AMBASSADORS

For the campaign to be successful, men (and women) must be seen to lead and actively support the kaupapa. Ambassadors play a vital role in building support, visibility and developing a shared understanding of the campaign within their social groups, workplaces and communities. Our Ambassadors embody the principles of the campaign. They are chosen for their willingness to challenge the behaviour of abusive men, and to convey key messages directly to their own communities.

NOMINATE AN AMBASSADOR

Please feel free to download and submit your nomination forms for 2020.
We are looking to communities to nominate potential male and female Ambassadors who are respected and influential role models in their workplaces, businesses, government departments, faith, cultural groups or wider communities. All nominees must be informed of the nomination and sign a statement that they are living violence-free lives and will uphold the White Ribbon pledge not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women. Ambassadors will be provided with training, information packs and ongoing mentoring.

DOWNLOAD THE NOMINATION FORM
PDF version
Word version
DOWNLOAD THE VETTING FORM
PDF version

REQUEST AN AMBASSADOR

If you would like an Ambassador to speak at your local event, please send the request through via this FORM.
Please include:

• A description of the event
• Date, time and location
• Whether you are able to contribute to the costs of an Ambassador’s travel
• How long you require the Ambassador
• What you would like them to do, e.g. speech, take part in activity etc.

We are unable to guarantee the availability of an Ambassador, but will do our best. The more advance warning we have the better your chances are. White Ribbon tends to organise local Ambassadors to attend local events so as to avoid significant travel as White Ribbon is unable to cover the costs of transportation to events.

---

AMBASSADOR PROFILES

JUDGE AJIT SINGH

Dr Ajit Swaran Singh became the first Fiji-born Indian to be appointed to the District Court Bench in New Zealand. He was sworn in as a Judge in Manukau, Auckland on Diwali Day, 4 November 2002. Judge Singh is the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding achievements in the field of public service. He regularly speaks at the Ethnic A Conferences and community forums on cultural issues concerning family violence/child abuse/mental health/bullying in schools, particularly as such issues affect the immigrant & refugee communities.

For many years Dr Singh has been involved with community education on family violence issues, particularly for recent migrant groups, youth and senior citizens. In becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador, Dr Singh will promote the principles of White Ribbon by supporting the campaign, challenging the behaviour of abusive men, and encouraging others to do the same.

AKEREI (REI) MARESALA-THOMSON – SOUTH AUCKLAND

Rei is the General Manager of the Village Collective, Manukau, South Auckland, having left the Police where he was a senior sergeant. His role is to promote healthy relationships with a focus on youth. Within this role, Rei talks openly to youths about sexual relationships and runs workshops on building confidence and remaining true to oneself.  Rei promotes education around a wide range of issues to migrant communities. He is seen as a strong leader in the community, especially within Pasifika groups, and ‘walks the talk’ when it comes to bringing an end to men’s violence against women.

ALASDAIR MACMILLAN

Alasdair is a highly respected member of the Police force. As Senior Sergeant and Officer in Charge in the Kapiti Policing area, he has implemented numerous community policing projects and been very supportive of Voices Against Violence Initiatives. Alasdair demonstrates both a professional and personal commitment to addressing domestic violence. He is available, active and goes the extra mile when addressing domestic violence in his community.

In becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador, Alasdair hopes to demonstrate that the NZ Police are 100% behind the White Ribbon Campaign. Great to have you in the team Alasdair!

HON ALFRED NGARO MP

Alfred entered Parliament as a List MP for National at the 2011 election. Based in Auckland, Alfred is a New Zealander of Cook Islands descent and is married with four children.

Alfred has a strong Governance and community development background. He has international experience in community development with developmental work in Canada and also the Cook Islands. He also has experience sitting on a number of national, regional and local Governance Boards and Advisory Committees prior to entering Parliament.  Alfred was also a recipient of the 2009 Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leaders Award.

HON ANDREW LITTLE MP

Andrew Little is the former national secretary of New Zealand’s largest trade union, the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) and former president of the New Zealand Labour Party, now leader of the Labour Party. Andrew saw an excellent opportunity to spread the White Ribbon message to the 50,000 members of the EPMU – and so approached the Campaign to work together and become an Ambassador. Andrew continues to advocate for equal rights and and end to violence towards women.

 

ANGELO HOUTOS

Angelo is currently the Service Manager of the Department of Corrections team for the Christchurch Integrated Safety Response pilot, and is recognised as being a trusted leading voice in the family harm space and an advocate for the reduction of violence in our communities, particularly in the home.  Angelo has worked for Corrections for 16 years in various roles including frontline custody roles and as an Intelligence Analyst, and prior to this he was with New Zealand Defence Force (Army).

Angelo has spent the last 14 months actively leading and supporting the Corrections ISR team and has become an influential member of the wider family harm sector in Canterbury, made up of Government agencies and community support agencies. He has been recognised as being a motivated and innovative leader who has initiated and supported many improvements across the whole of the ISR sector and has been involved in numerous work streams where his talents and passion for the work has been held in high esteem by agencies and individuals in the family harm space.

A devoted husband, father of six and keen motorbike rider, Angelo wants to use the role of White Ribbon Ambassador to raise the awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign, and influence positive change throughout the Government agencies with which he interacts as well as in the community groups he supports.

 ANDY MOSCROP-GIBLIN

Andy has worked in the area of family violence for the last ten years and has huge determination in making New Zealand violence free. Declaring himself a ‘salesperson for peace’, Andy has offered opportunities for his male colleagues to make themselves and their families safer. With a family of six, Andy understands the necessity of a non-violent household and puts into practise what he believes. He has spoken to a number of audiences on the subject, including the family violence sector and a range of students. Andy firmly believes that being violence free helps to create a balanced family, social and work life, and hopes, by becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador, to show this to other men.

ANNA CAMPBELL

Anna Campbell, Global CEO of FAB Group, joins White Ribbon as our first female Ambassador. Anna held the role of Chief People Officer of The Warehouse Group until November last year. During her time at the Group, The Warehouse became the first New Zealand employer to gain White Ribbon accreditation. Anna’s role as an ambassador will be to encourage other businesses to seek White Ribbon Business Accreditation.  “As a mother of three boys, I’m acutely aware of the importance of raising them to understand what good relationships are and to be respectful men. However, New Zealand companies also need to play their role. Family violence has serious and devastating effects in New Zealand. For employers, it can impact your team’s ability to bring their best selves to work. So, I encourage employers to support their team whether they’re impacted by violence or want to stop using violence.”  Anna believes New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world at hurting the people we love, and we all need to get involved to solve this problem.

ANNE SINGH

Anne Singh is a dedicated, resourceful and resilient servant leader, who collaborates well with all stakeholders. With a wealth of knowledge and experience of over 12 years in the ECE sector, Anne is an Early Childhood Education Manager with a background in Teaching and Health and Safety. Anne is a firm believer in driving for operational excellence and has a can-do attitude. She is also multilingual. Anne believes in continuous improvement and has a strong foundation in health and safety, having been appointed as a representative at both a cluster and regional level.

Anne has strong links to the community being a Trustee on the Board of Mission Heights Primary School, a Rotarian for the Howick Rotary Club, a Treasurer for the Manukau East Community of Social Services and a Co-Founder and Trustee of the Indian Kiwi Positive Ageing Charitable Trust.

Anne is also a Chairperson, who chairs monthly meetings in the community for an electorate committee and is also the Deputy Chair to the South Hub representing ten electorate committees in South and East Auckland. Lastly, in the weekends, Anne puts together food parcels for vulnerable residents for the Auckland City Mission.

Anne is delighted to have been appointed as a White Ribbon Ambassador as she is passionate about violence prevention and has long advocated for respectful relationships in her community.

ARISH NARESH

Arish was born in Fiji and moved to New Zealand in 2006. When he became a White Ribbon Ambassador, Arish was based in Gisborne and was the Director of Allied Health and Technical at Hauora Tairawhiti DHB, as well as President of Tairawhiti Multicultural Council. He is also the Chairperson of the NZ Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association and President of the International Oral Health Association.

Arish also held the role of Executive Director of Allied Health, Scientific and Technical at Capital & Coast DHB before taking on a fixed term role as Program Director for Speciality Medicine at Royal Adelaide Hospital. Arish is proud that his current employer is accredited by White Ribbon Australia.

Helping others is a core principle for Arish. He is a Board Member of UNICEF New Zealand and a Justice of the Peace. He is also the Founder of OWDSOCKS –Opportunities without Discrimination. Arish is committed to working to prevent violence against women and looks forward to continuing this mission on his return to New Zealand.

