Boobs on bikes falls a bit flat

Photo / Dean Purcell

After lifting itself into the news in past years, the Boobs on Bikes parade down Auckland's Queen St fell a bit flat this year.

Fewer boobs, fewer bikes and fewer bystanders was the view of one Aucklander, who has attended the parade each year it has been held.

"It was disappointing," he told NZPA.

The top half of Queen St had very few spectators, he said. In past years it had been packed.

Even the central shopping area lower down had fewer camera-wielding enthusiasts than for previous unveilings.

"It was nothing like years gone by, there weren't as many girls either."

Estimates put the crowd at around 3000, about a 10th of the number who in May marched down the same street to protest against the Government's plans to mine in national parks.

Topless women rode bikes and cars, one of them veteran adult entertainer Nina Hartley, 51, who came from the US to take part.

Huge crowds watched on in 2007, after it was opposed by lobby group Family First NZ and Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard, who called the parade "morally repugnant".

Queen St was also packed for the 2008 and 2009 events.

The event will continue through New Zealand with Hamilton next in line.

The parade helps promote 2010 Erotica Lifestyles Expo, taking place this weekend in Auckland.

- NZPA