Auckland Promised its First Rainbow Crossing

Auckland Transport has announced that the city’s first rainbow crossing is planned for Karangahape Road and is expected to be in place before the end of Pride Month.

The Auckland design will include the colours of the Progress Pride Flag, a more recent design created by international artist Daniel Quasar and installed in front of St Kevin’s Arcade, in the heart of the gay strip.

John Nottage, co-chair of Auckland Transport’s Rainbow Network said that including the colours of the Progress Pride Flag, will potentially make it the first in the country of its type.

“This version of the flag includes a five-coloured chevron on the original Rainbow Flag to place greater emphasis on inclusion and progression,” Nottage said.

“The black and brown stripes represent our often-marginalised LGBTQIA+ communities of colour, along with the colours pink, light blue and white, which are used to acknowledge our transgender community.”

As the paint is currently on a plane heading to New Zealand, it is expected construction will begin in the next week or two as long as they get a 7 day period of no rain which will allow the paint to work best.

Michael Richardson from the Karangahape Road Business Association said they are proud to have been able to support the project.

“Over the years, many groups have advocated for a rainbow crossing for Karangahape Road, so it’s fantastic that their work has resulted in this outcome,” Richardson said.

“Karangahape Road is the home of Auckland’s rainbow community. This street and the surrounding area has a very special relationship with diversity, from the origins of Hape through to 2021. Using the Progress Pride Flag will represent the special history of this area to visitors and locals.”

Happy @AucklandPride everyone! We’re proud to be a Rainbow Tick member, one way we show our support for our employees and customers who identify within the wider LGBTQIA+ community. That’s why this Pride festival we are excited to announce our very first rainbow crossing!????️‍????????️‍⚧️ pic.twitter.com/tuGTyWSC59

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) February 3, 2021

Last Updated on Feb 3, 2021