Readers' Views: Boobs on Bikes Parade

Readers were asked for their views on the Boobs on Bikes parade planned for Queen St. Here is a sample of the response.

This Readers' Views page is now closed. Thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts.

For the parade

If Hubbard wants Auckland to be a "world city", maybe he should look around the world and see how many other cities encourage similar FUN events. Our politicians spend too much time protecting us from ourselves. Lighten up Dick, and if you can't manage that, pull your blinds. PS: The only complaint I have is that the Herald hasn't put the start time for the parade!
- Dennis Thompson.

YES YES YES ... it's time to liven up this BORING city!
- Sarah Trimble.

Yes it should go ahead. If the narrow-minded councillors hadn't complained, it wouldn't have had the publicity, would it?
- B. Moon.

What an absolute bunch of old farts the Auckland city councillors are! It's a pity I live in Tauranga - I would have loved to be there. With Hubbard making such a fuss about it, all he's done is highlight the parade even more. Go for it Steve Crow and his topless ladies!
- John D.

It should go ahead - if you don't like it, then don't watch it. It's called freedom. The city should be promoting it, not stopping it.
- Bob.

Yes, I think it should go ahead. We don't need some old fruit telling us what we can and can't do. Let's stop being so politically correct and actually embrace a few daring things, or we can all live in Hubbard's boring city. I know where I'd rather live.
- Roland Bird.

Yes, the parade should definitely go ahead. It amazes me that people still believe that in 2006 the human body is somehow offensive. It's the Mayor's and some councillors' attitudes that promote a "smutty and unhealthy interest in nudity", not Steve Crow!
- Ken Thomson.

Of course the parade should go ahead - I'm all in support of Steve Crow. The role of the Auckland City Council is to manage our city's infrastructure like cemeteries, drainage, dogs, building consents, building inspections but NOT BOOBS.
- Ross Burton.


Against the parade

I don't think the parade should go ahead. It is degrading to both the women who are in the parade and the men who are perving at them. I'm also disappointed that the council's executive, the police, and the Herald's coverage (eg, Rudman's column) appear to be supporting the parade. Is it any wonder that we have such a problem with sexual abuse when the state (decriminalising prostitution), the police (let's support a public pro-porn parade), local government executive (go for it, Steve - the lads and I are in for a free perv at lunchtime) and the Herald (what's the fuss about - porn's okay) all support the idea that women are merely sex objects to be exploited.
- Grant Collecutt.

I am officially confused. Police caught with pornographic emails had to attend seminars costing New Zealand taxpayers $163,000 and disciplinary action was taken against some of them that can affect future promotions and at the same time that this is happening the Auckland council is allowing a parade including porn stars and topless women to go down Queen St on August 23. So we are simultaneously celebrating the people involved in the industry that produced these emails with a parade, promoting an Erotica Expo, giving the impression that we approve of the production of pornography and the people in it while disciplining the people viewing it. Or do we have a different standard for the police than we have for the citizens of New Zealand? Are we going to make sure police stay away from this parade and this expo? Or is pornography only harmful if you consume it while in the police station or at work? What is not acceptable for the police to be involved in should not be paraded in front of the citizens of Auckland.
- Elizabeth Barraud.

No parade please. Why should we not be able to enjoy public spaces in our city at all times. Let the deviants and their exploiters practise their rituals in their private places for one another's titillation if they believe they have something worth while to offer, and allow the rest of us to choose to enjoy what we appreciate. I have yet to make the connection between "bare breasts and tanks". Any ideas?
- J.L. Freeman.

Of course it should not go ahead. Can hardly believe it has been granted permission. If it cannot be stopped - then a bylaw change is needed for the future - just so tacky ! Can only hope there are not a lot of tourists in town that day - like cruise ships ... we do not need to be seen to be allowing such cheap and nasty, bad taste exhibitionism. NZ has enough trouble with indecency offending without promoting such a crude display - which really is just advertising for another of Steve Crow's sick shows. Deplorable.
- Graham and Colleen Wright.

Definitely not. In a pluralistic society those who want pornography can have it but it should not be shoved in the face of anyone who is not interested. Parading down Queen St is infringing the freedom of those who would not choose to seek out pornography. Let the porn addicts seek out their porn. Those who make money out of porn should not be allowed to impose it on ordinary people going about their business.
- Patricia Grant.

Where is censorship when you need it? As a parent you try and restrict what kids are presented with on TV, web and magazines, etc. But if you happen to be out shopping with your family on Queen St, or wherever, you do not expect to be presented with that kind of (in your face) material do you? Maybe there should be a watershed for those kind of displays, say after 9pm? Just an idea.
- Phil.

This parade should not be permitted to go ahead, as it demoralises not only the New Zealanders but the country as a whole. Where is all this leading to?
- Hazel Patrao.

Definitely no. It's exhibitionism and uncalled for. Let us get decency back in our society. It is not okay for young children to view and we have a deep responsibility towards the younger generation.
- Betty Hunt.