Welcome to Pride Taranaki

The countdown to Pride Week 2026 starts here! Join us at Shining Peak Brewery to find out what events are lined up & fill your calendar!

Registrations Essential - FREE - Catering Provided...

Puke Ariki is proudly supporting Pride Week with a special display celebrating Pride Taranaki and the stories of our local rainbow community. 🌈

Check out the Display and pick up details of the Pride Week program...

Centre City New Plymouth is once again proudly backing Pride Week with a vibrant in-mall display in support of Pride Taranaki and our rainbow community. 🌈

Join Rainbow Youth & the Rainbow Community for a Pool Party at Todd Energy Aquatic Centre

Free Event - Friends & Family Welcome - REGISTRATIONS ESSENTIAL.

Opening 5pm Friday 10th April!!

We all have a photo from our childhood that revealed our true identity - even before we knqew ourselves..... AND also see a contemporary photograph by renowned photographer Fiona Clark, we are alive and thriving in 2026. 

Call in for a convo and a look, share your story....

Exhibition space will be manned by volunteers during Pride Week, find information on other events...

If you can help as a volunteer - please contact Pride Taranaki - PrideTaranaki2023@gmail.com 

Opening of Photographic Art Event

We all have a photo from our childhood that revealed our true identity - even before we knew ourselves..... AND also see a contemporary photograph by renowned photographer Fiona Clark, we are alive and thriving in 2026. Refreshments...

Rated R18

A directionless man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive. A funny and poignant movie that will surprise you.

https://govettbrewster.com/cinema/film/pillion

Rights of Gender & Sexual Minorities

Join Disability Rights Commissioner and Rainbow rights spokesperson, Prudence Walker; Andre Afamasaga, Principal Advisor; and Taine Polkinghorne, Senior Human Rights Advisor from Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission, for a lively talk and discussion about the rights of Rainbow people in Aotearoa in 2026 - 

NZSL interpretation will be provided

Subsidised Lunch...

REGISTRATIONS ESSENTIAL

tickets $10.00

Step into the stories that shape our communities and discover the power of oral history.
In this lively conversation, Puke Ariki Archives Curator Glenn Martin and Pride Taranaki unpack how oral histories capture voices and lived experiences that might otherwise be lost, and why recording these stories matters now more than ever. Hear about the challenges and joys of archiving personal narratives and be among the first to learn about the new Pride Taranaki Oral History Archive—a project dedicated to celebrating, recording, and preserving Taranaki’s rainbow stories.

Hosted in Taranaki Research Centre, Puke Ariki.

Pride Week drinks at Shining Peak from 5pm 🍻🌈
Celebrating all the incredible people in our Taranaki community — bring your friends, your allies, and come connect.

Join the Pride Taranaki Team of Chris Herlihy & Fiona Clark to explore the NP CBD and learn Rainbow History hiding in plain sight. Meet in the Puke Ariki Museum Foyer. Coffee to follow at Robert Harris in Centre City. Also visit the "When was I Gay" photographic Exhibition in Centre City

Join us for a heartfelt kōrero with parents sharing the wins and challenges of raising queer kids. Hear honest stories, big feelings, and the lessons they’re still discovering along the way. Everyone’s welcome - parents, whānau, allies, and queer folks of all ages.

Hosted in Discover It! Centre

Alofa’ meaning ‘To Love’ in Samoan, is a 26-minute documentary following human rights advocate and ex-pastor Andre Afamasaga’s journey of self-acceptance amid the explicit and implicit pressures of faith, religion, and culture. Alofa had an Australian national broadcast on ABC in 2024 and was selected for Doc Edge Film Festival, New Zealand 2025. It also received a nomination for Best Short Documentary at the Australian International Documentary awards in 2025.

This is a FREE event, see you there...

More info here: http://alofaproject.com 

Alofa. 2024 | Broken Hill Films
Executive Producer: John Wallace
Writer/Director/Producer: Rachel Lane
Director of Photography: Mathew Knight
Editor: Kenny Ang

Elegant. Subversive. A night in white…
Begin with a complimentary cocktail, followed by a guided tasting of five gins and a behind-the-scenes tour of Juno Gin. Then settle back into the Tasting Room for cocktail-style bites and live music from Juliet McLean & Renée Millner.
Tickets essential — dress in your best white.

Join the Pride Taranaki Team for coffee and a catchup after the Historic NP CBD Tour in the Robert Harris Cafe, Centre-City, also see the "When was I Gay" exhibition.