ASIM MUKHTAR

Asim Mukhtar is a New Zealand Permanent Resident with more than two decades of experience leading non-profit as well as for-profit organizations. He is currently a PhD student at Auckland University of Technology. He has successfully applied his leadership and governance skill set in different roles and helps organisations to grow. He is the Elected Vice President of the Pakistan Association of New Zealand, a Founding Member of Sanjha Punjab (United Punjab) New Zealand, and a Radio host at Radio Spice 88FM. Asim is also a professional photographer and has carried out some documentary filmmaking for community development projects, aimed at lifting the voice and visibility of ethnic and religious minorities in Aotearoa society and creating public awareness about their countries of origin. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Muslim New Zealander of the Year 2019 award and holds the Peter Harwood Scholarship in Community Leadership and Excellence.

Asim would like to create awareness in his community about the prevalence of domestic violence. He notes: “It is important to build awareness, identify abusive behaviours, and take action to prevent harm to people in our communities who may be family, friends, neighbours, or co-workers. I intend to lead efforts in raising awareness about domestic violence and will help victims by referring them to local services, resources and other support available to them.  I will become a link between victims. Due to my media background, I understand the importance of an effective campaign and will assist by sharing important information within the community. The strong community support I have garnered over the years means I will be able to challenge the taboos regarding Domestic violence within ethnic communities.”

AWEN GUTTENBEIL

Awen retired from professional league several years ago, and is now a Sports commentator for Maori Television (Code) and Sky Television. He is married to Natasha has two children.

Awen says he is motivated to support White Ribbon Day because of his personal experience of family violence. “As a child I was around it and exposed to it,” Awen says. “I remember how terrifying it was and I still battle with it. It scarred me deeply – and as an adult I try to avoid confrontations because it brings back all those terrible feelings. I still remember those feelings from when I was three or four.”

“As a role model for White Ribbon Day, I would love to encourage more men to hold each other accountable so that they are never intimidating or violent in their home, and with their family. It takes a brave person to take up the challenge to break the cycle for generations of males in their family. To me that’s a role model.”

BARRY HELEM

Originally from Greymouth, but now residing in Christchurch, Barry is an experienced senior manager & CEO with a track record of success leading multi-site organisations in both the non-profit and corporate sectors.

After a successful career as a senior manager in the financial services industry, Barry’s compassion, empathy and desire to serve the community led him to transfer his leadership skills to the non-profit sector in late 2011 as CEO of SPCA Canterbury. In 2017 he was appointed General Manager, Southern Region for SPCA New Zealand and then in June 2019 commenced his current role as CEO of Presbyterian Support Upper South Island, providing a range of social services to support communities in Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast.

White Ribbon is a cause close to Barry’s heart. During his tenure at SPCA, he established individual MOU’s with local Christchurch women’s refuge and family violence agencies. This provided short-term pet accommodation at SPCA to enable families to leave domestic violence situations without fear of repercussion against their animals.

Barry is married to Tracee and they have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Barry’s interests include sport, an insatiable need for coffee, poor dad jokes and motorcycling. He has completed two extensive tours so far of North America on his Harley Davidson (a total of 32,000km’s).

BARRY MATHEWS

Barry Matthews was Chief Executive of the New Zealand Department of Corrections from 2005 to 2010. Prior to that he was a long-serving police officer. Barry worked in the public sectors of New Zealand and Australia for almost four decades. He has a Masters Degree in Business Administration, Law Professional examinations, a Bachelor of Laws Degree and a Diploma of Criminology. Barry helped to broker the use of Corrections to make and distribute the White Ribbons for the campaign and the department utilised this opportunity to talk to prisoners about the campaign.

BENJAMIN YII-MEAN PAN

Benjamin lives in Auckland and was the Director of CPS Printing 2000 Ltd and a Committee member of the Taiwanese Hwa Hsia Society and Asian Council on Reducing Crime.

Benjamin is a respected leader in the Taiwanese community in Auckland.  He is a supporter of Shakti, is passionate about reducing violence and is keen for men to take responsibility. As a child he experienced violence and as an adult had been abusive to his wife and son.  He sought help for his violence, made changes and took responsibility for what he had done to others.  He has been public about his story and actively been challenging domestic violence in his community. His goal is ‘that all families are living free of fear, have peace of mind and above all without violence’.

BILL O’BRIEN (former White Ribbon Ambassador)

Bill has stepped down from being a White Ribbon Ambassador to focus on writing his new book. Bill O’Brien has seen the trauma associated with violent behaviour during a 35-year-long policing career. He was a Trustee with the Sophie Elliott Foundation where he advocates zero tolerance to abuse. Bill managed the police-run year 12 Loves-Me-Not workshops in schools nationwide from a Foundation perspective and also acts as voluntary manager for Lesley Elliott.

Bill has a strong personal connection to the White Ribbon movement. When researching for a book on the behavioural traits of mass-murderers he corresponded with Montreal police seeking background information into the Montreal Polytechnic killings. A reply he received from a police inspector shook him. The officer, responding to the tragedy, went from room to room where 14 young women had died. In the last classroom he found the body of his own daughter. That officer and Bill continued corresponding for some years.

It was that rampage that saw the formation of the White Ribbon movement, a cause Bill feels personally committed to. We thank Bill for all the work he has put into violence prevention.

BISHNU POKHREL

Bishnu came to New Zealand in 2006 as a refugee from Nepal. He was a school principal in Nepal and since he arrived in New Zealand he has been working closely with refugee and migrant communities. In 2017, Bishnu recived a civic award for working with refugees and migrants from the Christchurch City Council. He has worked closely with New Zealand police and other NGOs to reduce violence against women. He speaks Nepali, Hindi/Urdu and English and has a good knowledge of Thai. 

He is currently working as a Refugee facilitator at the Canterbury District Health Board in Specialist Mental Health Services. In addition, Bishnu is a member of the ethnic police advisory committee; member of SRV (Strengthening Refugee Voices) Canterbury Refugee Resettlement & Resource Centre; member of Christchurch Multicultural Council; member of Refugee Advisory Committee NZ Red Cross nationwide and former Chairperson of the Canterbury Nepalese Society. 

BLAIR MCKENZIE

Blair hails from Queenstown, recently moving his family to Nelson. He grew up in a family with a history of domestic violence and is passionate about changing our countries terrible statistics around family Violence. He has been involved in the White Ribbon Campaign for the past seven years and is now an active speaker on the South Island Campaign Ride. He was the founding member of The Redeemed Christian Motorcycle Ministry in the South Island and has a passion for the broken and disadvantaged people in our society. As part of Blair’s journey he works alongside Gang members wanting to make positive change within their organisations. He is excited about his Ambassadorship, and is looking forward to helping make positive change throughout his community alongside the White Ribbon Campaign.

SIR BOB HARVEY

Bob Harvey was the Chairman of Waterfront Auckland, a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), to deliver a world class waterfront for Auckland city. He was Chairman of the Telecom Foundation and member of Rugby World Cup 2011 and the Lotteries Commission for Rugby World Cup.

He was the Chairman of BNZ West and held the position of Vice President of Mayors for Peace.  He is the former Chairman of the NZ Peace Foundation, Chairman Health Sponsorship Council, Deputy Chairman of the NZ Film Commission and a member of the Board of Te Papa.  He served 6 terms as Mayor of the city of Waitakere, retiring in November 2010 when the city was amalgamated. He was awarded, with six international Mayors, the United Nations Award for Peace in 1997 and the United Nations Life Time Achievement Award for the Environment in 2007. He is married to Barbara, a mid-wife and has 6 grown children.

BRUCE PILBROW

Bruce has been a White Ribbon Ambassador since 2010. His career spans 27 years of leadership and transformation where making a difference to people and communities are central to his approach. He is an experienced speaker, motivator, marketer and director.

He is currently CEO of Spirit Of Adventure Trust and former chairman of NFP youth organisation, Zeal; is a former partner and managing director of Film Construction; and held the deputy chief commissioner role with the Families Commission for two years.

Seeing too many families affected by violence has inspired Bruce’s commitment to being a White Ribbon ambassador. “My work has shown me that too often violence pushes families over the edge. Anything that can be done to stop this from occurring I’m going to support wholeheartedly. Violence has no place in our society and I hope the campaign will help bring about a violence-free future for all of our families.”

