17 November 6:00am 2014

NZ Police Commissioner is appointed a White Ribbon Ambassador

NZ Police Commissioner Mike Bush is the latest in a number of high profile New Zealand men who have accepted the role of White Ribbon Ambassadors. He joins Prime Minister John Key, Maori Party Leader Te Ururoa Flavell and recently retired Deputy Mayor of Wellington, Ian McKinnon.

White Ribbon is a campaign to change attitudes and behaviours around men’s violence towards women and it is led by men, for men.

White Ribbon Chair Judge Peter Boshier says that the timing of the appointment is particularly important as the international White Ribbon Day is held each year on 25 November. “This is a time when we should all reflect on what needs to be done to reduce our appalling family violence statistics.”

“Commissioner Bush’s willingness to accept nomination sends a powerful message to other men and to all New Zealand leaders, that family violence is such an acute problem that leadership at the very top is appropriate,” says Judge Boshier.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said “I am honoured to take up this appointment as a White Ribbon Ambassador. I hope that together we can increase the number of whänau, men, women, iwi and communities who feel supported and encouraged to stand up and voice their intolerance of violence against women and children.”

“Family violence fundamentally affects our whole society. It is the responsibility of all New Zealanders to front up and take action against family violence and this is why I have chosen to add my voice.”

As Police Commissioner, Mr Bush said that he was determined to maintain a strong focus on reducing the harm and the number of victims that family violence incidents create.

“As a society, we have to move forward from being aware of the violence, to take more action. To hold people to account and provide the help that they need. Only then will we start to create a violence free future for nga whänau. This is what I hope together we can achieve” says Mr Bush.

Notes:
• There are now over 70 White Ribbon Ambassadors
• They are men from all walks of life who are willing to lend their leadership to the White Ribbon cause.
• All Ambassadors volunteer their time freely to the campaign to end men’s violence towards women.
• This year the campaign is focusing on encouraging men to take The Pledge ‘never to commit condone or remain silent to violence against women’.
• Ambassadors must commit to the kaupapa of the campaign and can include men who were formally violent, however they must acknowledge that past behaviour, and be living violence free lives.
• The campaign launches on 18 November and is organised by the White Ribbon Trust with expert advice from the White Ribbon Committee chaired by Judge Boshier.

ENDS

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