Whangārei school celebrates Pink Shirt Day

Katarina Ridway and Rina Herlihy wait for the walk to begin. Photo/John Stone

Pink tutus, paint, and balloons.

If Whangārei's Hātea Loop was looking a little brighter than usual it's because students from Te Kāpehu Whetū were taking a stand against bullying for Pink Shirt Day yesterday.

Celebrated annually around the world, the day began in Canada in 2007 after two students took a stand against homophobic bullying, mobilising their whole school, after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

Hinemaia Uruamo-Taiaki and Hadassah Wharawhara take to the path. Photo/John Stone

In New Zealand, Pink Shirt Day aims to create schools, workplaces and communities where all people feel safe, valued and respected.

The Whangārei students went all out dressing head to toe in bright pink. They were joined by many hundreds across Northland.