Hawke’s Bay turns out in black and white

Students at Havelock North Primary School wear Hawke's Bay colours on black and white day. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke’s Bay became a sea of black and white in some schools and workplaces on Thursday as the region spread the message of togetherness, solidarity and support to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Black and White Day initiative was started by local residents Sophie McHardy and Codee Wilkins with assistance from Hastings District Council.

McHardy tested the waters with workmates and then took it to the council.

She wanted in particular to show the rural community hit hardest by Cyclone Gabrielle some support and that people in the cities are thinking of them.

“I’m a townie myself,” she said, but she’s stayed on farms and other rural places.

Born and bred in the Bay, with only four years away – while at university – she’s black and white to the core, as highlighted late-afternoon on Thursday when she flew from Napier to Auckland for an Easter Weekend in the big city.

It includes the Magpies, oft the inspiration of black and white campaigns, which she says are nothing new.

“I love my rugby, I played rugby,” she said. “I love my sport, I love my region.”

It was being used as an opportunity to raise funds for the Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Trust, but first and foremost was a show of togetherness, Hastings District Council said.

To donate to the Hawke’s Bay Relief Fund Trust, text GIVE to 2923 to make an instant $3 donation.

For more information and updates check out the Hawke’s Bay Together in Black and White website: www.hawkesbaytogether.co.nz