95-year-old caught four buses to join rally against racism

From Checkpoint, 6:26 pm on 26 March 2019

Ninety-five-year old John Sato caught four buses to join the march against racism in central Auckland at the weekend.

He shared his story with RNZ reporter Chen Liu.

John Sato (C) 95, one of only two Japanese servicemen in the New Zealand army in WWII, took multiple buses from Howick to join the march against racism at Aotea Square.

John Sato (C) 95, one of only two Japanese servicemen in the New Zealand army in WWII, took multiple buses from Howick to join the march against racism at Aotea Square. Photo: 2019 Getty Images

After the Christchurch mosque attacks, New Zealand saw some of the best of humanity.

People took to the streets in solidarity with the victims, and to stand up against hate and racism.

In amongst the crowds at a rally in Auckland was 95-year-old John Sato.

The image of him (above) went viral. To find out more about John, RNZ's First Up programme visited him for a hot chocolate, some biscuits and a natter.