New Zealand is in the pink today in an effort to raise awareness about bullying. May 22 marks Pink Shirt Day, where people around the country are encouraged to work together to prevent or stop bullying by celebrating people’s differences and promoting positive relationships.
The cause is particularly pertinent. In one New Zealand study in 2013, it was found that 94% of school staff surveyed have seen bullying in their schools, with examples of verbal bullying occurring at least weekly among students.
This year, plenty of Kiwi stars are donning pink shirts in support of the cause – from Flight of the Conchord’s Jemaine Clement to Shortland Street’s Jacqueline Nairn.
Shorty star Jacqueline Nairn shows her support for Pink Shirt Day.
Leading retail chain Glassons (pictured top) is showing its support this month, too. Store staff around the country are donning pink wristbands and shirts to help raise awareness of the anti-bullying campaign.
“Glassons customers are women, and many of them have experienced bullying of some kind, whether it be face to face, online, or having witnessed it happening to their own children,” says Hallenstein Glasson CEO Graeme Popplewell. “We do not tolerate bullying within our own business, and we don’t think anyone should have to tolerate it in their lives either.”
Pink Shirt Day was started in Canada in 2007 and adopted here in New Zealand two years later. To get involved, visit pinkshirtday.org.nz
