Prime Minister Bill English has changed his position on same-sex marriage having originally opposed the bill
New Zealand's new Prime Minister has attended his first Big Gay Out - but made a much quieter appearance than his predecessor.
Bill English - who in 2012 voted against legalising gay marriage - arrived at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier this afternoon for the event which celebrates the lesbian,gay, bi-sexual and transgender communities.
He was dressed in a light blue casual shirt - in contrast to John Key's bright pink number last February.
Former Prime Minister John Key wore a pink shirt and was booed off stage last year. Photo / Dean Purcell
He spent about half an hour taking selfies with the crowd, and visiting stands including one for a HIV drug prep, before doing a media stand-up to answer questions on issues from today.
But he didn't follow in Key's footsteps with the obligatory photo with a drag queen.
And he stayed clear of the stage, unlike Key who appeared to cut short his speech at last year's event as he was drowned out by a group of about 30 protesters yelling anti-TPP slogans.
Pink glitter was also thrown at Key.
When asked by reporters why he chose not to speak today, he said: "If I go to community events, I don't speak if I don't need to. It's a Sunday, people are enjoying themselves, there's plenty of opportunity for political discussion and also the technical discussion around the health issues related to the community.
"I was at an event before this . . . I didn't speak there. People want a day off politics."
English was with several National MPs including Nikki Kaye. Photo / Dean Purcell.
When told his predecessor had spoken at the event previously, he said: "I'm a new Prime Minister and I do it a bit differently."
He was asked if he expected to get a mixed reception given he voted against the legalisation of same-sex marriage in New Zealand in 2012.
"No, I think it's a broad-minded, broad-based community with a whole range of political views but you'd expect some criticism, just like I would going to any part of the community," English said.
"There are people who don't like the Government or don't like the Prime Minister or whatever. Actually today, everyone's been very polite and welcoming."
In December, during his first press conference after being selected as National Party leader, the "active Catholic" said he would vote in favour of same-sex marriage if another vote was held, saying he has witnessed the positive impact it has had on gay couples in New Zealand.
"The law has passed, people are getting on with their lives," he said today.
"Everyone seems pretty happy about it. There is no particular reason to try and change what's a working arrangement that New Zealand has gone along with."
Jacinda Ardern with Auckland Council's Richard Hill, right, at the Big Gay Out in Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier. Photo / Twitter
When asked why he was so opposed to gay marriage, he replied: "We could go into a long, complicated argument about that. The law's operating and it's working.
"I don't see it as a moral U-turn. As I say, we could have a long complicated argument about that."
He was also quizzed over the lack of funding for prevention and research of HIV.
"If we saw some significant uplift in some of these debilitating health problems, then I would expect that the Minister of Health and the Ministry are answering the questions about what action can be taken."
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff was also at the event.. Photo / Twitter
English was also asked if he was "tempted to have a boogie" during a concert.
"No I'm not actually," he said.
"I don't think I've quite got the moves that some of them would have.
"This is a large group of people enjoying themselves and politics isn't always the best way to make them happier."
