Random Acts of Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day History

Random Acts of Kindness Day encourages individuals to commit small, unexpected acts of kindness to bring joy and positivity to others. The purpose of this initiative is to motivate people to be kind without expecting anything in return, thereby fostering empathy and a sense of community. It's an opportunity for Kiwis, or people residing in New Zealand, to engage in selfless service and kindness, both in their local communities and wider society.

Random Acts of Kindness Day can be traced back to 1995, the brainchild of an American non-profit organisation, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Adopted around the world, New Zealand has embraced this celebration with a unique fervour. Through various random acts of kindness, Kiwis act out their inherent communal spirit, displaying the quintessential attributes of warmth and friendliness the nation is known for. From purchasing a stranger's coffee to volunteering in local community projects, the engagement in RAKD is diverse and commendable.

In New Zealand, RAKD is typically observed in September. Schools, businesses, and individuals come together to celebrate this day by performing acts of kindness in their communities, often driven by themes or causes. These could range from environmental awareness initiatives to gestures contributing to a more caring community. Education providers often dedicate the week around this observance for activities teaching empathy and kindness to their students.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 Random Acts of Kindness Day in NZ

• New Zealand holds the distinction of being the first country in the world to officially establish a national day dedicated to this movement, predating its widespread global adoption.
• The observance was originally founded by Josh de Jong and a small group of friends in 2005 after he was inspired to change the national mood following a road rage incident he witnessed in Auckland traffic.
• While the international community observes the event in February, many New Zealanders also celebrate a local version on September 1st, specifically chosen to coincide with the First Day of Spring.
• The movement in Aotearoa is closely associated with the Kindness Collective, a local charity that facilitates massive community-led initiatives such as the PJ Project and the Christmas Joy Store to support families in need.
• The primary objective of the New Zealand founders is to lift the kindness temperature of the nation, a phrase that has become a cornerstone of the local campaign's identity.
• A common tradition during the observance involves the use of small, downloadable resources known as You’ve been RAK’d cards, which are left anonymously with gifts to encourage recipients to pay the gesture forward.
• Education providers across the country often dedicate the entire week of the observance to teaching empathy, frequently utilizing the theme Make Kindness the Norm to integrate selfless acts into the school curriculum.
• Recent impact reports from local kindness initiatives show that the movement has helped provide over 30,000 pairs of pyjamas to children in 81 different New Zealand towns, highlighting the tangible reach of these small gestures.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Random Acts of Kindness Day

Top things to do in NZ for Random Acts of Kindness Day

• Perform an act of kindness for a friend, family member, or even a stranger. Kindness knows no bounds.
• Cook and bake for neighbors: Prepare a home-cooked meal or bake cookies to give to your neighbors.
• "Friendly Flash Mob": Participants organize to share random acts of kindness in city centers across the country. Citizen participation is encouraged and these events are advertised on social media and local press.