BRYAN WARD

Bryan Ward is a Community officer based in the Rodney area. He has been a police officer for over 21 years. In 2000, Bryan and a police colleague Hirone ran and cycled the length of the North Island in order to raise over $75,000 for ‘Kidz First’, the children’s hospital in South Auckland for which he is now Ambassador. Bryan is also the national ambassador for Blue Light, Variety the children’s charity and has represented New Zealand/Auckland playing Gaelic football and has been awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship for his services to youth by Rotary, and in 2009 received the Queens Service Medal for his services to youth, community and the Police . Having seen first hand the effects of domestic violence as a front-line police officer he is passionate about stopping the cycle of domestic violence and empowering ALL to speak up and stop domestic violence. In his spare time Bryan enjoys training in martial arts and currently holds a second Dan Black belt in Aikido,is a Krav Maga instructor. He often runs community based self defence programmes for community groups. Bryan has been a national trainer for the neighbourhood policing teams and community constables in the Police and developed and features in a children’s safety television programme called Bryan and Bobby you can visit them on their website: www.bryanandbobby.co.nz

BRYAN CADOGAN

Bryan Cadogan is in his fifth term as Clutha District Mayor. He grew up in the district and has previously been a local business owner and worked in the farming world, including shearing and owning a farm. He and his wife Allyson have 2 children, who are in their 20s, both live overseas, one in Australia and one in China. Bryan entered politics as one of the youngest ever Clutha District Councillors in 1998. One of Bryan’s big passions is youth unemployment, he recently stepped down from the national group Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and has established a very successful local programme Ready Steady Work to get all of Clutha’s youth into employment. Bryan is very passionate about the Clutha district and works hard to foster council’s goal of promoting growth in the district. Outside of work, Bryan is keen on cricket, rugby and gardening. Bryan and Tim Cadogan are the only brothers to be Mayor at the same time and in neighbouring communities. Mayoralty has allowed Bryan to support causes he has a strong empathy for, including Woman’s Refuge, White Ribbon and anything related to Youth especially around employment and challenges in their lives. A life that started with long periods of unemployment followed by over a decade shearing has given Bryan the privilege of experiencing life from all perspectives and Bryan feels it has been a humbling and heartfelt experience to become an ambassador for the White Ribbon Campaign.

CALLUM WILLIAMSON

Callum is respected and recognised as a staunch advocate for the prevention of violence towards women. He currently participates in many stopping violence towards women activities in Taranaki. He is identified as a leader in the campaign to stop family violence and has a sound understanding of the issues that perpetuate the cycle of violence.

He is an enthusiastic dedicated campaigner and is very successful at engaging a diverse range of people and groups in the campaign to eliminate violence towards women.

CATHERINE DANIELS

Catherine Daniels has spent the last six years writing a book and sculpting her personal journey through childhood sexual abuse and trauma. What started out as one sculpture to portray what she couldn’t verbalise, has evolved into a nationally touring exhibition titled ‘The Secret Keeper’. The exhibition uses art as a way of showing people the long term effects of childhood sexual abuse and trauma, and hopes to reduce the stigma and shame often felt by survivors.

Catherine’s intention for her sculptures, “her girls”, is to start many conversations by both touring the exhibition and speaking at public events and seminars. She hopes people gain an empathy and understanding around the subject, which is often so hard to talk about.

COLIN AGNEW

Colin was the Vice President of the South Island Chapter of the Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club, and also the leader of the South Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride.  has been involved with the White Ribbon Ride since it first began in 2008 and is very pleased to become an ambassador – though he may look tough, he has a soft heart.

“The ride means a lot to me, and the stories I’ve heard have only increased my determination to keep coming back each year.” One memorable ride was 2011 when a woman in Gore recognised his motorbike and approached him with her three children. The woman had talked to him at a White Ribbon Ride a few years before, and told them it gave her the confidence to pack up and leave her violent household. She said she was now living in Gore, safe and happy with her children. “It’s a sign to me that I need to keep doing this as long as it takes.” Colin has tried to retire as the leader of the South island Ride, but took on the mantel again in 2022.

CRAIG CALDER

Former CEO of the South Canterbury Rugby Football Union, Craig has an extensive professional management career in marketing and in the media. Craig was the very first CEO from a rugby environment to show real leadership to co-create and pilot a “Stand Up“ community programme in Rugby Clubs, a move that is characteristic of Craig’s bravery and commitment to ending violence.

Craig led uncomfortable conversations and bared the fallout of these. He has taken people on the journey with South Canterbury Rugby no matter how resistant they might have been and the way he can meet people ‘where they are at’ to begin change works, be that die hard feminists with a strong analysis of violence, or committed rugby club men who are only considering these issues for the first time.

He has upskilled himself, reached out to experts and recognised while he is not an expert in this area, he is an expert in Rugby and man of influence within his community and he has continuously used this influence for good.

Craig has shown an open willingness to reflect and share his own family domestic violence experiences, to open himself up and to hear others experiences in return. “I am keen to make a difference in our community. I am honoured to have been nominated as a White Ribbon Ambassador. I am determined to try and make positive and effective difference where I can, by educating and creating awareness of the serious problems we have in our community.”

CRAIG BRUCE MCDOUGALL

Craig is an ex N.Z. boxing Champion and is Director/Coach for a Boxing and fitness Academy in Hastings. His programme encourages young men to learn fitness, discipline, core values of respect, self control and dignity. Craig is very much in demand in local schools as a guest speaker and inspirational leader for our youth. He holds his wife and family as most precious to him and always promotes these relationships as a key to any success that he has had.

“I am both excited and honoured to be welcomed into the White Ribbon Whanau. The underpinning message is of great importance to our people and I can speak from experience. My own family and many involved in my work deal with this on a day to day basis and It’s not O.K.

I believe that with privilege comes responsibility. And that education coupled with inspiration leads to change. I see it as a privilege to stand up for a meaningful cause and to be able to work with the people in the Hawkes Bay community. Therefore it is my responsibility to honour them with the best messages available, ones that will improve their lives and those around them. Messages that will positively influence Aotearoa.”

DARREN JAMES PRITCHARD

Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard has been a member of the New Zealand Police for the past twenty years, in Hastings. For the past 6 years, Darren has been the Hastings Family Violence Coordinator responsible for the area. As a dedicated father, partner and police officer he is an asset to all groups he participates in – from Te Rito collaborations to White Ribbon Rides.

He fully believes that everyone has the right to live their lives free from violence and abuse, and as Family Violence Coordinator and White Ribbon Ambassador can spread the White Ribbon message far and wide.

DANE HASKELL

Born and bred in Taranaki, Dane is the coordinator for a family violence prevention collaborative called Taranaki Safe Families Trust. His role is to work in unison with various organisations to deliver effective anti-family violence messaging and awareness. Prior to his current role, Dane was the facilitator for an alternative education provider for at risk youth in New Plymouth. Dane believes everyone has the right to be violence free in Aotearoa, and as a White Ribbon Ambassador is committed to spreading the kaupapa through as many channels as possible.

Dane is happily married to Rose, and wants to be a mentor and positive role model for not only his two young daughters, but for his community as well.”

DAVID COURNANE

David Cournane has been working in Boys’ secondary education in NZ for well over 20 years. He has worked extensively in pastoral care, and has held several senior positions and is now the Assistant Rector at Lindisfarne College. He is passionately invested in the notion that it is during the formative years of adolescence when we can make the most positive difference in the way that young men and women view and behave in relationships with others. If we can develop generations of young New Zealanders who respect themselves and each other, then we will have a community that is prepared to stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence towards women.

DAVID ELLENA

David is a retired teacher who now spends a good proportion of his time in his Rolleston studio as a part time artist. In 2019, he was asked to act as support driver for the South Island White Ribbon ride and was hooked. “I listened to the personal stories and watched the commitment of the riders as they took the White Ribbon Kaupapa to schools, prisons and community groups, on a sometimes dismal 3000 km motorcycle trek around Te Wai Pounamu and was just blown away. How could I not want to be a part of it?”

2020 saw him nominated and welcomed as a White Ribbon Ambassador. He believes that the White Ribbon message is one which needs to be promoted throughout the year and feels that he has a unique opportunity as an ex teacher, to take the call of respectful relationships and non-violence to the students in schools in the Canterbury area. “I am very proud and humbled to wear the badge of a White Ribbon Ambassador. I am very keen to make contact with and talk to community groups in the region to help them better understand the messages that White Ribbon promote.”

