Clowning around in the Queen city

Prime Minister John Key jokes about his dancing with drag queens Buffy and Bimbo. Photo / Dean Purcell

The Prime Minister joined his drag queen dancing partners yesterday at the Big Gay Out in Auckland's Pt Chevalier, one of the country's largest rainbow festivals.

Ten thousand packed Coyle Park in steamy weather to enjoy fashion shows, music and food organised by the New Zealand Aids Foundation.

John Key joked that he would not be repeating last year's mistake when he busted moves dancing with Buffy and Bimbo, also known as Kevin Baker and Jonathan Smith.

"Buffy and Bimbo have just told me that it lifted my profile more than theirs. Everyone already knows I can't dance. I can't sing and I can't draw, I don't think we need to revisit that."

The event attracted many pooches, including greyhounds channelling the Village People, Dalmatians, Chihuahuas and Labradors.

Foundation spokeswoman Dawn O'Conner said the family event's purpose was to drum home the Get It On campaign aimed at gay and bisexual men, who in Auckland featured highly in HIV statistics. "We want New Zealand to have a condom culture."