WELCOME TO
Queenstown
Winter Pride!
Meet the team
South Island born and raised pair of long-time close friends doing what they do best— spreading love and joy in service of the community!
What does pride mean to you?
Discover the heart and soul of Winter Pride. Click here to learn more about our core values and what drives us.
A LOOK BACK AT OUR HERSTORY
2002
The Road Trip
A dozen friends from Invercargill and out of town get together for a life-changing ski-trip in Queenstown!
2003
Gay Ski Week was Born
The next year, about 300 people from both sides of the Tasman come together to mark the very first Gay Ski Week in New Zealand.
In the early 2000s, the LGBTQ+ community sought an event that would blend their love for winter sports with a vibrant celebration of their identities. It was in this spirit that Mike Sandford introduced the initial Gay Ski Week in 2003. While a promising concept, the event struggled financially during its early years.
2012
Sally and Mandy Save the Day
In 2012, financial difficulties pushed the event to the brink of closure.
At this critical juncture, two local heroes emerged: Sally Woods and Mandy White.
Their intervention not only rescued Gay Ski Week from approaching demise but also breathed new life into it.
Under their lead, the event flourished, gaining prominence as a must-attend celebration for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
2017
A New Era: Mike and Martin’s Leadership
In 2017, long term couple Mike Hughes and Martin King, took over directorship of the festival. They ushered in a new era by rebranding the event as Winter Pride, marking a significant transition for the celebration.
Under Mike and Martin’s guidance, Winter Pride underwent a remarkable transformation. Their leadership solidified the event’s reputation and garnered robust community support. Over six years, they devoted their time and effort to nurturing the festival’s growth and spreading its message of love, acceptance, and diversity.
2018
Pride In The Park
The first Pride In The Park launches as part of the opening weekend of Winter Pride welcoming more members from the local community to be part of the celebrations.
2020
COVID-19 Pandemic
Strict government guidelines meant that events had to be seated for COVID social distancing which was a challenge
2021
Event Cancelled
Due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Winter Pride was cancelled completely for 2021
2022
The Return
Winter Pride Returns to Queenstown, much to the relief of locals.
2023
Passing The Baton : Sam and Odette
In 2023, Mike Hughes and Martin King decided it was time to bid farewell to Winter Pride, but not before leaving an enduring legacy.
They entrusted the festival’s future to Sam Coulthard and Odette Rose, both deeply passionate about Queenstown and eager to build upon Winter Pride’s achievements. Sam and Odette bring fresh aspirations to the table.
Their vision extends to expanding the festival’s reach, attracting participants and visitors from across the globe, and ensuring the celebration of diversity continues to thrive.
2024
A Festival Re-imagined
Celebrating 21 Years of serving Queenstown, Winter Pride’s journey from its modest beginnings as Gay Ski Week to the extravagant festival it is today, is a testament to its transformation. Beyond being a mere event, it has become a symbol of unity, acceptance, love, and community.
As we reflect on the herstory of Winter Pride, we pay tribute to every individual who has contributed to its success, each owner and volunteer has left a permanent imprint on our festival!
Connect your brand to our audience
We welcome new supporters into the fold at Winter Pride. Sponsoring or offering deals to patrons has many benefits for participating businesses. No matter how big or small you are, find out how your business can get involved.
If you are interested, click below to find out more about becoming a sponsor or supporter of Winter Pride. You are also welcome to take the Pride Pledge!
We can’t wait to work with you!