DAVID NEWMAN

David Newman is a Developmental and General Paediatrician working from the Child Development Centre at Waikato Hospital for the past 16 years and was Clinical Director of the Waikato Department of General Paediatrics for 8 years to June 2014. David is currently President of the Paediatric Society of New Zealand, a multidisciplinary body supporting the education, professional development and advocacy of clinicians and allied health professionals supporting children and their families-whanau throughout New Zealand .

David was the inaugural Developmental Fellow at the Mater Children’s Hospital in Brisbane Australia in 1995 then worked in Port Augusta, South Australia alongside the Royal Flying Doctors Service in 1996 and 1997. He is committed to the medical assessment, management and support of children special needs and their families in the context of a multidisciplinary team. David believes that one of the most powerful tools for families is knowledge and understanding of their child, their condition and the tools required to support them develop to their potential. He has served on the boards of two trusts providing services to children with disabilities.

DAVID WHITE

On the morning of 23 September 2009, David’s daughter Helen Meads was murdered by her husband Greg at the stables on their Matamata farm. It was the final chapter in years of control and abuse.

“I’m proud of my daughter Helen,” says David. “She was a wonderful person who was cut down in the prime of her life by a controlling and violent person. There is some justice in knowing that Helen’s killer is behind bars, but I need to do more than that. I need to make sense of the awful situation we found ourselves in, and do my part to ensure the violence against women is both understood and ended.” As part of his mission to change attitudes, david write the book, Helen, the Helen Meads Tragedy.
“This book is an attempt to shine the light on abusive relationships. As parents Pam and I didn’t recognise the warning signs, we didn’t know what to do, and tragically, neither did our daughter. If we had known to look on the Women’s Refuge site, Helen would have understood that the most dangerous time is when you are leaving an abusive relationship.”

DAVID WARREN

David has a long history of advocating for the equality of women and men and has been running sessions about eliminating violence towards women over the past year with excellent results.

As a White Ribbon Ambassador David hopes to continue the work for eliminating violence towards women, advance the equality of women and men and create a greater social awareness for the opportunities and needs of the area.

DEREK BLIGHT

Derek is currently Community Development Advisor at Westland District Council, Elder at Hokitika Christian Fellowship, Coordinator of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programme in Hokitika, Secretary of the Hokitika Community Patrol, member of the steering committee for the Hokitika Community Champions Project and Coordinator of the Safe Community Coalition in Westland.

He has been married for 42 years to Diana, father of four children and grandfather of 13 grandchildren. Derek is an excellent communicator, who is passionate about preventing domestic violence in society.

ETEUATI ETE

Eteuati Ete is a comedian, actor, writer and theatre producer who has decided to use his profile and influence particularly amongst Maori and Pasefika to raise awareness of family harm by sharing his own story of family violence as a victim and a perpetrator.

He and his wife Mele Wendt have in the last year or so been sharing their lived experience of family violence, as presenters in the Nga Vaka Family Violence programme.  They believe that “violence thrives in silence” and by speaking out they will encourage and embolden victims to find their own voice.  They also provide practical advice on how they were able to eliminate the violence in their marriage.

While Ete has been an actor for almost forty years who’s appeared in film, tv and theatre, having being one of the first Pasefika people to attend the New Zealand Drama School, he’s perhaps best known as one half of the highly successful Laughing Samoans comedy duo.

EVANS CHIBANGUZA

Evans has a vast knowledge of family violence and feels passionately for making a difference to the community.  He demonstrates strong leadership skills and strongly believes in what white ribbon represents.  He is always leading by example and has no problem in challenging abusive behaviour.  By standing up for what is right he encourages others within the community to do the same.

Evans was a Care and Protection Social Worker at CYFs, President of the Ashburton Conference of St Vincent de Paul and on the National Board.  He co-coaches the mid Canterbury under 18s Greens team and is a mentor with the Ashburton Buddy/Mentor programme.  He is also heavily involved with the Ashburton Families Without Violence network and is at the forefront of the Family without Violence awareness activities.

‘As a white ribbon ambassador I hope to raise the profile of the serious issue of domestic violence and hopefully as more people stand up against this issue we will have a violence free society. I have long held the view that the one place that anyone should feel safe is in the home and so believe the issue of domestic violence needs to be wiped out and I am willing to do everything I can to make sure this happens’.

FIONA SOUTHORN

Originally from the South Waikato and now residing in Northland, Fiona knows first hand what it is like living as a disabled child in a violent single parent home then to move into a violent domestic situation and come out of both to become a successful NZ Paralympic Cyclist. During that time she also survived losing all of her hard earned assets to fraud by her partner while training for her third Paralympics.

Fiona has been motivational speaking in schools for 15 years throughout New Zealand and believes that sport has been a huge part of her healing and recovery. She is still competing and representing NZ as a Master in both Cycling and Duathlon sports, and will continue to do so as long as she is able.

Fiona is still a happy positive person and believes there is good in all of us. After recently becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Fiona believes “it is possible for others to break out of the abusive relationship cycle and I want to put the wheels in motion to help and guide others to do that and make a difference in people’s lives.”

GARY MCKERNON

Gary has been a police officer for 24 years starting in the UK in 1995. He moved to New Zealand in 2006 and has spent his career on the front line of policing. During that time he has witnessed the immediate and ongoing effects of violence within the home and he is passionate about finding ways stop the violence and support victims and perpetrators to make the changes needed.

In 2018, he took on the role of prevention Sergeant for the Tararua District, which includes investigating Family Harm within the area and he now finds himself in a position to work with a team and lead solutions which may previously gone overlooked. Becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador gives him an opportunity to publicly promote the campaign and add his voice to stop violence towards women.

GARY MITCHELL

Gary is a Custody Officer at Wellington District Custody Unit and, in this role, talks to men on a daily basis about violence towards women and how to build respectful relationships. Gary makes a high number of referrals to support the men in custody, via the RAROA project. Gary is confident in challenging other’s attitudes and behaviours and making a change. Gary is currently involved in the Red Cross, United Nations and Ministry for Primary Industries. He is also a NZ Cadet Forces leader where he has the opportunity to work with boys and girls 13-18 and promote have respectful relationships. Gary’s father-in-law is a White Ribbon Ambassador (Peter McLaren).

 

GEOFF DAVIES

Geoff Davies was the First Grand Principal for the Free Masons. Mr Davies said he had a “lightbulb moment” when attending a White Ribbon fundraiser breakfast, and listening to a speech from ambassador and Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier. “Freemasons is a men’s organisation, and family violence is a men’s issue – so White Ribbon seemed like the perfect fit,” Mr Davies said. “At the moment, we have one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the developed world, and men need to be standing up and taking ownership.” Mr Davies is a trained journalist and has held a variety of roles in the media and is currently working for the Defence Force in the Minister of Defence’s Office.

GRAHAM ZUILL

Graham Zuill was raised and educated in East Auckland in a caring family environment. In 1987 after a 10-year career he left the NZ Police CIB, after working on a squad that dealt with victims of sexual assault.

He said, “the violence I witnessed against women and children remains fixed in my memory and I’ve often thought that if these memories were so vivid for me then how bad must they be for the victims. I am hugely motivated by the memory of those victims and hope that by working with such a credible organisation as White Ribbon the message will change behaviours and reduce the number of women and children affected by violence”

Sadly, the terrible cycle of violence towards women continues with victims suffering physically and mentally at the hands of men. This cycle must be broken and I’m convinced that White Ribbon is the platform to make those changes.

As a Company Director of several Security companies and an employer of over 50 staff, I believe we have a responsibility to ensure everyone works in a culture where they feel supported, cared for and trusted.

To learn more about the programme White Ribbon Ambassador Bryan Ward spoke to our predominantly male team delivering the “Stand up, Speak out and Act” message. Their unanimous response cemented my belief that White Ribbon has a vitally important role to play in educating men that violence towards women and children is unacceptable.

“I am honoured to be appointed a White Ribbon Ambassador and commit to working diligently within our communities.”

GREGGUIL (GREG) BESA

In addition to his work with one of the embassies in New Zealand, Greg is passionate about committing his time and expertise to support a number of committees at the Hutt City Council, notably as a member of the Western Ward Community Panel, Civic Honours Committee and the Keep Lower Hutt Beautiful Committee. He is also an active leader in the Filipino community in Lower Hutt, where he periodically organizes socio-civic activities.

Greg has a deep respect for women and high regard for their well-being, regardless of their cultural backgrounds, and is passionate about ending men’s violence towards women. He also is a member of the Hutt Valley & Districts Justices of the Peace Association Inc.

