LGBT in New Zealand held annually in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Auckland and Wellington also hold regular lesbian social events. There are a number of gay and lesbian festivals in New Zealand. Hamilton, Wellington, Tauranga, Christchurch and Dunedin host annual Pride Weeks, usually operated by the local UniQ, related youth-focussed organisations, or the New Zealand AIDS Foundation as a community-building initiative. The was a popular event in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and while the organisation pulled the 2008 festival due to funding issues, it returned in 2009. Until 2008, the Hero Festival was held in Auckland each February, and included the Hero Parade, which
New Zealand Company ships Hobart as a store ship for the New Zealand Company with 2 settlers. The "Platina" also shipped Governor Hobson's house, which the Company had assumed would be erected in Wellington. While at Hobart the "Platina" received orders from the British Government to take the house to Auckland. Much to the annoyance of the Wellington settlers, after unloading the New Zealand Company goods at Wellington the "Platina" sailed for Auckland, becoming what is thought to be the first European vessel to anchor in Waitemata harbor. The "Platina" was acquired by Gillespy of London in 1848 and sailed from London to Coquimbo