Alleged mob colours for uniform

Mornington School pupils (from left) Tamara Mason (7), Emily Finnie (8), Samara Ali (8) and Kasam...
Mornington School pupils (from left) Tamara Mason (7), Emily Finnie (8), Samara Ali (8) and Kasam Ali (10) model the school's proposed new uniform. Photo by Linda Robertson.
A Dunedin primary school will continue with its plans to introduce a red and black uniform for pupils, despite objections from one parent, who says it looks like a Mongrel Mob gang uniform.

Mornington School Board of Trustees chairman Scott Mason said a proposed uniform with a red polo shirt and polar fleece, and black pants/skirt was presented to parents recently at a consultation meeting.

The idea of a uniform was instigated by parents because they wanted to create collegiality or school spirit and it also took much anxiety out of clothing choice for many pupils, Mr Mason said.

However, one parent at the meeting expressed concern about the colours of the proposed uniform and said they looked similar to those of Mongrel Mob gang members.

Mr Mason dismissed the criticism, saying there were other schools around the country with red and black uniforms, including Fairfield School in Dunedin.

"I think you could find a reason for any colour not being appropriate. I don't have any concern about my daughter wearing red and black.

"If kids started coming to school wearing bandannas, then I would be concerned. I don't think any gang would think they have achieved a major milestone if a school was wearing red tops and black shorts.

"Given that other schools have the same colours here and at other places around the country, this is no precedent."

Mr Mason said the school's traditional colours were red and yellow, but red and black were chosen because "yellow is not a particularly good base colour for any uniform".

"Black was also chosen because it won't show up the dirt as much."

Mr Mason said there were more valid concerns raised at the parent consultation meeting, such as the cost of uniforms for parents and the issue of pupils losing their "individuality" by all wearing the same clothes.

The proposed uniform was going through a board approval process and Mr Mason hoped pupils would start wearing it optionally later this year. It could then be adopted next year as the school's official uniform.

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