The annual White Ribbon Ride hits Hawke's Bay tomorrow with a big anti-violence message for men to talk more with their sons about respectful relationships and how to avoid conflict with partners and families.
The North Island White Ribbon Ride's 2017 journey started in Tauranga yesterday, heading first for Paeroa and Hamilton, with a collection of mainly big-bike riders from wide-ranging backgrounds, which have in the past included police officers and gang members.
It will arrive in Hawke's Bay from Taupo tomorrow with stops in Napier at Maraenui Bi-Lingual School and the Soundshell (11.45am-12.30pm), and in Hastings at Flaxmere and Ebbett Park schools and the Hastings Boxing Academy, before heading for an overnight stop hosted by Te Waireka Youth Rehabilitation Service at Otane.
Riders will then head north on Wednesday heading for Wairoa College and a public event on Wairoa's Marine Parade (Wednesday 12.30-2pm), before leaving for Gisborne, and a Bay of Plenty run which ends in Rotorua on Saturday.
White Ribbon Rider and ambassador Aaron Morrison said the starting point for "putting things right" is when fathers help their sons develop respectful behaviour in their relationships.