Levin runners go floury for White Ribbon
Levin runners have been flourbombed in an effort to highlight troubling domestic violence numbers.
The ‘‘Reverse Colour Run’’ returned for a second year, as part of White Ribbon awareness events held throughout the country at the weekend.
Runners and walkers dressed in colourful clothes and were bombarded by cornflour as they ran between Te Takere and the Levin Domain on Saturday.
More than 70 people did the 1.27-kilometre run through the course laid out in the shape of a ribbon.
Levin Police family violence investigator Constable Fiona Barker said domestic violence was a problem for the district.
Police received 20 to 40 cases a week, ranging from verbal arguments to serious assaults, and a lot more went unreported, she said.
Horowhenua Abuse Liaison Team event co-ordinator Stephanie Cook said the run was arranged to highlight the high rates of domestic violence in Horowhenua.
‘‘It gives people an opportunity to think about it and have some fun at the same time.
‘‘[Domestic violence] is a horrendous thing. We want people to engage, rather than be put off. This is a way we can do that.’’
Cook said the people of Horowhenua had been supportive of the cause.
‘‘People have been coming up and saying ‘good on you, what you’re doing is important’.’’
Shannon Kotali brought her two children Alicia, 6, and Caleb, 2, and all three got a good dusting.
‘‘The kids really enjoyed it. It was really fun and the cause is great. I’m really happy to be out here to stand against domestic violence.’’
HALT co-ordinator Tracey Merson said the crowd enjoyed the run. ‘‘It is really good fun, and it is for a good cause.’’