HANA POPEA

Hana, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand for the last 17 years, is currently working at St Ninian’s Uniting Church in Karori, Wellington. She has a heart for children and family ministries, and is active in leadership roles within presbytery, the national church, and in ecumenical and cultural settings. Born in Samoa, Hana has lived, studied and worked in New Zealand since her teenage years. Her experiences in ministry and life has made her realise that there’s a big gap between listening and actively hearing the silent suffering of women and children who experience violence and abuse within our society.

Hana’s mission for the kaupapa [the values and principles] of White Ribbon is to help others to find their voice, to break the cycle of abusive behaviour, to create an open talanoa [discussion] process and to facilitate educational programmes towards healing, caring, and the restoration of healthy relationships. Hana dreams of making New Zealand a place where healthy relationships thrive, positive attitudes are empowered, and loving and safe environments are the daily experience for all women and children.

HANNAH DOREY

Hannah was first introduced to White Ribbon through a poetry competition in 2019, where their poem ‘Respectfully’ won first place. Despite the excitement of the win they were more interested in exploring what else they could do to raise awareness of the abuse that happened so regularly around them. As a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault Hannah is determined to be a voice for their generation, “my story is not uncommon, my story is one of millions.”

Hannah currently works in childcare and is constantly driven to treat the children in a loving and gentle way. Teaching them respect and consent at a young age in order to create positive habits. They continue to use their writing as a creative outlet for the pain they have experienced, hoping to be a pillar for those who have experienced similar things. And although “Those memories will forever visit me in my nightmares” they are determined for future generations to never have those experiences in the first place.

HARRY NGATA

As well as captaining the Football Kingz in the Australian NSL, Harry has played 37 internationals for the All Whites, including matches at the 1999 Confederations Cup in Mexico. Harry is a board member of the NZPFA – New Zealand Professional Footballers Association. Part of his role involves facilitating the relationship between White Ribbon and NZ Football which has seen the Community Cup named the White Ribbon Cup. In 2011 White Ribbon became officially endorsed by the All Whites. In his role as a board member of the NZPFA, Harry communicates and actively promotes the White Ribbon messages.

Harry’s father, the late Dr. Paratene (Pat) Ngata, was an active campaigner for the cause. “For me it’s about legacy – not just from Dad’s work but also about the sort of role models sportsmen can be, and the sort of influence they can have when they stand up for up for what is right. You don’t have to experience violence to understand just how terrible the effects can be on women, and children.”

HARJIT SINGH

Having worked at Child, youth and Family for many years, Harjit has shown himself to be enthusiastic and willing to assist whenever asked, and spends his spare time volunteering. He has volunteered for the South Auckland Family Violence Prevention Network, the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin and many more show his passion for community work and dedication to serve the community.

Seeing too many families affected by violence has inspired him to become a White Ribbon Ambassador, and Harjit feels that violence has no place in the Aotearoa community.

HELEN ALGAR

Helen has a past lived experience of family harm. She is currently employed by the Waitaki District Council and is the coordinator of the highly effective ‘Safer Waitaki’ Safer Communities project. In this role she has been instrumental in raising community awareness of family harm across all sectors and currently coordinates an integrated, collaborative network of groups and organisations working together to create safer communities. As a result the community has become highly engaged in a range of activities including a highly successful poster campaign, workshops, youth led youth Youtube video project, White Ribbon events, cultural events and professional development opportunities for providers, community groups and organisations.

Helen is passionate and committed to reducing the impact and incidents of family harm within families and across communities. Helen has a lifelong commitment to promoting and supporting a violence free society where children can grow up feeling safe and secure.

IAN SHARP

Ian Sharp is married and has three children and seven grandchildren. Having worked as a community pharmacist for 40 years, he has always been involved in many community groups, organisations and sports clubs, including nine years as a District Councillor in Central Hawke’s Bay, and six of those as Deputy Mayor. Ian’s community involvement continues as he is currently President of the Waipukurau Golf Club, a trustee on the Rotary River Pathways Trust and a Paul Harris fellow within Rotary.

While he has no personal experience of family violence, he has seen the devastating effects and ongoing consequences of it. He joined Violence Free CHB about 2 years ago and hopes that by being a White Ribbon Ambassador he can help the community understand the enormity of the problem and assist to find ways to change attitudes and behaviour.

 

JACKIE ADAMS

Jackie Adams is a former Detective Sergeant with the New Zealand Police and worked in the roles of Family Violence Manager and Child Protection Manager. Originally from Ireland Jackie lived on the West Coast with his wife Tara and three daughters for several years before moving to the Wellington area. Jackie spent nine years in the British Army serving in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, yet he saw more violence in people’s homes as a Police officer than on the streets of Sarajevo or Belfast as a Solder.
While in the Police, Jackie was a member of the West Coast Family Violence Network and Te Rito, and has been involved with the West Coast portion of the White Ribbon ride for the past four years. “I am very proud to have been nominated to be a White Ribbon ambassador by the West Coast Child Youth and Family office, and hope I can live up to their expectations of me in this role.”

JACKSON MACFARLANE

Jackson is Building Maintenance Lead for Napier City Council where he has worked for 30 years. He is thrilled to see his organisation stepping up and showing support across the country that violence towards women is not ok. He has been involved with the community for many years in Youth Work , Holiday Programmes and community concerts. From NBL Basket Ball to singing the National anthem for the All Blacks to theatre and performing on stage, Jackson believes no matter what we have done or what we have achieved we all have a responsibility to stand up.

He is proud to be an ambassador for White Ribbon and wholeheartedly embraces the campaign, Jackson wants to make a positive difference and raise awareness of family violence . In Jackson’s words “If it’s got to be, it starts with ME. It starts at home with your own family. As a father and a husband it’s my responsibility to lead from the front to teach my sons it’s not OK and to set the standard for the future generation. JOIN ME AND MAKE A STAND.”

JAGJIT SINGH

In 2021, Jagjit Singh became the first person to be appointed as an Honorary Consulate of Georgia in New Zealand in the 30 years of diplomatic partnership between Georgia and New Zealand. Jagjit was born in India and moved to New Zealand in 2008. Jagjit is known for being focused, determined and hardworking and he has a talent for multitasking. He has the ability to build and maintain strong relationships within different ethnic groups and cultures and is active in several social activities and community organizations. Astrology is both a passion and profession for Jagjit and he enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills. He always spreads the message of peace, love, and unity in the community and to all those he is around. Being a qualified personal trainer in New Zealand, Jagjit motivates and encourages people to stay fit and healthy. Flying aircraft is one of Jagjit’s hobbies.

Jagjit believes “A good man treats women with honour”, for Jagjit women provide strength, and inspiration.  Jagjit is looking forward to wholeheartedly supporting the campaign to eliminate violence against women”

JAMES (JIMMY) BALLANTYNE

Jimmy is currently a Senior Security Advisor for the Ministry of Justice. In the past, he has been a Soldier, Police Constable, and Council Officer. Over the years he has worked to reduce family violence in Auckland, Palmerston North, and the Hutt Valley.

As the father of a 21-year-old son, and a 12-year- old daughter, he has committed to being a role-model for them, and imparting the need for respect and non-violence within Whanau and families, especially towards our women and children.

As an Ambassador Jimmy welcomes the privilege of continuing this as a White Ribbon Ambassador.  He believes that being a man means that you are strong enough to care, and show you care.

JAMIE ADDISON

Jamie Addison decends from the iwi of Ngati Porou. He is married to his best friend Audrie Addison. They share their faith and their 12 beautiful children between them and many mokopuna and extended whanau, including Hosea & Lola their bulldogs. Their home is their Marae.

Raised in an environment where men’s violence towards women was normalised, Jamie decided as an adult to be a role model in his whanau alongside his wife and in his community so that they could do their part to bring peace into violent arenas. His career spans over 10 years as an Addiction practitioner working with violent male offenders. However, his current scope of practice is within Women’s Refuge, based in the South Island community of Gore, as a child advocate facilitating programs with tamariki, who have been subjected to or live with family harm/violence.

Jamie took the pledge in 2014 and continues to use his passion to do his part in his community and he is honored to be working in this area.

JASON GUTHRIE

Jason has been a member of the New Zealand Police for 25 years and is currently the National Manager: High Performance based in Wellington. The bulk of Jason’s career has been in a range of operational roles in Dunedin including Area Commander for 4 ½ years and 16 years with the Armed Offenders Squad – he deployed to Afghanistan in 2011/2012 as part of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan and to the Rio Olympics/Paralympics in 2016 as part of the New Zealand Police Security Team.

