Pride flags cut down in Queenstown
Around 29 Winter Pride street flags have been cut from their poles in downtown Queenstown.
The flags were installed around the Queenstown Bay and Village Green area last Wednesday as part of Winter Pride celebrations.
But when organisers went to check on them today, they had been removed.
Pride co-director Sam Coulthard says the incident is "deeply concerning" and likely due to homophobia.
"These flags, which symbolize inclusion and support for the LGBTQIA+ community, were cut off from their poles sometime between last Wednesday and today," Coulthard says.
"Someone has had to climb the poles to do it. They take hours to put up, so they must have been pretty determined to cut them down. We've reported the incident to police and there is CCTV in the area."
The 11-day Winter Pride festival runs from this Thursday to Sunday, 1 September. Coulthard says the flags help attendees feel wanted and safe, and also identify bars and venues which are LGBTQIA+ friendly.
"This act of vandalism is not just an attack on property—it sends a troubling message to our community and raises concerns about small-town homophobia. In a town known for its beauty and welcoming spirit, it’s disheartening to see acts like this that attempt to undermine efforts to create safe and inclusive spaces."
He says he's noticed a rise in hateful comments on Pride's social media posts this year.
"It highlights the challenges that still exist in ensuring acceptance and respect for everyone, regardless of their identity."
Only four of the 30+ custom-made flags remain and Coulthard says it will be difficult to replace them in time for the festival.
Pride has launched a Givealittle page. Each flag costs $400 to produce, so the festival needs to raise $12,000 to have them remade and flying high once again.
Coulthard and fellow director Odette Rose, who only took over leadership of the festival this year, are appealing for witnesses or any business owners with CCTV to contact police.
Sergeant Steve Watt says the theft is disappointing as it has occurred right before Winter Pride kicks off today.
“While we can’t know the motive for removing these flags until we have identified those responsible, we know how frustrating it is for the organisers of this vibrant festival that injects a real boost to our town," Watt says.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone who might have information about this theft, or who knows who is responsible.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to get in touch through the police's 105 service.
