UPDATED 8.15pm:Â A protest over the treatment of Transgender People at the hands of the Corrections Department briefly disrupted tonight's Pride Parade in Auckland.
Police reinforcements were needed to move those against the presence of Corrections Staff in the parade out of the event and back on to the footpath.
Up to 20,000 people are expected on Ponsonby Rd over the evening for what will be the highlight of the Auckland Pride Festival -- two weeks of events celebrating the Rainbow Community.
Former MP and mayor of Wellington, Fran Wilde, is the Parade Grand Marshal, taking part in the Rainbow ribbon cutting, officially opening the parade.
She will also talk later this evening.
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