Two-wheeled tide rolls in for victims
The rumbling of more than 20 motorbikes was hard to miss as the White Ribbon Riders rolled into Matamata on Saturday morning.
White Ribbon offers men the opportunity to be part of the solution to ending violence against women – a major problem in New Zealand.
Mayor Hugh Vercoe officially welcomed the group and said he was shocked to hear there were more than 800 incidents of domestic violence in the community last year – and those are just the cases that were reported.
White Ribbon ambassador David White said he took his role very seriously. His daughter Helen Meads was murdered by her abusive husband just over three years ago.
‘‘ We can’t let another Helen happen,’’ he said.
‘‘We need to look over the fence and look out for each other.
‘‘It’s not much, I just ask you to do it.
‘‘ I’ll continue to speak about this issue until they carry me away’’.
Labour politician Sue Moroney also attended the event and she reinforced one of the key issues for White Ribbon: ‘‘Take responsibility, as we are all part of the solution.’’
This year the White Ribbon ride will visit 97 communities across New Zealand.
The group of riders like to think of themselves as crusaders whose goal is to change the world.
Morning tea and refreshments were provided to the crowd and riders before they continued on their journey.