Prime Minister John Key was mobbed by fans wanting photos with him when he arrived at yesterday's Big Gay Out, held at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier.
Yesterday's turnout was the biggest yet, with more than 14,000 showing up to enjoy the performances, carnival rides, stalls and atmosphere organised by the Aids Foundation.
During his speech Mr Key said the Government was about to start work on a project aimed at addressing youth suicide and praised what was being done to stop the spread of HIV.
Even when he was on stage he couldn't escape his photo-hungry fans - a man bounded onto the stage for a picture during his speech.
Labour leader David Shearer and his deputy, Grant Robertson, were also at the event, as were a lot of Green Party MPs and Auckland Mayor Len Brown.
Spokeswoman Dawn O'Conner said yesterday was the first time they had offered free HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia tests which were "very well received".
The crowd was well behaved and didn't cause any problems, she said.
"There's been lots of dancing and lots of people enjoying themselves."
Meanwhile for the third year in a row, Mr Key has topped the list of the nation's sexiest politicians.
Our country's leader claimed 39 per cent of the popular vote in condom maker Durex's annual survey of more than 1000 people.
Mr Key's good-looking rivals were left in the dust, with Tauranga MP Simon Bridges getting 20 per cent of the vote and Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross winning 10 per cent.
Mr Shearer was no competition for Mr Key in the looks department - Labour's new leader attracted only 3 per cent support.
Labour MP Jacinda Ardern and National counterpart Nikki Kaye went head-to-head for the Sexiest Female competition.
Ms Ardern also won the title in 2011 and Ms Kaye won the year before - but this year the Labour MP remained in front with 35 per cent of the vote.
Respondents were also asked some more kinky questions about politicians. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett was perceived as the most adventurous in the bedroom, 22 per cent of people said they would prefer to turn gay for Ms Ardern, and Tariana Turia and Mr Key were voted the best power couple in politics.
And 53 per cent of the 1076 surveyed said a candidate's sex appeal was a factor when they decided whom to vote for.