Over an extended period in Police Jason has seen the harm created by Family Violence and he is committed to doing everything he can to change this situation, prevent Family Violence, and spread the White Ribbon kaupapa. The level of men’s violence against women in New Zealand is unacceptable but Jason is immensley proud to be part of the solution as a member of New Zealand Police and as a White Ribbon Ambassador.

Jason has worked with fellow White Ribbon Ambassadors Lesley Elliott and Bill O’Brien and is a big supporter of the very effective Loves me Not programme developed by the Sophie Elliott Foundation. He is married with two wonderful children and sees the the challenge for all men as having the courage to stand up and show they respect women, to speak out against men’s violence towards Women, and to role model the right behaviours and attitudes so we support all boys to become good respectful men.

JASON MCCOY

I accepted the role of White Ribbon Ambassador as I am passionate about reducing the effects of family harm within the entire family unit. Having worked in the police for some time I have seen how the effects of family harm not only affected the intended victim but also others within the family unit who have witnessed the harm being delivered.

Having taught the Loves-me-not programme in relation to respectful relationships since its inception I am only too familiar with the harm caused by isolation, intimidation and other psychological affects.

This cycle of harm escalates in frequency and affect on the victim. Being an ambassador may give me the opportunity to assist a victim or family member experiencing family harm I may not otherwise have been able to help.

JENAE TURNER

Hailing from Canada and now residing in Auckland, Jenae works as a Business Consultant at an Employee Experience Consultancy and is focused on learning and understanding people and their behaviour in order to improve their experiences at work. She is passionate about giving back to her community and environment, organising a number of charitable events/causes through her years and is currently a dedicated mentor for Pillars, a coach and mentor to emerging women in leadership, and provides strategic people advice to non-profit organisations.

Personally, she is driven by realising potential, passionate about connecting people to their opportunities, and advocates independence and choice. As a lover of music and an avid hiker, surfer, motorcycle rider, or anything outdoors, she is always looking for ways to connect to people and communities through common interests.

With experiencing domestic violence herself, Jenae is acutely aware of the intricacies and complexities involved and the devastating effects it can have on individuals, families, and New Zealand as a community. She hopes to bring awareness to the issue as a White Ribbon Ambassador and utilise her experience in change management and coaching to empower others to break the cycle and make positive change.

JEREMY LOGAN

Jeremy is a qualified counsellor with a Post Graduate Diploma of Counselling and a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. He has been working in private practice for over 12 years.

Jeremy has also studied and practiced insight meditation since 1984, and has been teaching retreats throughout New Zealand since 1993. Through his work at Stopping Violence Services Wairarapa, Jeremy helps men to overcome their violent behaviours and attitudes, hence is directly living the kaupapa of the White Ribbon Campaign.

 JEREMY MUIR

Jeremy has been a long-time supporter and promoter of the anti-violence / White Ribbon message. In his role as Editor of the Gisborne Herald, he has led his team to actively promote the kaupapa through numerous mediums over the past few years.

Under Jeremy’s leadership, the Gisborne Herald has taken bold stances, such as a completely black front page with a white ribbon, and publishing a full-page letter providing a victim’s whānau an opportunity to express their grief. He has provided a significant amount of advertising for free and involved the Herald in community events where he provided leadership and a voice for the White Ribbon message.

JON SPITTLE

Jon is the General Manager Marketing for SkyCity Auckland, responsible for the marketing, sponsorship, entertainment and events of the SkyCity precinct. Born and raised in the North East of England, Jon is a graduate of Oxford University, emigrating to New Zealand in 2003 and gaining citizenship in 2007.

With an employee base of several thousand, Jon passionately believes that SkyCity can be a strong influencer and provide a platform to amplify the White Ribbon message, building support and visibility across SkyCity’s many communities.

JONNIE BLACK

Jonnie is the Associate Principal at Papatoetoe Intermediate School a large multi-cultural school in South Auckland. He is passionate about education and ensure that the students in his class or within the school environment are always well catered for and supported in their journey through adolescence. Jonnie strive to promote restorative practices to resolve conflict.

Formerly, Jonnie was the Maori Programme Co-ordinator at the Peace Foundation and is actively involved in promoting peace issues affecting youth and the wider community. He has an extensive knowledge and skills in conflict resolution, peer mediation and peaceful communication to help families, schools and communities become safer environments.

Jonnie is of Maori descent in which he is proud to support other Maori in their journey to become violence free. He is a confident public speaker, and comes highly recommended as a White Ribbon Ambassador.

JONATHAN YOUNG MP

Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Jonathan Young worked in Waitakere City for 20 years as a Minister where he led a multi-cultural community of people from many different ages, backgrounds and vocations. This work gave him a thorough understanding on the issues facing New Zealanders from all walks of life. Over the years Jonathan also worked in the fields of financial administration, software programming, property management, design and publishing journals and magazines.

He started his working life as a teacher and has a strong commitment towards the opportunities education creates for people. As part of his former work, Jonathan developed links in Cambodia and has contributed to the development of Cambodian communities through his own involvement and the sponsorship of New Zealanders working in that country.

JORDAN HENARE

JUDE SIMPSON

Jude Simpson is a survivor of family violence, a White Ribbon Ambassador and now a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her tireless services to the prevention of domestic violence. Jude experienced abuse as a child from the age of 9 and subsequently became caught up in a cycle of domestic violence, substance abuse and crime. For 28 years she lived in violent and abusive relationships, was a member of both the Mongrel Mob and Highway 61 gangs and had four children to four different partners. In her thirties Jude sought help and turned her life around. She is now a living example that change is possible and that people can break the cycle of violence. She is committed to helping others to live free of violence. Since 2014 she has worked full-time for the police as the lead family harm facilitator at the police college, and previously held that role part-time for about eight years. She is responsible for the design and delivery of new family harm and prevention police recruit course curriculum now taught in Auckland and at the Wellington police college. She also works as family violence prevention advocate for the Ministry of Social Development’s It’s not OK campaign and facilitates workshops for other organisations. Between 2007 and 2014, she was also the family violence prevention advocate for Presbyterian Support Northern area and she has been able to draw on her personal experience as a victim of abuse, outlined in her book Lost and Found: A Woman’s Living Proof.

JUDGE PETER BOSHIER

Judge Peter Boshier is Chief Ombudsman for New Zealand. He commenced in this position on 10 December 2015 and it is a five year appointment. He was born and educated in Gisborne and attended Victoria University of Wellington, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws with Honours Degree in 1975. After a period of practice in Wellington he was appointed as a District Court Judge with a specialist Family Court warrant in 1988.

Judge Boshier has a long association with Pacific judicial issues and was seconded to undertake judicial training there, based in Suva in 2002 and 2003. Judge Boshier has travelled regularly to Pacific Island countries to undertake workshops on the subject of family violence and youth justice. He holds the Samoan Matai title of Misa which was bestowed in 2000.

In 2004 Judge Boshier was appointed as the Principal Family Court Judge of New Zealand and held that position until December 2012 when he was appointed a Law Commissioner, a position he held until being appointed as Chief Ombudsman. Judge Boshier has served on the Government’s Family Violence Taskforce. He was the Chair of the White Ribbon Advisory Committee and is currently Patron of the White Ribbon Trust and Patron of the Dwell Community Housing Trust in Wellington. In 2009 Judge Boshier was made a distinguished alumnus of the Victoria University of Wellington for his contribution to the law. In July 2015, Judge Boshier became the President of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts based in the United States. He is the first New Zealander to hold this position and does so until July 2016.

JULIAN PATON

Julian is an active member of the Hutt Union Community Health Service, Chair of the Network for a Violence-Free Hutt Valley, and has a keen interest in the community and woks tirelessly within them. He actively promotes healthy and respectful relationships, which he believes are the answer to preventing family and social violence. He has been married for 25 years, and has experienced abuse as a male in previous relationships

Julian wants to become a White Ribbon Ambassador in order to publicly show his beliefs on violence, and to show that the cyclic pattern of violence needs to be broken

KALLUM JURY-FIELD

Kallum Jury-Field is a case manager at Work and Income in New Plymouth and also part of the police-led organisation known as Big Brothers, Big Sisters – where he is a brother to a young man for whom this role model support is invaluable. Kallum is also a Public Services Association (PSA) delegate, another role which he handles with diplomacy and confidence. Kallum wants to raise awareness of the violence affecting New Zealand and is passionate about his desire to make a difference.

