Taranaki Pride Week 2025

Taranaki Pride Week 2025

Taranaki Pride Week Events Report 7-13 April 2025

Introduction: Taranaki Pride Week, held from 7th to 13th April 2025, was a resounding success, showcasing a diverse range of events across Taranaki. The week was a culmination of collaborative efforts between Pride Taranaki and various local organizations, fostering a sense of community, visibility, and advocacy.

Objectives Achieved: The week aimed at achieving several objectives, notably connecting the community, being a visible presence, and acting as a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. These objectives were successfully met, with each event contributing positively to the overarching goals.

Community Engagement: The readiness and enthusiasm displayed by partnering organizations were commendable. Their support not only ensured the success of individual events but also facilitated the building of strong community relationships. Notable supporters included The Good Home, Taranaki Cathedral, Rainbow Youth, Centre City, Puke Ariki, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre, West Baptist Church, Substrate Gallery and others, this support was amplified by the displays and social media activities of Centre City.

Support from NPDC and MP’s: Significant support was received from the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), with the Mayor speaking at the launch and the council providing logistical assistance such as erecting rainbow flags. Additionally, Glen Bennett MP played a crucial role in endorsing and participating in various events throughout the week. Davud McLeod also attended the launch.

Media Coverage: Media support was instrumental in amplifying the message of Taranaki Pride Week. Coverage from Taranaki Daily News, and radio interviews with stations like More FM, The Most FM, Te Korimako and Access Radio helped reach a broader audience, spreading positivity and awareness. Smokey Lemon arranged a 22 minute Podcast “Lemon Drops No 5” was also an excellent way to tell our story. Lance  did an interview with Te Kararae in Centre  City, another first…

Events Overview: A total of 30 events were organized throughout the week, attracting over 1000 participants. Events ranged from informative discussions and workshops to social gatherings and community activities, offering something for everyone to participate in and enjoy.

Financial Overview: The financial outcome of Taranaki Pride Week was positive, with a surplus of $2782.49 Income sources were $4715.00 and included donations, event fees, and support from partnering organizations. Expenses of $1932.51 primarily covered event logistics, artist fees and travel ensuring smooth operations and memorable experiences for attendees. There was also Contra Income/Expenses of $4031.50 including prizes, printing, film fees, Smokey Lemon support and expenses paid by outside individuals and organisations. Smokeylemon furth contributed $32,000 of support $12,000 in Ops and $20,000 for the new website.

Conclusion: Taranaki Pride Week 2025 exemplified the spirit of unity, acceptance, and celebration within the Taranaki community. Through collaborative efforts, meaningful events, and widespread support, the week succeeded in fostering inclusivity and pride. Looking ahead, the momentum generated by this year's events sets a strong foundation for future endeavors in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy in Taranaki.

This report encapsulates the vibrant and impactful journey of Taranaki Pride Week, showcasing its achievements, community engagement, and the collective effort that made it a memorable success.

Details of engagement and statistics are noted below.

Key Support for the week:

NPDC, Mayor Neil Holdom spoke at Launch  and erection of Rainbow Flags

Smokeylemon, in updating website and assisting with information on events, this was in excess of any paid support and we acknowledge this. And the Lemon Drops Podcast

Glen Bennett MP, in attendance at events, speaking, hosting and FB posts.

David McLeod MP, in attending Pride Week Launch

Rainbow Youth in hosting events, sharing social media, providing networks, enthusiasm.

Puke Ariki with the Rainbow History walk through the NP CBD and Korero with Queer People of Colour Panel discussion and large Noticeboard Information display

Centre City in large displays throughout the shopping centre and hosting coffee morning

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre, wide film program featuring seven NZ significant Rainbow movies and Queer with Daniel Craig which included two Q&A and a discussion between tertius and Abbie Jury. GBAG covered all film liscence fees from there regular program

Substrate Gallery in hosting Tertius Exhibition and opening event and a booking workshop

TAFT for printing of all colour posters

NZ Police Diversity Liaison Team NZ Police did contact Pride Taranaki to offer support prior to Pride Week if there was any negative response in the community. A meeting was held with Diversity Liasion Officers so that all events were critiqued and the Police were fully aware of locations times and event details. There were no issues at any event

Individual Event Support:

·        The Good Home

·        Taranaki Cathedral (including donation of $1000 from Breakfast)

·        Rainbow Youth

·        Nice Hotel

·        Bowlarama

·        Shining Peak Brewery

·        Robert Harris Coffee Shop

·        West Baptist Church

Organisations with FB Posts that created good social media traffic

·        Centre City

·        Taranaki Cathedral

·        Smokeylemon

·        Friends of GBAG

·        Substrate Gallery

·        Glen Bennett

·        Flavio Villani

Media Support was good natured and positive

Taranaki Daily News, Half page three

Te Karere news interview on Maori TV

Radio interviews, More FM, The Most, Access Radio, Te Korimako

Events

There were 30 Events, 983 specific attendances

Activations from Centre City were 28,000 for Pride Week and 67,000 visitors over the two weeks of the installation

Activations through Puke Ariki Library were incredible for Pride Week.

Marketing

The focus of marketing was Social Media through sharing Facebook Events and regular posting. A number of events were co hosted with Taranaki Cathedral, Rainbow Youth and Friends of GBAG. A new Instagram account was set up and successfully linked to the FB Account. Posters were distributed in CBD from Currie to Gover Streets and high traffic areas such as Pak n Save & Countdown. A press release post launch was circulated to all media.

Poster Printing – All Free of Charge

  Financial Outcome Projected as at 17 April 2025

The Friends Program was successful in giving individuals (& TSB Bank) the opportunity to show their support in a meaningful way, this netted $800.

The Quiz Night was a huge success socially and financially netted $925.

The donation of takings from Taranaki Cathedral was $1000.