Men to play role in curbing violence

Te Waihoroi Shortland

Ngati Hine is taking a whanau approach to tackling domestic violence, with men playing a vital part in a new campaign.

At the Te Ahuareka o Ngati Hine Festival last month, Te Runanga o Ngati Hine chairman Waihoroi Shortland, among others, signed a charter declaring the iwi would stand against all forms of violence and has since launched an anti-violence campaign with the slogan: "Takahia te riri ki raro i o waewae."

"We are putting a new spin on our tupuna, Te Ruki Kawiti's final edict to his people, 'takahia te riri ki raro i o waewae'. Today we are telling our own that, as Ngati Hine, we have to 'trample violence beneath our feet'."

The charter was presented by E Tu Whanau, an organisation that addresses the impact of violence within whanau, with a whanau and hapu focus. Mr Shortland said the campaign was about giving people somewhere to go.

"It's a collective response - it's what's being advocated for Maori. It's about the fact that if you're Ngati Hine, you're never alone."

The signing of the declaration and launching of the campaign further emphasised the theme of the 2015 Ngati Hine Festival which was Tane Atawhai - Men who Nurture " which focused on the positive role men played in society.

"It is especially binding on men, there is no campaign without them being up front and centre and ready to bite the bullet," he said.

A report released by the Ministry for Women, about primary prevention of violence against Maori women, highlighted the importance of whanau and the community in preventing violence against Maori women and children, including the roles men played. The report showed one participant spoke of the important roles fathers played in ensuring their sons grew up to respect women.

"I see it at taiaha wananga. The men care for their sons, cook for them. There is a softness and kindness in the men. The men are tanetoa (strong men) but you can see the caring side, not just the warrior," one participant said.

Mr Shortland said the Ngati Hine programme was more than just showing the stance on violence, but also actively promoting its message.

"We will be using every tool at our disposal to drive this message home, it will be carried through our health trust, and our radio station. It will find its way into every school and classroom within the ambit of Ngati Hine and beyond."

A name for the campaign will be discussed at a meeting on Saturday.