 

KEITH TURNER

My wife (Kathy) & I have been running a small business together for the last 8 years. We enjoy working together & most of our spare time is taken up with riding together on our motorcycles, whether it’s pastoral care, going to visit our kids, grandkids, club runs with the Patriots M/C Deep South Chapter of which I’m the club Padre, M/C rallies, or just riding somewhere together for us time. We have a wide circle of people in every walk of life we deal with every day.

Kathy & I have been involved with the White Ribbon Ride for four years & it’s something that is very close to our hearts, as I was a perpetrator in the first three years of my first marriage of seven years, & Kathy was a victim of physical & mental abuse for most of her first marriage of five years.

Being able to talk about our past to men & women of all ages about how our kids turned out with their relationships has helped others make changes in their lives.

Kathy & I have been married for 34 years & have 11 kids, 22 grandchildren & 1 great grandson between us.

HON KELVIN DAVIS MP

“It is with real pride that I have been asked to become a White Ribbon Ambassador and it is a responsibility I take seriously. I believe those of us who are committed to being loving and respectful men need to speak out loudly and clearly that we will not tolerate violence in any form, be it verbal, physical, emotional or sexual. The vast majority of men are good men;  we just need to make it known to our sons, brothers, fathers, uncles, cousins, nephews and mates who are violent, that their behaviour needs to change. Violent behaviour is a choice. With our collective determination we can turn the tide of violence against women, children – and other men, even if we have to do it one man at a time.

 

KEN MAHON

Ken resides in sunny Nelson and is happily married to Jan. They have three grandchildren, who he hopes will grow up in a violence free society. His employer Colgate Palmolive has been very supportive of the White Ribbon Ride.

Ken has always been involved in protecting his community with 32 years service as a Volunteer Fire Fighter. He has now retired but remains a proud Life Member of the Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade. Ambassador Colin Agnew introduced Ken to the White Ribbon Ride through their shared love of motorcycles and supporting local Charity Rides. Ken is the President of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club Chapter 6 NZ, an international motorcycle club for Firefighters.

“Our young men and women are the way of the future. We need to break the cycle of abuse towards women. Those of us who take part in the White Ribbon Ride are committed to helping by giving men and women the tools for healthy relationships.”

KESIA DENHARDT

Kesia is an unrelenting advocate for the prevention of violence towards women. She has been practising family law exclusively since 2009 and has assisted and supported numerous victims of domestic violence, in all its forms, during that time – including obtaining urgent protection orders where required or exploring other available remedies where that is appropriate. Presently she is a Senior Associate at Stace Hammond in Auckland.

Kesia is particularly passionate about this area of her practice. She has a thorough understanding and appreciation of the cycle of violence, and the power/control dynamics at play in such situations and guides her clients to a safer place at a pace of their choosing. She firmly believes that every woman in Aotearoa is entitled, and should expect, to be protected from risks of harm in their domestic relationships (and indeed, so too should their children). Her personable manner puts the vulnerable people whom she helps at ease.

Throughout her career, Kesia has undertaken voluntary work in her spare time to support various other organisations (in addition to White Ribbon) in their efforts to eliminate domestic violence in our country, including Shine.

AIR MARSHAL KEVIN SHORT

Air Marshal Kevin Short has spent over 40 years in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and has served at home and abroad in numerous roles.  In his early career Air Marshal Short was employed on No 5 Squadron completing duties as a Navigator, Tactical Coordinator, and Aircraft Captain, and accumulated over 5,000 flying hours primarily on the Lockheed P-3K Orion aircraft. In 2006 he served as Commander of the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team (Rotation 9) in Bamyan, Afghanistan.

In 2018 Air Marshal Short was appointed Chief of the Defence Force and also became a White Ribbon Ambassador. He is passionate about preventing men’s violence against women and ensuring the peacekeeping role that the NZDF has offshore also reaches into their own families and throughout New Zealand.

ALA’IMALO LUA MAYNARD

Lua has worked on a range of violence prevention initiatives and programmes over a 10-year period. He has been involved with White Ribbon NZ since it started in 2004. Lua feels he is able to relate to men, both young and old, and wants to help them develop healthy relationships with women. He is a strong role-model in his community and already viewed as a champion within his networks. Lua has already been actively involved in the promotion of White Ribbon events in his local area and is enthusiastic about promoting the positive messages that align with our campaign. He has excellent interpersonal skills and his affable nature allows him to connect with large audiences.

LESLEY ELLIOTT 

“Lesley Elliott was tenacious, intelligent and wanted to make sure that no mother would go through her experience of losing a daughter to violence,” says Judge Peter Boshier, White Ribbon Patron. We are leaving the description for former White Ribbon Ambassador Lesley Elliott (1946-2022) up on our website in memory of her immense contribution to violence prevention. RIP.

Lesley was the mother of Sophie Elliott, who was killed in 2008 by ex-boyfriend Clayton Weatherston. Lesley has retired from nursing and dedicated herself full-time to Loves me Not, which was a programme that was developed by the Sophie Elliot Foundation. The foundation she helped set up, is a legacy to Sophie, the aim of which is to raise awareness of all young women, and their families and friends of the signs of partner abuse and to help them get out of abusive relationships and keep themselves safe. If your school would like to consider Loves-Me-Not, you can contact your Police School Community Officer. More Information about implementing Loves-Me-Not can be found on the Police School Portal or view this film made for parents of students about to attend a workshop. Lesley has worked so hard to change the violent culture that exists within New Zealand, and has supported White Ribbon speaking at numerous events because Lesley knows we must educate our young men and teach them about respectful relationships. In 2014 Lesley was the overall winner of the Women of Influence award in New Zealand and deservedly so.

LUKE QIN

MARK LONGLEY

Mark has stepped back from being an Ambassador and Trustee. The White Ribbon Trust is proud to have had Mark’s service over so many many years. He has been an inspiration and one of our most sought after speakers. “My daughter would have supported any opportunity for me to speak out against men’s violence and White Ribbon is an effective campaign that allows men to speak to other men. It’s been hard though, reliving the loss of a family member, but if I have stopped just one act of violence then it’s been worth it.” Our thoughts will always be with Mark as we keep the memory of Sophie alive so that no other parent should ever go through such a traumatic experience again.

 

HON MARK MITCHELL

Mark Mitchell was a Cabinet Minister in the last National Government and is National’s MP for Rodney. He was the Minister of Defence, Minister for Land Information, and Associate Minister of Justice. Mark entered Parliament in 2011 when he was elected as Rodney’s Member of Parliament, a seat he won again in 2014.  Mark joined the New Zealand Police in 1989, and was a member of the Dog Section and Armed Offender’s Squad.  After leaving the police, Mark relocated overseas and launched an international business career, including the start-up of his own company specialising in hostage rescue, supply chain security, and risk management. Working closely with the World Economic Forum, he helped establish logistic emergency response teams that provided humanitarian support in countries hit by natural disasters, such as the Philippines, Pakistan, and Haiti. He was also a member of the executive management team of several global companies, including one of the biggest logistics companies in the world. Mark enjoys the kiwi lifestyle and spending time with his family in their hometown of Orewa.

MARK SHEPHERD

I reside in the beautiful Wairarapa where I am currently Deputy Chair on the Featherston Community Board and feel any change needs to start at grass roots level which is why I understand the importance of Stopping Violence Services and groups throughout the country.

I have been involved with White Ribbon Riders for the past 6 years and find it immensely rewarding talking with people ranging from school children to adults, around the importance of respectful and trusting relationships.

I am also heavily involved with Lower North Island Riders Against Teen Suicide and find these 2 Kaupapa are very closely linked through domestic violence and bullying. I recognize and understand that simply because someone is a perpetrator of violence, that does not necessarily make them a bad person as quite often these perpetrators also need help to turn their lives around.

Quite often by doing this they become an important part of our journey with White Ribbon whanau, sharing their experiences as we travel around helping others realize there is a “way out”.

I look forward to continuing my journey with the White Ribbon Campaign both on the road and within my region to stop violence, but also to help remove the stigma of Domestic Violence, which often stops both victims and perpetrators from seeking help.

MARK URI-PUATI

Mark works as a Counsellor in Private Practice primarily in the city of Porirua and also the wider Wellington area. Additionally he applies his profession with local community NGOs and schools. He has a passion to help people to explore and discover the potential to enhance their lives. He has worked as a Youth Mentor and a Business, life and sports coach.

