Pink Shirt Day continues anti-bullying message

Every year, thousands of New Zealanders wear pink to school, work and community events as part of Pink Shirt Day, a nationwide anti-bullying campaign led by the Mental Health Foundation.

Held annually in May, Pink Shirt Day encourages people to “Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying” and promotes inclusion, kindness and respect in schools, workplaces and communities throughout Aotearoa.

The campaign began in Canada in 2007 after two students supported a younger student who was a victim of a homophobic attack for wearing a pink shirt. Their act of solidarity quickly spread internationally and has since become one of the world’s most recognised anti-bullying movements. In New Zealand, the Mental Health Foundation has run Pink Shirt Day since 2012.

Organisers say the kaupapa is about more than simply wearing pink clothing for a day. The campaign focuses on creating safer, more inclusive environments for people of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and cultures.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, bullying can have long-term impacts on mental health and wellbeing, including increased risks of anxiety, depression and social isolation. Young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly vulnerable to bullying and discrimination, especially within school environments.

The campaign has generally been well-supported, although online discussions indicate that some people question whether awareness days alone are enough to tackle bullying in schools and workplaces. Some social media users have argued that organisations must also address toxic workplace culture and provide stronger systems for reporting bullying behaviour.

Supporters of Pink Shirt Day say the annual event still plays an important role in keeping conversations around bullying visible and encouraging people to become “upstanders”, those who actively support others experiencing harassment or exclusion. Donations from the campaign also help fund educational resources and support services, including programmes supporting rainbow youth in schools.

This year’s Pink Shirt Day in New Zealand takes place on Friday, May 15. The Mental Health Foundation says the goal remains the same: helping create a kinder, safer and more inclusive Aotearoa where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves.

Pink Shirt Day for workplaces

Pink Shirt Day is also increasingly being embraced by workplaces across New Zealand as businesses place greater focus on employee wellbeing, inclusion and workplace culture.

The Mental Health Foundation encourages organisations to use the campaign as an opportunity to have honest conversations about bullying, harassment and respect in professional environments. While many workplaces participate by wearing pink or hosting fundraising events, organisers say the wider goal is to help create psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel supported and valued.

Pink Shirt Day organisers say bullying in professional settings can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout and lower job satisfaction. It can also contribute to absenteeism, poor morale and higher staff turnover. Workplace bullying can take many forms, including intimidation, exclusion, repeated criticism, online harassment or misuse of power.

Pink Shirt Day encourages employers to move beyond symbolic gestures by reviewing workplace policies, improving reporting systems and supporting inclusive leadership practices. Many organisations now use the day to run team workshops, wellbeing sessions and discussions around diversity and respectful communication.

The campaign also aligns with broader conversations happening across New Zealand about mental health and workplace culture. In recent years, greater attention has been placed on toxic work environments, burnout and the importance of employee wellbeing, particularly following the social and economic pressures experienced after the pandemic years.

Supporters say workplaces play a major role in shaping everyday experiences for employees and that positive workplace culture can have lasting benefits for both staff and organisations. They argue that campaigns like Pink Shirt Day help normalise conversations around bullying and encourage workers to speak up if they witness harmful behaviour.

The Mental Health Foundation says creating inclusive workplaces is an ongoing process rather than a one-day event. While the pink clothing may only appear once a year, the message behind the campaign is intended to influence workplace behaviour year-round.

Pink Shirt Day at schools

Schools remain at the centre of Pink Shirt Day’s message, with the campaign encouraging educators to create classrooms where students feel safe, included and respected. While many schools mark the day with students wearing pink and participating in activities, education leaders say the real value comes from ongoing conversations about behaviour, empathy and belonging.

For teachers and school leaders, Pink Shirt Day can be an opportunity to reinforce clear expectations around respectful behaviour and inclusion. Educators are encouraged to model positive communication, challenge harmful language and create classroom environments where students feel comfortable speaking up if they experience or witness bullying.

Mental health advocates also stress the importance of recognising that bullying is not always physical or obvious. Social exclusion, online harassment, repeated teasing and discriminatory comments can all have significant impacts on young people’s wellbeing and confidence. Schools are increasingly being encouraged to address cyberbullying as social media becomes a larger part of students’ lives.

Experts recommend that schools take a proactive rather than reactive approach. This can include incorporating discussions about kindness, diversity and digital behaviour into classroom learning throughout the year, rather than focusing on the topic for a single day. Encouraging student leadership programmes, peer support systems and restorative practices can also help strengthen school culture.

Pink Shirt Day organisers also encourage schools to celebrate diversity and ensure students from all backgrounds feel represented and included. This includes supporting rainbow students, culturally diverse communities and young people with disabilities, who may face higher rates of bullying or exclusion.

For educators, one of the most important messages is ensuring students know they will be listened to and taken seriously if concerns are raised. Creating trusted reporting pathways and responding consistently to bullying incidents can help students feel safer and more supported.