Northland's shocking youth suicide rate has prompted the Super Maori Fullas to get on their bikes to raise awareness of the killer issue.
The Super Maori Fullas, a group set up to raise awareness of family violence by riding their motorcycles around the country, will be at the forefront of the Green Ribbon Ride when it hits Whangarei on January 25, 2013. The Fullas will ride to Cape Reinga in the lead-up to the Green Ribbon Ride before it sets off around the upper North Island from Whangarei.
Green Ribbon Ride co-ordinator Kahui Neho said the aim was to raise awareness of the country's appalling suicide rate, particularly among its youth and in Northland.
In October the situation in Northland led to Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean going public with his concerns.
Judge MacLean urged Northlanders to seek help if they, a family member or loved one needs it after receiving details of 32 suspected suicides in Northland up to that stage in 2012, almost double the 17 recorded in 2011 and well ahead of the high of 26 in 2010.