Bikers Champion Anti-Violence in Hamilton
18 NOVEMBER 2009
For Immediate Release
Some unlikely spokesmen come to the city on their motorbikes next Thursday 27 November to spread the message that family violence is not OK in Hamilton. They may look super tough but the Super Maori Fullas - Roger, Jack, Mathew and Mervyn - are riding their Harley Davidson's, from Wellington to Whangarei, spreading their message of love and respect for all as part of White Ribbon Day.
The brothers' grew
up the Super Maori Fulla way - surrounded by love and
respect, and want to share that message with other
‘fullas’ in Hamilton. They aim to attract New Zealanders
from all walks of life to the Super Maori Fulla way of life
and encourage them to join their convoy, departing from
Garden Place at 8.30am on the 27 November.
"There's
no family violence in our whanau, we treat everyone with the
same respect and love whatever their age, colour,
circumstances or behaviour." Super Maori Fullas are opposed
to family violence in any form to any person. They are
sharing their kaupapa to encourage others to live violence
free lives. "Anyone can be a Super Maori Fulla," says
Jack.
The ride, organised by the Families Commission
as part of the White Ribbon campaign, begins in Wellington
on 25 November and takes four separate routes through
eastern, western and the central North Island. The east and
west routes will stop in Hamilton on 27 November before
converging with the northern and central routes at ASB Bank
Stadium in Auckland on 27 November. From there it is
expected around 1,000 riders will travel together to Bream
Bay, Whangarei.
To take part in the ride, simply
visit http://www.whiteribbon.org.nz and enter the ‘meet
and greet’ location where you would like to join the ride
and follow the instructions. Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock says
“As a city we want to create a Hamilton where family
violence of any kind is not tolerated and where all families
have healthy, respectful and stable relationships, free from
violence. The White Ribbon Ride is a great opportunity for
the city to stand up and ensure our community understands
that family violence is not OK.”
Riders who wish to
take part in the White Ribbon Ride must pledge never to
condone violence against women and children and to donate
cans of food to the local Women’s Refuge. Families
Commissioner Bruce Pilbrow says “White Ribbon Day is an
international day stemming from the brutal murder of 14
women in Canada. For campaigns such as this to be effective,
men must be seen to lead.
Today that leadership for
the ride is being provided by the Super Maori Fullas and the
Patriots Motorcycle Club. Page 2 of 2 The Super Māori
Fullas are using the visibility and mobility of their bikes
to encourage all New Zealanders to show that they are
against violence towards women and children. Joining the
Super Māori Fullas are the Patriot Motorcycle Club whose
members are drawn from the men and woman in the New Zealand
Defence Forces. The Patriots are all former or serving
members of the New Zealand Defence Forces.
Shane
Henry, Patriot and former combat soldier says, “New
Zealand is seen as a peacekeeping nation and our members
have a background of serving their country. We now want to
play a part in reducing violence in our own neck of the
woods and we’re proud to support the White Ribbon Ride.”
“We hope that by taking part in this ride, our bikes will
reach people in a new way,” says Shane. Bruce Pilbow says
“Riders are able to join at any location and ride for as
much of the journey as they wish. If you have the time you
can ride for up to four days!” Riders can be both male and
female, but must have a valid licence and registered bike
over 250cc.
ENDS