The controversial parade is the prelude to New Zealand’s Erotica Expo on Aug. 24-26.
Though the expo has been held in Auckland since 2000, the parade is the brainchild of controversial adult-retailer-turned-politician Steve Crowe, who approached the city council for the first parade permit in 2006.
That year, the city council unsuccessfully tried to stop the parade, after Mayor Dick Hubbard called it “morally repugnant.” Auckland did not require a permit for the parade to be held, and at that time, the city council said they would consider changing the bylaw so that a permit would be necessary for future events.
This year the council simply granted permission for Boobs on Bikes to take place.
Coincidently, Crowe has thrown his hat into the Auckland’s mayoral race on the 1Auckland.com party ticket.
National Director of conservative group Family First NZ Bob McCoskrie criticized the city council for not changing the regulation and then going further by granting parade organizers a permit.
“This is a lame duck council who is not willing to act in the best interests of families and children,” McCoskrie said.
Erotica Expo is New Zealand’s largest adult consumer show. In addition to the Boobs on Bikes Parade, this year the event will feature exhibitors and the crowning of Miss Erotica. Several U.S. adult celebrities also will be making appearances including Tyler Faith, Syren, Nina Mercedes, Julia Bond and Evan Stone.
