It's what's under the hood that counts.
That's the message behind today's first national Hoodie Day which challenges the stereotype that hoodies are associated with crime.
Even Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters was happy to don the garb in an effort to do his bit to rid the
popular clothing items of its negative stereotype.
He was among more than 20 well known people wearing hoodies with school principals, police youth aid workers and Ministry of Education staff also joining in.
Mr Winters said he was aware of the stigma attached to hoodies but didn't see a link between the hooded sweatshirt and anti-social behaviour.
"I do see there is a bad stereotype and we are trying to break that." He got to choose the hoodie he wore - one carrying the slogan "Unity in the Community".
Hooded sweatshirts weren't something he normally wore but Mr Winters said there were practical benefits. "They are quite comfortable and they keep your ears warm."
It's not known if Hoodie Day will become an annual event but Mr Winters said he would participate again. "I like working with young people."
Hoodie Day, held during Youth Week, was organised by the Youth Projects Trust in Rotorua. Trust youth worker Emma Taylor said it was decided well-known people in the local community would be best to get the message about hoodies across. Kaitao Middle School celebrated Hoodie Day early with a mufti day yesterday, raising more than $300 for Heart Children. Both students and teachers were encouraged to wear hoodies. As well as raising money, deputy principal Claire Schnell said the day provided an opportunity for students to debate the policy of some New Zealand malls to ban hoodies.
Rotorua Girls' High School was also celebrating Hoodie Day today by holding a mufti day. Money raised will go to the combined Rotorua Girls' High School and Rotorua Boys High School kapa haka teams to go to a national competition. Principal Annette Joyce planned to wear a hoodie.
