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.

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