White Ribbon was started as a men's movement in Canada in 1991, aiming to promote healthy masculinity and reduce violence against women and children.

The riders were welcomed by Soroptimist International of Gore, who hosted a potluck dinner for the 12 motorcyclists and supporters on Saturday.

On Sunday Richard Ellena, one of the riders, preached at the Anglican church alongside some of the riders who shared stories of their involvement in the ride.

Finally, riders were offered a bit of lunch at the church before setting off. Read more

Free barbecue food was provided to members of the public, and served by the Rapid Relief Team, in a tent outside Mitre 10 Mega on Friday.

Te Rito Collaboration co-ordinator Michelle Thew said some people at the barbecue wanted to make donations to Women's Refuge, while others opened up about their experience of the impact of family harm on them, and wanted to support others. Read more

Phil Paikea, champion for the It's Not OK campaign, said the Christmas/New Year period is the worst time of the year for domestic violence.

"I'd like to say I've seen a big change but it's still a big problem and we haven't even got to the Christmas and New Year period yet.

"It's a disgrace and a shame on this nation and we can't give up."

In Kaitaia, 1500 white ribbons were planted in the lawn of Hope Christian Centre on Commerce St.

Last year, the lawn was transformed into a sea of 1000 white ribbons but this year the church has had and extra 500 made. Pastor Howard Cross said the initiative was receiving a more positive response this year.

He said planting a ribbon would in itself not halt the domestic violence in the Far North, but it was a positive symbolic gesture and a way of speaking out.

"So this is another way to allow your voice to be heard, and to pass on a visible message to children and the wider community that violence isn't acceptable".

Source

The Northern Advocate

He says he is even more determined than ever that the inquiry into child abuse and domestic violence, which he is funding to the tune of $8 million, should continue."I'll carry on. I'm very stubborn," he said.

Last week Glenn withdrew his nomination to become an ambassador for anti-violence campaigners White Ribbon after revelations he was accused of physically abusing a young woman in Hawaii in 2002.

But he has reaffirmed his innocence saying he had done nothing wrong but would not spend the time and money suing those who claimed otherwise.

He said he would however, use pollsters to survey the public about whether the inquiry should continue.

Court documents show Glenn offered a plea of no contest in 2003. That means the charge was not contested or admitted. Glenn was put on probation and the charge was dismissed in 2004 when the probationary period ended.

Speaking on Campbell Live, Glenn said he had done nothing wrong, and court documents showed it.

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