Schools, workplaces and communities across Aotearoa will turn pink this Friday as thousands of New Zealanders take part in Pink Shirt Day — a nationwide movement promoting kindness, inclusion and respect while standing firmly against bullying.
Led by the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, the annual campaign encourages people to wear pink and spark conversations about creating safer and more supportive environments for everyone.
This year’s event comes as concerns continue around bullying in schools, online spaces, workplaces and communities, with mental health advocates warning the long-term impacts of bullying can affect confidence, wellbeing and connection.
Mental Health Foundation spokesperson Fee Tamani says Pink Shirt Day has become an important moment for New Zealanders to stand together and reinforce the importance of compassion and belonging.
Originally inspired by a Canadian anti-bullying movement, Pink Shirt Day began after two students wore pink in support of a classmate who had been bullied for wearing a pink shirt.
The movement has since grown internationally and become one of New Zealand’s most visible campaigns focused on kindness and inclusion.
Organisers say the kaupapa is about far more than simply wearing pink for one day.
The campaign encourages people to actively challenge bullying behaviours, support those experiencing harm and help build cultures where people feel safe to be themselves.
This year’s message is aimed not only at rangatahi, but also workplaces, whānau and wider society.
Mental health advocates say bullying can happen in many forms, including:
- online harassment,
- workplace intimidation,
- exclusion,
- racism,
- homophobia,
- and verbal abuse.
They say small acts of kindness and everyday support can make a major difference to someone experiencing bullying or isolation.
Across the country, schools and organisations are expected to hold:
- pink-themed events,
- fundraising activities,
- shared lunches,
- assemblies,
- and community conversations focused on inclusion and wellbeing.
People are also being encouraged to wear pink at work, post messages of support online and check in on friends, colleagues and whānau.
Mental health organisations say maintaining the kaupapa beyond Pink Shirt Day is critical.
That includes:
- speaking up against bullying,
- creating inclusive workplaces and classrooms,
- listening to others,
- respecting differences,
- and building stronger community connections every day of the year.
For many supporters, Pink Shirt Day represents a reminder that creating safer and kinder communities is a collective responsibility.
As Aotearoa prepares to turn pink once again this Friday, organisers hope the message remains simple but powerful:
everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and accepted.
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