The throaty roar of dozens of motorbikes made their way into the region yesterday - with an important message in tow.
The White Ribbon motorcycle riders certainly made their presence heard when they approached the Sound Shell in Napier yesterday morning - but then making a statement, making a stand, is what it is all about.
Prior to the event at the Napier Sound Shell, school children from Maraenui Bilingual School were treated with a visit from the riders and a message.
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Napier Mayor Bill Dalton, who spoke at the Ceremony in Napier did not shy away from the heart of the issue and said it was "a really moving ceremony".
"It is a sad indictment on our society that we have to bring this to people's attention. But it is a fact and we have to do it."
"The event was great. These people are dedicated and totally committed to ending violence - particularly by men against women. They are genuine and decent people of New Zealand."
Despite originally intending to ride a Supertrike along with his wife, Shirley, and Napier City councillors Graeme Taylor and Kirsten Wise, for a short trip through Napier, the vehicle had to be taken out for urgent repairs.
Instead, Mr Dalton and his wife took their 1969 Triumph TR6 sports car out of the shed for a ride.
Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard said "the wheels were slowly turning" on the issue at hand.
"We visited a number of schools and that was well-received. Reading the comments on local social media sites prior to and after the event, it was all positive."
"I would like to thank the people of Hawke's Bay who did make the effort to turn up and those involved."
From Napier, the contingent split in two and visited Flaxmere School and Ebbett Park School, before heading to the Hasting Boxing Academy and Te Waireka Youth Rehabilitation Service in Otane in the evening.
Head Coach at Hastings Giant's Boxing Academy and White Ribbon Ambassador, Craig McDougall said the riders came with "fantastic stance and the boys really enjoyed it".
They spoke with cadet boxers, aged between 8 to 11 years old.
"The Giant's Boxing Academy believes in the message and want to encourage society to get on board and show love to people."
Mr McDougall said if people showed love to one another and apologised regularly, we would have a fantastic community.
Ebbett Park School principal Steve Bloor said the year 1-6 students were waiting on the field as six motorbikes revved their way into the school.
It was first visit for the school by the White Ribbon riders and something Mr Bloor hoped would continue in years to come.
"They talked about breaking the cycle and how it is important for children to get the message as well about preventing domestic violence in the home and against women."
"They talked about the fact that family violence isn't normal and if they ever come across it, to tell someone trusted."
He said one of the riders even had a "dog on the back with sunglasses on" which the kids enjoyed.
Members of the police and Corrections Department spoke to the children, as well as a former gang member who talked about "making good choices and looking after girls".
He said "they spoke for 40 minutes and the kids listened intently."
After a few revs and a lap around the field, the riders were gone in a cloud of smoke - leaving behind an empowering message that will stay with the staff and students alike for years to come.
Wairoa, 11am-12.15pm: Wairoa College