All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara has lent his support to the Black Lives Matter movement, warning New Zealand isn't free of the same persecution seen in the United States.
The Hurricanes co-captain has proven to be one of the country's most socially aware athletes, voicing his support for the LBGTQ community during the Israel Folau discrimination scandal in 2018.
Like many around the world, Perenara was shocked by the death of black American George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer on May 25.
While he hasn't participated in a public protest, he believes now is the time for the world to change.
"I firmly stand with Black Lives Matter," Perenara says. "I stand with the people who are being affected by it as well.
"It’s a problem we have in all of the world, including our own country. For us to see people rallying and getting behind it, and standing with Black Lives Matter is a really important thing for us to do."
New Zealanders joined the march against systemic racism last week, with peaceful protests conducted around the country, with more than 5000 people turning out in Auckland.
Among them was UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, whose moving speech has since gone global.
Perenara says prominent Kiwis must continue to comment on the issue to create awareness and educate the country on the issues at play.
"At the least, it’s making people have a conversation. Even if people disagree with Black Lives Matter, there’s a conversation about it, and people are getting more and more informed, even if they don’t want to be a part of that conversation.
"That conversation is happening, so they can’t help but hear it."
Perenara is set to run out for the Hurricanes against the Blues at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed the time spent with his teammates after COVID-19 Level 4 was lifted a month ago.
Perenara understands the value of live sport in lifting Kiwis' spirits, as he himself witnessed last weekend, when community sport returned to parks around the country.
"We played a game of flag on Saturday morning at Ascot Park - me and a few of the boys - and there was kids’ football on. I don’t watch much football, but we were down there cheering these kids on.
"It was awesome to see some competition going on and to see the kids out there playing football was really cool."
