Another White Rider Donald Napier said the day gave people time to reflect, talk and be open about the violence.
A speech about the importance of eliminating violence was heard from Doug Blakie, the father of Lisa Blakie, who was stabbed and strangled by Timothy Taylor when she was hitchhiking in North Canterbury 14 years ago.
Reverend and Family Violence Champion Mike Coleman and Stopping Violence Services Clinician and White Ribbon Ambassador Andy Moscrop-Giblin also spoke at today's event.
Mayor of Christchurch Leanne Dalziel also supported the event as did family violence advocate Lesley Elliot.
Last night Auckland's Sky Tower was lit up white to "shine a light on men's violence towards women".
Police Commissioner Mike Bush was made an ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign, which runs in the lead up to the day, last week.
"As a frontline officer, I was often shocked at the level of violence inflicted on women and children and the damage it caused to families," he said.
"The long-term social costs of family violence are well established, which is why police are working with our partner agencies, men, whanau, and communities with the aim of ensuring all women and children are free from violence, fear and intimidation."
"While it is White Ribbon day (today), it is every day, in every month, every year, that we as a society must be proactive to promote and build safer families for everyone," said Mr Bush.
To find out more, visit www.whiteribbon.org.nz
- additional reporting NZ Herald