Go to homepage
Pink Shirt Day is happening on Friday 15 May and we would love as many Otago Polytechnic ākonga and kaimahi to show their support for the kaupapa by wearing a pink clothing item.  In return, we'll provide some delicious kai in the Hub for you to enjoy for lunch (12pm start)
Pink Shirt Day is all about celebrating diversity in all its forms and standing up against bullying of any kind.  If you know someone who is being affected by bullying, please be an Upstander and help them reach out for support. We want OP to be safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive for everyone. 
If you'd like to support the cause and get yourself an official Pink Shirt T-Shirt, you can get these at Cotton On - in person or online. https://cottonon.com/NZ/co/co-gifts/charity-gifts/
Bystander
Noun
A person who see or knows a bullying incident is occurring to someone else. 
Upstander
Noun
A person who uses words and actions that can help someone who is being bullied.
The five Upstander actions

There are a range of helpful actions you can take if you feel safe enough to do so.

1. Āwhinatia / Support the person experiencing bullying

  • Awhi the person being bullied, even if you just stand beside them and let them know you’ve got their back.

  • Encourage them to ask a kaiako/teacher for help or go with them to get help.

  • Give them our Getting Help and Advice page.

  • Let them know they’re not alone!

     

2. Haukotia / Distract

Interrupt the bullying in some way:

  • Ask the person experiencing bullying if they want to go for a walk or do something else.

  • Help them to leave the situation they’re in.

     

3. Karangahia / Call it!

  • If you feel safe to, let the person/people doing the bullying know what they’re doing isn’t okay.

  • Use your words to show aroha and kindness to those involved.

  • Don’t stand by and watch. It can be hard to speak up in the moment but it can make a huge difference.

 

4. Taihoa ake, ka haumaru / Leave and act

If you don’t feel safe to step in while the bullying is happening:

  • Move away from the situation.

  • Later, let the person experiencing the bullying know you saw and ask what might help.

  • You might want to have a quiet word with the person doing the bullying.

5. Tautokohia / Get some other help

  • Support the person being bullied to get help from others – whānau, kaiako, a trusted adult or a helpline and then act on their advice.

 

Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying! 

 


Published on 29 Apr 2026

Orderdate: 29 Apr 2026
Expiry: 29 Apr 2028