Blokes on bikes deliver message

A powhiri was held to welcome the riders.

The White Ribbon Riders passed through Central Hawke's Bay on Tuesday this week, on the road to celebrate White Ribbon Day and its aim to eradicate violence against women.

Having visited Dannevirke earlier in the day, they headed to Te Waireka in Otane, a residential centre for young people with drug and alcohol problems, for a powhiri welcome.

Local man and Patriot Defence Force Motorcycle Club member Max Lyver joined the ride, something he has done for the last six or so years.

He said it was great to visit schools in Dannevirke and for the children to see the big, tough men who belied their appearance with their message of non-violence.

This year White Ribbon is asking men to visit whiteribbon.org.nz and sign The Pledge 'to never commit condone or remain silent about violence towards women'.

White Ribbon committee chairman Judge Boshier said it was a simple concept.

"Men have the ability to influence other men and we are asking men to step up, and speak up. Whether it's in the workplace, at social events or in your own family - staying silent is no longer acceptable. We must and we can turn this around. But we can only do this if men are willing to play a leadership role."

Pleroma Social Services general manager Kate Luff said that in Central Hawke's Bay last year, at least 91 serious family violence incidents were investigated by police.

"In over half of these cases, children were present.

"Police attend many more incidents, and we know that only a small fraction of family violence incidents are even reported."