Chief of Defence Force announced as a White Ribbon Ambassador

CDF, LTGEN Tim Keating

14 October 2015

Chief of Defence Force announced as a White Ribbon Ambassador

Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, is the latest in a number of high profile New Zealand men who have taken on the role of White Ribbon Ambassador to send a message about reducing men’s violence towards women.

White Ribbon is a campaign that educates men about non-violent attitudes towards women. The campaign aims to end men’s violence towards women, the seriousness of which is indicated by the 100,000 incidents which police attended in 2014. Ambassadors are a key way in which the White Ribbon Campaign challenges the behaviour of abusive men and builds support and visibility for non-violence.

“We welcome Tim as a White Ribbon Ambassador,’ says Judge Peter Boshier, White Ribbon Committee Chair. “The New Zealand Defence Force has played a significant role within White Ribbon for many years now, with both former and current members taking part in the White Ribbon Motorcycle Ride across New Zealand under the banner of The Patriots. Many of these men and women have served overseas in peacekeeping roles, and they want to bring that peace into New Zealand communities and families. That is a very powerful message.

“Lieutenant General Tim Keating’s willingness to accept this nomination sends a clear signal both within the Defence Force, and to all New Zealand leaders, that violence towards women is a serious issue that demands leadership from the very top,” says Judge Boshier.

Lieutenant General Keating said: “I am honoured to be nominated as a White Ribbon Ambassador. I am very pleased to be able to lend what weight I can to this vital cause. The New Zealand Defence Force supports the important message of the White Ribbon campaign.

“We have an opportunity through the White Ribbon ambassadorship to demonstrate, not just to NZDF, but the wider community, leadership on this issue. Within the NZDF, we have developed a family violence prevent and management policy, and education and training programme that promote workplace wellbeing and safety.

“I know that the Defence Force will again get behind White Ribbon activities this year, including participation by the NZDF Patriot Motorcycle Group in the White Ribbon Ride.”

Notes:

• There are now over 80 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 Respectful Relationships
• Ambassadors must commit to the kaupapa of the campaign and can include men who were formerly violent, however they must acknowledge that past behaviour, and be living violence free lives
• The campaign launches on 09 November and is organised by the White Ribbon Trust with expert advice from the White Ribbon Committee chaired by Judge Boshier