Kia ora neighbour,

We’re writing to let you know about an upcoming Auckland Pride street party taking place in Beresford Square on Saturday 28 February, and to share key information about road closures, parking, and access so you can plan ahead.

About Auckland Pride

Auckland Pride is a neighbour on Karangahape Road — our office is located at 281 Karangahape Road. Being part of this vibrant community is important to us, and we believe that street parties done right make this a better place to live, work, and gather. We’re committed to working with local businesses and residents to ensure this event is managed with care and consideration.

If you’d like to talk anything through in person, we’re very happy to do so — please feel free to get in touch with Vic Walsh (vic@aucklandpride.org.nz) or pop in to the office.

The Event: Out of the Gutter Street Party

“Out of the Gutter” Street Party is the closing event of the 2025 Auckland Pride Festival. This year’s festival theme, Ngā Uri E, positions our communities as descendants of movements, as we commemorate 40 years since the passing of Homosexual Law Reform in Aotearoa.

This closing event is an intergenerational celebration of reclamation, resistance, and joy. The event name intentionally reclaims language used against rainbow communities during the 1980s law reform debates — transforming words once used to marginalise us into a celebration of pride, resilience, and belonging. 

Road Closure & Access Information

To safely deliver this event, Beresford Square will be closed to vehicles for the day, and 11 Auckland Council street carparks will be removed the night before. Key timings are outlined below:

• Auckland Council Car Parks on Beresford Closed: Fri 27 Feb 9:00pm 

• Road closures commence: Sat Feb 28 7:00am

• Production pack-in: Sat Feb 28 10:00am – 2:00pm

• Artist & DJ sound checks: Sat Feb 28 2:00pm – 4:30pm

• DJ / pre-show & doors open: Sat Feb 28  5:00pm

• Live performances on stage: Sat Feb 28  7:00pm – 9:30pm

• Production pack-down: Sat Feb 28 9:30pm – 1:30am

• Road reopened: Sun 1 March 2:00am 

Resident access will be maintained throughout the day, and trained Traffic Management staff will on site at all times.

Specific Street Impacts

Beresford Square

• Beresford Square will be completely closed with a stage being erected at the bottom.

• There will be space for emergency vehicles to enter.

Samoa House Lane

• Samoa House Lane will be closed for the times specified above.

• If you are in a bind and need to leave during the closure, please come and speak directly with the Traffic Management staff on site.

• They will assess whether it is safe for a vehicle to proceed. If approved, you may be escorted with hazard lights on and guided on foot by a Traffic Management staff member in high-visibility clothing through to Day Street.

Day Street

• Day Street will be closed at the top; however, Traffic Management staff will be actively managing vehicle movements.

• If you need to exit parking buildings or access Day Street during the closure, please see the detoured route below, and speak to Traffic Management staff on the day to assist.

• Traffic Management Staff will safely direct vehicles up Day Street when appropriate, depending on conditions at the time.

Working With Our Neighbours

We understand that road closures and events can be disruptive, and we truly appreciate your patience and cooperation.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to talk through how this might affect you, we warmly invite you to meet with us in person or get in touch via email at vic@aucklandpride.org.nz  Our team will also be on site throughout the day and evening of the event.

Ngā mihi nui,
Auckland Pride
281 Karangahape Road