 2018 and beyond.

This year’s Auckland Pride Festival has been widely recognised as a success, with a visible increase in participation and engagement. The two-week programme was the biggest to date, featuring 85 different events and culminating in a massively popular Auckland Pride Parade and an excellent PROUD Party.

Feedback from the Rainbow Communities has been extremely positive. The Board were particularly pleased with the post-Festival survey results, which showed that 90% of respondents were satisfied with the Festival and 87% satisfied with their experience at the Parade.

After two Auckland Pride Festivals, current Chair Kirsten Sibbit is leaving the Board to focus on her job, her partner and future plans. Lexie Matheson and Julie Swift will be taking on the role of interim Co-Chairs until the organisation’s AGM in July.

“We’re immensely sad that Kirsten is leaving,” says Matheson. “During her time as Chair, she has stabilised Auckland Pride – and we’ve seen the results in the 2017 Festival and Parade, which have been universally praised. Representation has improved, both at Board and Festival level, and Kirsten has taken the lead in moving the organisation towards being more community driven.”

Sibbit joined the Board in 2015, becoming Co-Chair shortly afterwards. Her background as a lawyer and experience working with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) ensured that she made a valuable contribution throughout her time on the Board. She will be staying involved as a Consultant Member.

“I’ve had a wonderful time being part of Auckland Pride and contributing to the Board,” says Sibbit. “I’m really proud of what we achieved. The 2017 Festival was awesome, and the feeling on Ponsonby Road during this year’s Parade is something I won’t forget.”

“I’m sad to be leaving, as I think Auckland Pride is on the up – and will continue to grow in significance for the people of Auckland. I’d like to thank all those, within and outside of the Rainbow Communities, who have supported Auckland Pride during my time on the Board. It’s these people who make the Festival and Parade happen. I am always in awe of what they are able to achieve.”

The Auckland Pride Board is seeking new members with a range of skills and relevant experience, who have a passion for serving the Rainbow Communities and the ability to dedicate time and energy towards guiding the direction of the Auckland Pride Festival and Parade.

Potential Board members should make their interest known to the Co-Chairs at their earliest convenience by emailing [email protected]

All Board applicants will be required to complete a short application form setting out their relevant experience and the reason for their interest. Expressions of interest should be sent by no later than Monday 12 June.

The Board will be hosting a series of Auckland Pride Community Hui in late June and early July, offering all members of Auckland’s Rainbow Communities an opportunity to have their say on the future of Auckland Pride. Dates and details for the 2017 Auckland Pride Community Hui series will be announced soon.

For any queries, please contact Auckland Pride Co-Chairs Lexie Matheson and Julie Swift: [email protected]

Website:  https://aucklandpridefestival.org.nz

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AucklandPride/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AucklandPride

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aucklandpride/

ENDS