Special day for socking it to the nation

Janelle Kara, Shatiyah Zimah and Holly Kara from Owairaka District School get with the theme of Red Socks Day. Photo / Supplied

Today is Red Socks Day and hundreds of schoolchildren all over New Zealand are taking part.

The day encourages students and the wider community to celebrate leadership, as well as honouring New Zealand yachting hero and explorer, the late Sir Peter Blake.

Sir Peter's red socks became a national icon during the America's Cup challenge in 1995, when the whole country got behind Team New Zealand by wearing red socks in support.

Vicki Watson, general manager of the Sir Peter Blake Trust, says the event aims to raise awareness of the importance of good leadership - especially with youngsters.

"When New Zealanders pull on their red socks, we want them to think about what leadership means.

"All visionary leaders need a great team around them. Taking part in Red Socks Day is a way all of us can be part of a team which is dedicated to finding our next generation of great leaders."

More than 340 schools will take part in the event today, and money raised will go to leadership programmes run by the trust.

The trust's Leadership Week of up to 120 events around the country ends today.