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TVNZ MARAE
PRIDE WAIRAU FEATURED ON TVNZ MARAE: A CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY AND UNITY
We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Pride Wairau was recently featured on TVNZ's Marae TV show! The spotlight on our vibrant community was beautifully presented by Luke Bird, who visited Te Waiharakeke (Blenheim) during the closing weekend of our pride celebrations.
A Memorable Visit
Luke Bird’s visit to Te Waiharakeke was a highlight of the festival. His genuine enthusiasm and warmth were felt throughout the weekend, and his presence added an extra layer of joy to our events. As part of his visit, Luke conducted interviews with several members of our community, capturing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.
Interviews with Jesse, Xavier, and Evan
Luke interviewed Jesse, a dedicated committee member of Pride Wairau, who shared insights into the mission and vision of our organisation, the challenges we’ve faced and the incredible support we’ve received from the community. Jesse's passion for fostering an inclusive and accepting environment was evident and inspiring.
In addition to Jesse, Luke sat down with Xavier, a 20-year-old member of our community. Xavier shared their experiences of being rainbow in Te Waiharakeke and their journey as tangata whenua. Xavier's story highlighted both the unique challenges and the sense of empowerment that comes from embracing one’s identity in a close-knit community.
Evan (82), also shared his life experiences. His interview provided a poignant look at the changes and progress made over the decades in terms of acceptance and visibility for rainbow individuals. Evan’s reflections offered valuable historical context and underscored the importance of continued advocacy and support for future generations.
Capturing the Spirit of Pride Wairau
Luke Bird’s coverage extended beyond these interviews. He fully immersed himself in the celebrations, attending both the Closing Party and the Rainbow Rally. The Closing Party was a night to remember, filled with music, dance, and a sense of unity that brought everyone together. It was a beautiful reflection of the spirit of Pride Wairau—celebrating our authentic selves and the diversity that makes our community so special.
The Rainbow Rally, held on the final day, was a powerful display of solidarity and pride. Community members marched through the streets of Blenheim, waving rainbow flags and spreading messages of love and acceptance. Luke captured the energy and passion of the rally, highlighting the importance of visibility and advocacy for our rainbow communities.
Sharing Our Story
Being featured on TVNZ Marae is a significant milestone for Pride Wairau. It provides a platform to share our story with a wider audience, showcasing the vibrant and inclusive community we are building in Te Waiharakeke. The segment not only celebrated our recent festival but also underscored the ongoing work we do to foster understanding, acceptance and pride within our community.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Luke Bird and the team at TVNZ Marae for their support and for bringing our story to life on national television. Their dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion aligns perfectly with the values of Pride Wairau, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our journey.
Moving Forward
As we look back on a successful Pride festival and the incredible exposure from TVNZ Marae, we are inspired to continue our work with renewed energy and commitment. The future is bright for Pride Wairau, and we are excited to keep growing, learning and celebrating our diverse identities.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us, attended our events, and contributed to making Pride Wairau a beacon of inclusivity and joy in Te Waiharakeke. Let’s continue to stand together, celebrate our uniqueness, and create a community where everyone feels proud to be themselves.
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