Stage stormed at Auckland’s Big Gay Out amid accusations of “right‑wing, transphobic, racist and genocide enabling” politics

Auckland’s annual Big Gay Out festival was disrupted on Sunday when protesters stormed the main stage, intensifying growing tensions around the presence of political figures at the LGBTQ+ community event.

The incident unfolded during an appearance by a group of politicians, including National’s associate health minister Matt Doocey, whose arrival was met with loud boos and coordinated chanting from demonstrators organised by Rainbow Action Tāmaki. As speakers attempted to address festival‑goers, protesters drowned them out before one individual managed to breach a fence and run directly towards the politicians. Security rapidly intervened, dragging the protester away, while a second protester also made it over the fence before being removed. 

The group behind the protest had made their intentions clear ahead of the event, announcing plans to oppose the platforming of politicians from National, ACT and NZ First. In a statement, Rainbow Action Tāmaki condemned organisers’ decision to include politicians they described as “right‑wing transphobic, racist and genocide enabling”. They highlighted concerns including moves to restrict gender‑affirming healthcare such as puberty blockers for trans youth, barriers to trans inclusion in sport, efforts to remove sexuality and gender education from schools, and the disestablishment of the Māori Health Authority. 

Tensions heightened further when, moments after the first stage breach, another protester rushed onto the runway area before being stopped by security and police. Despite the disruptions, the political panel continued, though speeches from National MPs were largely inaudible over sustained chants of “National off the stage”. In contrast, Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni and Rainbow Labour co‑chair Shanan Halbert received noticeably warmer reactions from parts of the crowd. Representatives from the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori also took part, with varied responses from festival‑goers. 

Mary Haddock‑Staniland, Chief Organisation Enablement Officer for the Burnett Foundation - organisers of Big Gay Out - emphasised the group’s commitment to hosting government ministers, noting that the festival receives partial public funding. She said it was important to include political voices, adding that while protest was welcome, organisers encouraged actions to remain peaceful.

The event, held at Coyle Park, is one of Auckland’s largest rainbow celebrations, drawing thousands each year.