This Friday, 16 May Aotearoa will be a sea of pink in celebration of Pink Shirt Day – a day where New Zealanders stand together to call out bullying and support a kinder, more inclusive society.

Across the motu, schools/kura, workplaces and communities will join forces, wearing pink to show their commitment to ending bullying and creating environments where everyone feels safe and respected.

There’s just two days left to purchase your official t-shirt in time for Pink Shirt Day. Tees are available from selected Cotton On stores nationwide – but you’ll need to be quick, as demand is high. Every purchase of the official t-shirt helps fund crucial bullying prevention work, including providing free tools and information to schools/kura, communities and workplaces.

The funds raised will also support the Mental Health Foundation (the MHF’s) new initiative Rangatahi Rise – a youth-led action project currently being piloted in learning environments across the country, as enabled by last Pink Shirt Day’s fundraising efforts.

“The solutions to school bullying are in the hands of our rangatahi,” says Shaun Robinson, chief executive of the MHF (which runs Pink Shirt Day).

“The funds raised through t-shirt sales go directly into supporting their mahi, and other free -bullying prevention tools and information – so wearing pink is more than a gesture, it’s an action for change.

“Our goal is to create an Aotearoa where everyone is educated, equipped and empowered to challenge bullying when they hear or see it.”

It’s not too late to plan a Pink Shirt Day celebration for Friday. Visit www.pinkshirtday.org.nz to access free resources, activities, fundraising information and ideas, and fun suggestions for how your school/kura or workplace can get involved.

“Our mental wellbeing is deeply impacted by the effects of bullying,” says Mr Robinson.

“Pink Shirt Day reminds us all of the difference we can make by being Upstanders – people who speak up, offer support, and take action when they see bullying. When we stand together, we can shift harmful behaviours and build a kinder, more connected Aotearoa.

“This Friday, let’s flood Aotearoa with pink. Wear it loud and wear it proud, to help show the power of kindness, support, and the strength in standing together.”

Make sure you're following Pink Shirt Day on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and share your photos and videos on social media using #pinkshirtdaynz and @pinkshirtdaynz – we want to see your splash of pink!

Don’t miss out – tees, and pins are still available in-store at Cotton On, but stocks are limited and selling fast.

Let’s make this the biggest and boldest Pink Shirt Day yet.

Speak Up. Stand Together. Stop Bullying!

Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora

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