10 Feb 2011

Auckland Council commit to Mardi Gras study

1:33 pm on 10 February 2011

Auckland mayor Len Brown is asking for an inquiry to see whether a gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade is possible for Auckland.

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye has asked the mayor and the council's tourism agency for support for exploratory work.

A spokesperson from Auckland Council's events arm says a feasibility study will be completed at Mr Brown's request.

She says it will explore the idea, consider the level of public support and look at the economic impact of such an event for the city.

Former organisers of Auckland's defunct Hero Parade spoken to by Radio New Zealand News say funding will be a major issue.

However Nikki Kaye says the Mardi Gras in Sydney draws thousands of tourists and injects millions of dollars into the New South Wales economy.