‘You are loved’: Kinetic returns to Wellington Pride Parade

Kinetic returned to the Wellington Pride Parade this year with its rainbow wrapped ‘You are loved’ bus, joined for the first time by local team members and Greater Wellington Regional Council walking alongside, in celebration and support of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

The annual parade is one of the highlights of Wellington’s Pride celebrations, bringing together the Rainbow community, allies, and organisations from across the region. 

Kinetic has been part of the parade since 2022, and this year’s expanded participation reflects its ongoing commitment to inclusion and allyship in the communities it serves. 

Ken Pearson, General Manager Operations for the region, said it was special to see staff and partners walking alongside the Pride bus for the first time.

“Our ‘You are loved’ bus has been part of the Wellington Pride Parade for several years, but having our team walking alongside it this year made it even more meaningful.

“Public transport connects communities every day, so it’s important that people who travel with us, and the people who work with us, feel respected, welcomed, and able to be themselves.”

Walking alongside the bus in the parade were Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter and Public Transport deputy-chair Tom James, representing Greater Wellington Regional Council and Metlink.

“It was such a joyful event, and I was honoured to be there representing Greater Wellington and Metlink,” says Cr Ponter.

“It was particularly great to hear all the shouts of “thanks driver!” from the crowds as the bus passed by. The parade really showed what Wellington does best: inclusion, respect and community.”

The bus was driven by Wellington driver Kelly, a proud member of the Rainbow community who has driven Kinetic’s ‘You are loved’ bus in the parade for the past three years.

Kinetic’s support for Wellington Pride extends beyond the parade itself. The organisation also sponsors the Pride Youth Ball, providing free shuttle services for rangatahi across the region to help them travel safely and confidently to and from the event.

Kinetic is also progressing its journey towards Toitū Takatāpui Rainbow Tick accreditation, reflecting its commitment to creating a workplace where LGBTQIA+ staff feel safe, supported, and able to bring their whole selves to work.

For Kinetic, Pride is an ongoing commitment, and the organisation looks forward to supporting initiatives that bring communities together and celebrate the diversity that makes Aotearoa unique.