For immediate release:
Joining the Journey – White Ribbon Ride against violence to women and children
Speaking out against violence against women and children is a cause bringing together bike and classic car enthusiasts
in Northland and from further a field. Their passion for the road is matched by a shared passion for safe families as
Phil Paikea, one of the Bream Bay Community Trust Organizers explains. ‘Real men are those big enough to get over their
past or blaming others for their actions. We’re inviting men to join the journey to speak out against violence and
change our own behaviour where we need to. The ride is an opportunity to represent our opposition to violence in our
homes and to challenge each other to end violence against women and children. There’s nothing ‘soft’ about choosing to
change or seek help.’
More than 200 bikes and cars are expected to make the round trip from Bream Bay with stops in Whangarei, Kawakawa
Moerewa, and Kaikohe. Participating groups include the Northland Hot Rod Association and Hikurangi Riders Social club.
Riders will gather donations of food to give to local refuges.
Amokura Outreach Manager Inia Eruera is excited by the level of support for the riders’ message. ‘Some of those leading
this ride have pioneered violence prevention in their own communities. Men are mobilizing to take a stand, and the ride
is directly linking with refuge to honour their work to support victims of violence.’
Veteran refuge worker Diane Rankin-Kara looks forward to welcoming the riders in Kaikohe and notes a positive shift in
community and iwi understanding of the impact of violence, especially on children. ‘It’s great to see our own whanau,
especially our men fronting up on White Ribbon Day. Real change is possible when we work together.’ Social service
providers and community groups will welcome the riders at each scheduled stop off. A range of violence prevention and
parenting information will be available at the stop off points.
Ends