New Zealand prime minister becomes first ever to march in gay pride parade

Jacinda Ardern became the first Prime Minister of New Zealand to attend the country's Pride March over the weekend.

The Labour Party leader was one of 25,000 people at the colourful event in Auckland. She described it as a "particularly special" experience.

Ms Ardern used the opportunity to applaud the parade's message of peace as she posted a selfie on Instagram.

"I’ve loved every Pride Parade I have been lucky enough to walk in, but this one was particularly special," she said.

"The streets were packed, and what an important message that sends about diversity and inclusiveness. Thanks to everyone who came!"

The Prime Minister was photographed walking alongside two gay colleagues - her finance minister, Grant Robertson, and Labour MP Louisa Wall.

Ms Ardern danced, posed for selfies, gave hugs to people in the crowd and cut the last rainbow ribbon to mark the event.

The parade also featured a rainbow-coloured police patrol car, police dogs, horses and motorbikes, a decorated cement truck, and a "peace bird" made with 500 painted aluminium rods.