Preparation for the White Ribbon Ride 2017

Preparations for the ride start well before November each year. The Campaign Team work with the Ride Leaders to organise draft itineraries and then months of effort goes into finalising the schedule and working with communities to get everything in order. That includes 6 months networking with agencies, Marae, Iwi and riders groups to organise the 2017 route, events and accommodation.

Te Ahi Kikoha, the riders who lead the Lower North Island Ride hosted a meeting in Wellington in May for all White Ribbon Riders that wished to participate in that ride. The Hui covered the history of the White Ribbon Ride, the Kaupapa of Te Ahi Kikoha and a debrief of the 2016 ride and messaging, as well as a reports on events that the riders had attended since November 2016. This meeting was well attended and the Ride Leader Takurua and his wife Cathy flew up from Dunedin at their own cost.

Since this meeting, riders have organised  hui to ensure cultural responsibility (Tikanga) when engaging with Maori communities and learn the appropiate Waiata, reinforcing the messaging and supporting those new to the kaupapa. Theses hui have been held every 6 weeks  in different areas across New Zealand.

The riders have also attended several events, fund raisers for Woman’s Refuge, Youth Events, School Events, RATS events and just a few weeks ago took some elderly folks for a ride.

In the final weeks before the ride, the riders ensure they are ready to deliver the key messages and importantly, all the bikes are readied for the trip.

White Ribbon is incredibly lucky to have these dedicated men. Many take unpaid leave to participate and the cost per person is significant. The campaign only contributes $5,000 per ride (there are three rides) and those funds are primarily spent on accommodation and if funds are left over, a small amount of food is provided. It’s a huge undertaking involving hundreds of people who all have the same goal, to end men’s violence towards women and we would like to thank the riders for donating their time, energies and bikes to promote the White Ribbon Kaupapa. They visit over 80 communities over the week long ride and leave lasting impression on many.

Click here for the 2017 schedule.