White Ribbon affirms Kāpiti commitment to Non-Violence

White Ribbon Charitable Trust National Chair Ric Odom says he’s looking forward to working with Council on this year’s White Ribbon anti-violence campaign.

Auckland-based Mr Odom made a special trip to meet with Kāpiti Mayor Ross Church and Chief Executive Pat Dougherty, to discuss recent statements challenging Council’s commitment to the principles of White Ribbon.

Mr Odam says he acknowledges Council’s long history of support for the White Ribbon’s principles of non-violence against women.

“We are working with Council as we always have and looking forward to signing our mutual commitment to the White Ribbon pledge,” he said.

Mayor Ross Church says it was a very productive meeting and he appreciated the opportunity to discuss his own personal commitment to the anti-violence campaign and, as Mayor, Council’s long-standing commitment.

“This council was the first council in New Zealand to embrace the White Ribbon cause eight years ago at the invitation of Amnesty International and Peace Action Kāpiti,” says Mayor Church. “In the last triennium, one of our Councillors was selected to take his place amongst prominent New Zealanders as a White Ribbon Ambassador.”

Mayor Church said that as part of this year’s White Ribbon campaign, Council will be organising an event in the chamber where councillors as individuals can formally sign a pledge reaffirming their commitment to the principles of the White Ribbon cause, which condemns violence against women.

Either Mr Odom or his nominated representative, and possibly former Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier, will also attend. More details of the signing will be released when arrangements are made. The Mayor will also be greeting the White Ribbon motorcycle riders as they arrive in Paraparaumu on 21 November, White Ribbon Day.

Crime prevention is a significant part of Council’s community support activity. In response to the alcohol-related deaths of two young Māori youths in Paraparaumu in 2012 (Kāpiti Lights tragedies) Council launched an initiative to get the Council, police and community groups working together to address the social factors that contributed to these crimes.

As a result, Puāwaitanga o ngā Kākano (Ngā Kākano) was established. This is a youth-led, whānau-centred project aimed at encouraging young Māori males with the help of their families to strengthen their development, belonging and community involvement, and prevent further alcohol-related harm.

Council contracts organisations to work in the area of crime prevention, promoting non-violence and safety, including A Safe Kāpiti, Neighbourhood Support and Kāpiti Youth Support. It also funds local organisations including Victim Support, Age Concern (elder abuse and neglect service) and Kāpiti Womens’ Centre.

ENDS

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