Anti-violence campaign rolls in

Lakeview School students cheered at the sound of Takurua Tawera's hog rumbling into their school hall yesterday, announcing the start of this year's White Ribbon campaign against violence.

"Cool dudes do not use bad language towards each other," Mr Tawera asked the students to yell back at him.

"Young people are the ones that have a better opportunity to carry the message given that most adults care about their kids," said Mr Tawera after talking to the assembly about not tolerating violence.

"If we can put good philosophy within the school, kids become those message carriers, they support each other and grow those key messages."

Mr Tawera will be one of dozens of motorcyclists around the country taking part in the White Ribbon Ride, men spreading the message that violence against women and children is not okay.

He said it was not so much condemning violence, but encouraging men to get help and be a part of the solution.

Mr Tawera became involved with the White Ribbon ride four years ago and is now the leader of Te Ahikikoha, the crew set up by Te Hauora Runanga o Wairarapa to keep it going after Super Maori Fullas were no longer able to.

About 60 riders travel the length of the country, with dozens of other local clubs and riders joining them along the way.

Wife Cathy Tawera said carrying the message was crucial for the well-being of families.

"We have to look after the women, who are the bearers of the children and bearers of the future, we have to nurture that and look after that," Mrs Tawera said.

Stopping Violence Services Wairarapa manager Jeremy Logan said violence was a nationwide issue.

"I think it's a countrywide issue, and I think Wairarapa has some really good initiatives to try to change attitudes but also to support people to move out of living in domestic violence," Mr Logan said.

The Wairarapa community had a particular strength in its ability to work together to stop violence, he added.

2012 White Ribbon events

White Ribbon Ride

- Featherston Community Centre, November 19, 4pm

- Carterton School, November 20, 9am

- Lakeview School, November 20, 10.30am

White Ribbon Relay race November 23, 11am, Library Square

Entries close November 9, forms from Stopping Violence Services Wairarapa