Kaimahi and ākonga came together in solidarity against bullying during the Pink Shirt Day celebrations at the Mt Albert and Waitakere campuses on Friday.
It was a vibrant and colourful occasion with many coming dressed in pink to show their support and partake in the activities organised by the Unitec Student Council.
The activity booths proved popular with students who made kindness stones and bracelets with positive messages reinforcing the theme of Pink Shirt Day.
There was also a Mirror Photo Booth which provided staff and students opportunities to promote the event on social media with their selfies and photos.
Unitec Student Council members also handed out plenty of snacks and Goodie Bags containing items reminding everyone of the significance of Pink Shirt Day.
“We believe these activities will create a positive impact, offering our students a meaningful way to reflect on their mental health and the importance of kindness,” says USC president and civil engineering student, Rayyan Hassan. “We need all our students to be together and nice to one another.”
Second year Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts acting ākonga, Winston Katoanga says Pink Shirt Day is about inclusivity and respecting others without judgement. “We need to collectively come together regardless of our background to uphold each other in a way that keeps us unified. The only way to stand up and speak up against bullying is with the community and whānau around us. And that’s what this day is all about,” he says.
Bachelor of Business ākonga, Reina Suzuki, says Unitec is a great place to study because there is so much diversity with students from all around the world. “Pink Shirt Day to me is respecting the fact that we are all different and we should embrace our diversity,” she says.
