Napier's unique role in crime and social justice thinking enters a possible new era today as representatives of groups often seen as sparring partners take to the soapbox in support of a national day to remember victims.
The occasion is the second White Heart Remembrance, promoted by the family of Napier man Philip Cowan, believed to have been a victim of a drugs scene killing in 2001.
Lunch-hour commemorations will be held today in Napier, Auckland and Wellington, with representatives of both the Sensible Sentencing Trust and the Napier Pilot City Trust among the speakers.
The event was staged for the first time a year ago in Napier, with missing Mr Cowan's father, Simon Cowan, saying the White Heart Trust hoped it would be held on September 25 each year.
Yesterday, Sensible Sentencing Trust national spokesman Garth McVicar said: "We think this is a win-win for all concerned, and it is our sincere hope that a political party will advocate 25th September to become a day that New Zealanders can remember those who have lost their lives in some random act of violence."