95-year-old man catches four buses to join rally against racism

It's been a difficult week for New Zealanders, but amid the sadness there are brilliant displays of humanity.

One of these involved John Sato, 95, who took four buses to join an anti-racism rally in Auckland's Aotea Square on Sunday.

Sato told Radio New Zealand he mostly keeps to himself and admitted that he was out of touch with the modern world. But it was news of the Christchurch terrorist attack that prompted him into action.

"I stayed awake quite a lot at the night. I didn't sleep too well ever since. I thought it was so sad. You can feel the suffering of other people," he told the news outlet.

At the rally, strangers assisted him while he walked. A policeman also gave him water, and later took him home.

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Sato is a WWII veteran, and was recruited by the New Zealand army to fight against Japan.

Born to a Scottish mother and a Japanese father, was one of two New Zealand-Japanese servicemen part of the army. He said it was important to look after each other, irregardless of one's cultural background.

"I think it's such a tragedy, and yet it has the other side. It has brought people together, no matter what their race or anything," Sato said.

"People suddenly realised we're all one. We care for each other."