Tauranga's LGBTQ march attracts hundreds

More than three hundred people crowded on Tauranga's waterfront today, a flood of bright colours marching in solidarity with the victims of the Orlando shooting.

The march was peaceful yet powerful as people dressed in rainbow colours held signs reading 'Support Orlando', 'Don't fear love' and 'Love wins'.

Organiser and Katikati College head boy Ethan Morse, 17, was "flabbergasted" with the turn out.

"I thought maybe 10 to 20 people would come but this is a huge turnout."

He said they were all there to celebrate, commemorate and show solidarity with the LGBTQ community and the victims of the nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, which left 49 people dead and over 50 injured.

"It hits home to see all the support here today."

Before the march began at midday, everyone clustered around Mr Morse in Red Square as he read out the names of each person who lost their lives in the nightclub shooting.

"These names need to be remembered by us. They represent our struggle as LGBT teens and as a LBGT community.

"We will not be shaken by fear.

"This march is something that has needed to happen for a long time, we need more representation in the community, Mr Morse said.

The marchers trooped from Red Square along the waterfront to the art shed and back, marching to the beat of a percussion band.