$10 per person, plus a great raffle... Bring some cash...Pay on the Night

6.00pm Start, get your team together..... get some yummy food and a drink

Register on the Facebook event for each team, usually booked out...

A great night out!

Paul Diamond is a New Zealand writer, curator, journalist, broadcaster and historian. He grew up in the Hutt Valley and is of Ngāti Hauā, Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi descent. After a degree from Massey University he became a journalist. From 2011 he was the inaugural Curator, Māori at the Alexander Turnbull Library and later became Head of New Zealand and Pacific Histories and Cultures at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

In 2022, Paul wrote a book about the life of Charles Mackay called Downfall: The Destruction of Charles Mackay, which was shortlisted for the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards General Non-Fiction Award in 2023.

In 1920 Charles Mackay, a former Mayor of Whanganui caused a national sensation when he shot Walter D’Arcy Cresswell, who threatened to reveal Mackay’s hidden homosexuality. Mackay was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder and served 6 years in different locations, including New Plymouth Prison, where 700 men (and women) were incarcerated for homosexual offences between 1920 and 1952. To find out about this and other Taranaki connections to the ‘Whanganui Sensation’, join Pride Taranaki for a hosted lunch event 

Registrations essential....

Join Pride Taranaki for a subsidised lunch event ($10.00) 

Koha for the best breakfast in town...

Join the great team at St Marys for a fabulous community breakfast, wonderful food and volunteers, .

Bookings not necessary, just turn up, see you there...from 7.30am..

Tue 14 April Tusiata Avia

Monica Brewster Evening at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

How do we speak our own truths? How can public discourse, poetry, and performance unsettle power and reshape what we think we know?

Join award-winning poet, performer, and author Tusiata Avia for an intimate conversation about art, identity and the power of words to unsettle and transform. Renowned for her fearless dismantling of colonial narratives and electrifying stage presence, Avia is one of Aotearoa’s most influential literary voices. She will introduce her latest poetry collection Giving Birth to My Father (2025), her most vulnerable yet – while reflecting on grief, belonging, and writing through turbulence. From the global success of Wild Dogs Under My Skirt to the controversy sparked by The Savage Coloniser Book (2020), Avia’s practice asks why truth-telling matters now more than ever.  Don’t miss this rare chance to hear from an artist who continues to challenge, provoke and inspire.

RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL - Refreshments provided. SPECIAL CONCESSION PRICE FOR PRIDE WEEK.

Pride Taranaki is appreciative of the support we receive from NPDC and would like to recognise all the rainbow members and supporters from NPDC, GBAG & Puke Ariki.
We believe in visibility in our community and want to give staff the opportunity to gather together in your workplace, just to share some hospitality and camaraderie.
Pride Taranaki would shout coffees for staff and say hello and thanks….. see you in the Daily News Cafe.....

A joyful Crackerjacks session with a colourful twist, celebrating every shade of our community with pride. Join us for stories, crafts, and rainbow bright fun!

Hosted in Discover It! Centre

Join us for a fun, family friendly mix of VR, board games, and pizza with a colourful Pride twist.

Hosted in Discover It! Centre.

Join the Pride Community for some bowling, show your skills.
Register on the night, $15.00 per person. Prizes and supper!
Cash Bar available

This is a staff lunch event for TSB, hosted by CEO Kerry Boille with a talk by researcher Onjei Bond, find out about the Rainbow Community in Taranaki and some of our history and stories...

Venue Toi Foundation, Gill St, New Plymouth - Hua Roa space

Little Gay In is an energetic queer music show hosted by Jason Parker. 

Following on from the sell-out show at Reimagine Festival in 2025, Pride Taranaki proudly presents Little Gay In – a high-energy queer music showcase that’s equal parts performance, conversation, and celebration. Hosted by the magnetic Jason Parker, this lively show is inspired by his passion for seeing more rainbow faces in the crowd, blending live music, heartfelt stories, and playful banter – think music meets a Graham Norton couch moment.

Featuring Taranaki-connected talent Renée Millner and Jack Mosser, Little Gay In is a joyful celebration of queer voices and creativity. This special night brings together music, laughter, and conversation, creating a space for connection, community, and pure fun. Whether you’re here for the performances or the stories, you’ll leave uplifted and inspired. Tickets are selling fast – book early to avoid missing out!
Bar available

Pride Taranaki is appreciates the support we receive and would like to recognise all the rainbow members and supporters from Te Whatu Ora – Taranaki Base Hospital
We believe in visibility in our community and want to give staff the opportunity to gather together in your workplace, just to share some hospitality and camaraderie.
Pride Taranaki would shout coffees for staff and say hello and thanks….. 10.00am Thursday 16 April, see you in the Cafe....

