Journey continues for White Ribbon

Hone Mihaka (left), Frank Parker, Phil Paikea and Mahu Rawiri prepare for a special ceremony where the role of organising The White Ribbon Ride, raising awareness for family violence, will be handed over. Photo / Michael Cunningham

For seven years the Bream Bay Community Trust has organised the White Ribbon Ride to raise awareness for family violence.

Now the organisational role of the ride will be handed over to another group in a special ceremony at Takahiwai Marae tonight.

Phil Paikea, from the trust, said the idea for the White Ribbon Ride developed over a cup of tea with other trust members.

"Sue Rudman and the group looked at what men in particular liked and came up with bikes and cars so we decided to do a presentation to a car club and got them really interested in supporting us. They came on our first ride with us which was in 2008."

As part of the ceremony, three taonga will be given to the group:

-A korowai, which was handed to Mr Paikea by the McGrath family after Patricia "Wowo" McGrath was a victim of domestic violence.

-A pounamu and wakahuia (small carved waka) made out of swamp Kauri donated by Kauri Creations.

"The korowai was placed on me at a march in Whangarei that was related to the death of Wowo. It was a humbling moment.

"That cloak will be given over by John and Kate, John's wife, to this group."

The pounamu was carved out of a large greenstone rock part of the A Mana Tane Echo of Hope research about dispelling the illusion of whanau violence.

"We went through the chief executive of seven iwi, who are kaitiaki (guardians), of the taonga and they got Kelvin Davis to present it to us."

The wakahuia also holds special meaning. Inside are dove feathers, representing peace, and seven white ribbons.

"Usually when wakahuia are on display the lid is closed but we want to lift the lid on family violence so when we present this to the group the lid will be askew," he said.

Hone Mihaka from Taiamai Tours and Mahu Rawiri from the Super Maori Fullas, are part of the group who will receive the taonga tonight. The two said they feel privileged and a little sad.

"I feel saddened in a way, Phil is the man, he's done so much for this ride he's my inspiration," said Mr Rawiri.

But Mr Paikea said it was time to pass the role over.

"We've set the foundation now it's important to let others build on that foundation ... "