THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Tens of thousands of people crowded the downtown area of New Zealand's biggest city Wednesday to watch about 30 topless young women riding motorcycles and open-topped cars along the main street.

The annual "Boobs on Bikes" parade - described as pornography by opponents and freedom of expression by the organizers - attracts a mainly male audience to Auckland's Queen Street. The lunch-hour parade is to promote a weekend erotica show in the city.

Thousands took pictures with digital cameras and cell phones while some sought out vantage points on top of phone booths, bus shelters and on balconies overlooking the route.

About 100 protesters, some carrying a banner reading "Pornography fuels sexual violence against women and children," walked in front of the parade. Other protesters walked behind.

Promoter Steve Crow has organized the parade for the past five years to promote his Erotica Lifestyles Expo, which exhibits sex toys, adult DVDs and spa baths.