The ultimate party starter is coming to Taranaki for Pride Week 2026!

About DJ Jordan Eskra

Jordan Eskra is a crowd-favourite DJ with over a decade of experience. He has performed at top events including Sydney Mardi Gras, World Pride, Synthony, and headlined George FM Presents: Sky High. Known for his dynamic sets across house, pop, vocal house, electro, R&B, and anthems, Jordan is a staple of Pride and LGBTQ+ events across New Zealand and internationally.

Whether it’s a festival, nightclub, or headline event, Jordan Eskra delivers unmatched energy and unforgettable vibes every time he hits the decks.

Follow Jordan:
Instagram: @jordaneskra
Facebook: DJ Jordan Eskra
Bar Available.

Learn how to make a submission - have your say and use your voice about the Health Curriculum and direction for Relationship and Sexuality Education. Check in with the Team from Rainbow Youth and Inside/Out.

Lew Pryme's life was a wild ride that took in everything from rock and roll to rugby before it was cut short by AIDS in 1990 (he was 51). This moving documentary interviews an ailing Pryme reflecting on his journey and (still secret) sexuality; it follows him from Waitara to becoming one of the most popular hip-swinging music stars of the 60s. He went on to manage singers Mark Williams, Rob Guest and Tina Cross; and in the early 80s he became the first executive director of Auckland Rugby Union, introducing cheerleaders and 'pizazz' to Eden Park.

A sobering watch... that details events up to his death. Special concession prices available for Pride Week.

Join the Pride Taranaki Team for coffee and a talk about what we do in the community.

This is a Tui Ora Staff Event.

Update your look, call into Rainbow Youth, great variety...

In 1999, the conservative Wairarapa electorate in New Zealand elected former cabaret performer Georgina Beyer to Parliament, making her possibly the world’s first openly transsexual national law‑maker. The 2002 documentary Georgie Girl, directed by Peter Wells and Annie Goldson, chronicles Beyer’s rapid rise from local politics to national prominence and explores her impact on New Zealand society. A heartwarming story with Georgina at her best... Special Concession Rate for Pride Week

A Place for Everyone

New Plymouth West Baptist Community Church is a place where people from all walks of life can find shelter, faith, and laughter. We’re a community that welcomes everyone, whether you're at the beginning of your faith journey, questioning, or just looking for a supportive space. We offer a safe haven for those who have not always felt welcome in other churches, ensuring that no matter where you are on your journey, you will find a place to belong. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to our rainbow whānau, and we are dedicated to creating a space where all feel embraced and valued. Join us for a special service for the Rainbow Community. Shared kai to follow.

Get in Touch

For more information, please contact our pastor Andrew at 0211492328 or visit our website: www.westbaptist.org.nz.

The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls is the first time that the irrepressible Kiwi entertainment double act, Jools and Lynda Topp's extraordinary personal story has been told. The film offers a revealing look into the lives of the World's only comedic, country singing, dancing, and yodeling lesbian twin sisters. As well as rarely seen archive footage and home movies, the film features a series of special interviews with some of the Topp's infamous comedy alter-egos including candid chats with the two Kens, Camp Mother and Camp Leader, the Bowling Ladies and the Posh Socialite sisters, Prue and Dilly.

Directed by ex-BBC award-winning documentary filmmaker, Leanne Pooley.

Director of Photography shared by Leon Narbey ('Whale Rider'); one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed cinematographers, and Wayne Vinten.

After breaking domestic NZ box office records, screening at over 90 festivals and winning more than 20 international awards, the film sold to Canada (Kinosmith) and had its theatrical release in March 2011.

Its US theatrical premiere was in May 2011 at Cinema Village in New York City, followed by the Lumiere in San Francisco, and selected Landmark Theaters (Argot & Diva).

To date it has screened in 25 plus cinemas across the United States. In February 2012 it was released in the UK.

Join the team for a warm welcome and find out about services and support at WITT

This is an informal drop in event.

Rainbow Room

A Rainbow Room is available in room D019.2 at the New Plymouth campus. This is intended as a safe space for Rainbow students and their allies where you can relax, study and meet other like-minded people. You will also find information about local events and activities, and be able to connect with advocates and services in the wider community. Please respect the space, respect each other and clean up after yourselves.

If you have concerns or suggestions related to the Rainbow Room and how you would like to see it used, please contact Rainbow@witt.ac.nz