Bikers champion anti-violence in Hamilton

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 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.

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.