On Friday 16 May, Corrections staff around the country recognised Pink Shirt Day, an international awareness day to make a stand against bullying, show support for diversity and promote kindness and inclusion! Here's how some of our teams marked the day.

Canterbury Communities, Partnerships, and Pathways

As part of the celebrations, staff created a thoughtful gesture/thank you box to allow space for saying something nice about a colleague or acknowledge a random act of kindness. The feel-good messages were read out at the morning briefing, so staff started the day feeling up-beat and positive.

Christchurch Men's Prison

Staff were greeted on arrival at work and given stickers to let them know they are appreciated. A team lead by Principal Case Manager Stacey McGhie made pink and white coconut ice treats and handed these out to staff. " The smiles on their faces made the early start (5.45am) worthwhile!" says PA Robyn Wilson-Grey.

Mount Eden Corrections Facility

Mount Eden Corrections Facility (MECF) staff turned out in pink en masse to observe Pink Shirt Day.

Be it a pink hair ribbon, a pink shirt or a pink turban, staff did their sartorial part to show support for the elimination of bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion.

At the site’s morning briefing, MECF General Manager Dion Paki said, the spirit of Pink Shirt Day should be practised every day.

“Let’s treat everyone with kindness and respect, whether it be your colleagues or the men in our care. No form of bullying will be tolerated under any circumstances. With that said, stay safe, follow the processes, do not take shortcuts, and have a great day.”

In his address to staff, Corrections Officer and CANZ National Executive Sammy (Jasjit) Singh, said, “Today, we wear pink – not to be fashionable, but as a sign of courage. In our work, true strength is not about force; it’s about respect. Remember, bullying does not always appear loud. It can be sarcasm, exclusion, or undermining someone’s confidence, and it hurts just as much.

“Pink Shirt Day reminds us that silence supports bullying, and positive change starts with us. It is about speaking up when we see something wrong, standing firm against cruel jokes, checking in with those who need support, and holding those in power accountable when bullying persists.

“At MECF, kindness is strength, respect is non-negotiable, and the strongest team stands together no matter what; it is the team that says, ‘We’ve got your back’.”