Motorcycle clubs rally together to fight violence

Last updated 18:05 28/11/2009

WORTHY RIDE: Northern Street Rods club members, clockwise from centre left: President Steve Vincent, secretary Mark Fuller, Wayne Holland, Ian Marr, co-ordinator Phil Paikea, Greg Schonewille, Johnny Ross, Frank Parker and Stu Spence get ready for the White Ribbon Rally this Saturday.

Relevant offers

Whangarei Leader

Wini wins trophy for family Rubbish heaps causing a stink Nurses gather for 50th Sewerage scheme approved for Ruakaka Fire risk sparks controls Teen's voice reaches MPs Harmony chorus open night offers fun singing lessons St John tests CPR card Longboarding film first in more than a decade Rich with good ideas

Motorbike rally organiser Phil Paikea told White Ribbon Rally supporters in Dargaville this afternoon that he was sorry the crew were late but they had been involved in an accident.

"We had a few troubles in the Waipoua Forest.

A couple of our guys have been in accidents and have been taken away by ambulance. But they will be okay."

The rally, organised by the Bream Bay Community Support Trust, is driving home the message that violence against women is not okay as part of White Ribbon Day.

"What better way to engage the community and men than cars and bikes?" says trust manager Sue Rudman.

White Ribbon Day, officially held tomorrow, November 25, is the international day for the elimination of violence against women. It was started by a men's movement in Canada in 1991.

The rally will be the final day of a White Ribbon Ride from Wellington to Whangarei.

The bike ride, led by organisation Super Maori Fullas and Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club, leaves Wellington tomorrow with three routes across the North Island picking up riders along the way.

About 1000 bike riders are expected, with some coming from as far as Invercargill and Christ-church.

The Northland rally will be based at Takahiwai marae, starting with a po-whiri at 3pm on Friday, November 27.

The rally on Saturday, November 28, will start at 8am from the marae, with a stop at Laurie Hall Park in Whangarei from 9am to 10am. The rally will then head to Moerewa, Kaikohe, Opononi and Dargaville, before returning to the marae for a barbecue dinner.

Entry is a box of non-perishable food or cans that will go to Northland Women's Refuges.

Trust family violence intervention advocate Phil Paikea says the event is about encouraging men to stand up against family violence.

Men will talk at each stop, including White Ribbon ambassador rugby league legend Ruben Wiki. There will also be balloons and giveaways at each town for kids, plus spot prizes for riders.

Organisations involved include hot rod club Northern Street Rods, Amokura, police, the Whangarei District Council and Bream Bay churches.

Northern Street Rods president Steve Vincent says the club is happy to help.

"It's no good, violence against women or children or anybody."