The work he does in his profession covers a broad spectrum of issues people experience and encounter in contemporary life. These include but are not limited to; Family and men’s violence, anger management, historical sexual abuse (men & women), mental health issues, addictions –alcohol and other drugs, stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, suicide, life meaning and direction.

Prior to his current vocation he worked in senior management spanning 20 years in the design and print communications industry. Mark has also chaired and sat on boards and is presently a board member for Central Regional Health Schools. He lives with his partner of 35 years and they have two adult sons.

MAURICE TAREI

Maurice has worked throughout South Auckland over the last 24 years. Firstly, as a truancy officer within a secondary school and currently based as a Youth Worker in Alfriston College for the last 6 years. Originally from Raukawa, Tuhoe and Whakatohea decent, Maurice was raised in Kawerau in his early years. He has been happily married for 33 years to Michelle, however, they have been together for the last 40 years. They have three sons and sadly lost their eldest son to suicide. Over the years they have adopted many kids and seen most of them grow into adulthood.

Maurice was an ex-gang member and is now an example of change! His background has similarities to some of the people he works with, but his current lifestyle represents an example of what happens when men get the opportunity to create positive changes with positive outcomes. Maurice notes: “I model a lifestyle of core values that govern my representation and outcome. Nothing is impossible, but that it is only pride, ego, self-esteem and a self-righteous attitude that holds us back from being the partner, husband, dad and friend that we want to become.” He is a Senor Elder (Pastor) in a community church.

Maurice has been involved in the White Ribbon Ride for the last 6 years with Te Ahi Kikoha that is run by Takurua & Cathy Tawera. He is very active in his community and passionate about enhancing the development of the next generation as and be a part of a positive initiative that promote healthier stronger whanau values. He loves working in partnership with other organizations in helping to shape ethical values for men so that we can become stewards of change, growth and positive development.

MERVIN SINGHAM

Mervin Singham has provided leadership in various ethnic communities in Aotearoa for many years. He was the director for the Office of Ethnic Affairs and has worked at the Human Rights Commission and is now the Deputy Chief Executive within the Department of Internal Affairs. These areas of work have raised his own awareness of the impact of discrimination, abuse and violence, and made him committed to the cause of ending violence.

In becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador, Mervin will use his personal values and experiences to support the campaign and encourage others to take the pledge

MELE WENDT

Mele Wendt has a past lived experience of family harm which she and her husband, Eteuati Ete, publicly speak about. Having survived a turbulent period over 20 years ago, they share the particular factors that enabled their marriage to become violence-free and to thrive.

Professionally, Mele worked for 24 years in education – first as a secondary school teacher and then at Victoria University of Wellington as the founding Pacific Liaison Officer and the manager of the domestic student recruitment office. She then served ten years as the Executive Director of Fulbright New Zealand. In the past few years Mele has been serving on a number of boards (including Chair of the Pasifika Education Centre in Auckland) and providing consultancies in several areas. Mele is involved in a number of women’s organisations and Pacific community groups, including P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A., the national organisation for Pacific women. She is a strong advocate for and mentor to women and girls, especially in the Pacific community. Mele is Samoan and pakeha/palagi, and has lived in Wellington for over 30 years. With four grown children, she and Ete are doting grandparents of three grandchildren and recently Mele was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to governance, the Pacific community and women.

MIKE BUSH

As a White Ribbon Ambassador, I hope that together we can increase the number of whänau, men, women, iwi and communities who feel supported and encouraged to stand up and voice their intolerance of violence against women and children.
Family violence fundamentally affects our whole society. It is the responsibility of all New Zealanders to front up and take action against family violence and this is why I have chosen to add my voice.
As a society, we have to move forward from being aware of the violence, to take more action. To hold people to account and provide the help that they need. Only then will we start to create a violence free future for nga whänau. This is what I hope together we can achieve

MIKE TANA

Porirua proud, I chose to raise my family here 13 years ago because our amazing open spaces, and vibrant communities make this the best place in the I’ve spent my adult life working for a fair go and a better life for people, and protecting New Zealand’s precious natural environment. My kids and I have played sport in Porirua, I’ve served on school and kōhanga boards, and worked with at risk youth. We have a strong network of friends and whanau across the city. Porirua is an amazing place and we love it. Mike is the former Mayor of Porirua and is a proud White Ribbon Ambassador and White Ribbon Rider. He has a passion for his community and this feirce commitment to ensuring Porirua is violence free shines.

MURRAY EDRIDGE

Murray Edridge​ is the first not-ordained missioner to lead the Wellington City Mission charity in its 114 years, and the first in two decades to also assume the chief executive role. Previously Murray was the head of the Ministry for Social Developments’ Family and Community Services and was the Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand for over 8 years. In this role he worked with and on behalf of many thousands of children, young people and their families. Murray also has had a long history of voluntary work. He has a commerce degree from Victoria University and is a Chartered Accountant. Murray is one of the original White Ribbon Ambassadors, taking up the position in 2009. He continues to support the campaign and is a vocal advocate for ending violence towards women.

MURRAY STIRLING

Originally from Southland and now residing in the ‘wonderful Waikato’, Murray has had a long career working in heavy industry. It was not uncommon while working in many leadership roles to have grown men break down in tears in front of him, because of a domestic situation at home. A lot of these situations were related to doing shift work and drinking heavily on days off.

He is currently a Health & Safety Advisor for Hamilton City Council and in his role, he covers a vast array of workplaces and is in a prime position to lead and actively support the kaupapa. The work with White Ribbon will dovetail nicely into the ‘Workwell’ programme at Council and further out into the wider community.

Murray is a keen ‘petrolhead,’ he owns a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible and attends many different car shows. He sees this as another avenue for him to spread the word and reach out to more males. Murray is extremely honoured to be selected as an Ambassador, because he abhors any form of violence, and is commited to working to help make a difference in people’s lives.

NARINDER KUMAR SINGLA

Narinder is a Justice of the Peace, Independent Marriage Celebrant and holds a Masters Degree in English. He has a Diploma in Pharmacy and a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Family Welfare and Population Education and is a Registered Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner. He is the Editor and Director of NZ Tasveer News, a leading Punjabi Newspaper. Narinder is a highly respected member of the Indian community who demonstrates both a professional and personal commitment to addressing domestic violence.

He actively promotes healthy and respectful relationships, which he believes are the answer to preventing family and social violence. Narinder is passionate about helping young people develop their full personal potential, both in terms of character and ability. His goal is ‘that all families are living free of fear, have peace of mind and above all without violence’.

Narinder has a long history of advocating for the equality of women, and has been writing articles in newspaper and running sessions about eliminating violence towards women with excellent results. “We need to support the campaign and encourage others to take the pledge and end violence towards women”.

NEIL ALTON

Neil Alton was recently appointed to the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Operation Manager role. Prior to this Neil was the Chief Executive Officer of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union and actively brought the Union into the It’s Not OK family. “We thought we could make a positive difference on a local level to raise awareness of family violence.  There is no doubt that family violence is a serious issue and with the help of some local role models we want to get the message out to young people and the whanau that family violence is unacceptable and help is available”.

PANCHA NARAYANAN

Pancha has played a strong role in the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils in looking at the role of women within the Federation, and in consistently raising the issue of family violence in all its forms within the Council and within the more recent migrant and refugee communities across the country.

Pancha wants to contribute to turning men around in the migrant and refugee communities to not only respect women as equals, but also to see the success of women as their own. Pancha has earned the respect of many women within the ethnic community for raising his concerns, and challenging men to own up and address issues in a fair,inclusive, just and caring manner. Welcome aboard Pancha!

PAORA WINITANA

Paora is a ‘big’ role model in the Hawkes Bay community amongst people of all ages. He was a professional basketball player and is now the player-coach of Hawkes Bay and runs the The Paul Henare and Paora Winitana Basketball Academy. Paora has the ability to connect with young people, especially with Maori and Pacific Island men. He is well known as a family man with a strong anti-violence ethic growing up in a gang house. His father is still in the Mongrel Mob, and as a young man he helped his mother to leave (and shift to Australia where she might be safe). But don’t take our word for it, take a look at Paora speaking about White Ribbon on Maori Television.

PAUL VON DADELSZEN

Paul retired in May 2013 after 25 years as a District and Family Court Judge. He had presided over the Family Courts in the Manawatu and Hawkes Bay and was Acting Principal Family Court Judge for periods between 2005 and 2010. Positions held prior to appointment as a Judge included President of the Hawkes Bay District Law Society, Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu and being a member of both the New Zealand Council of Social Services and the Hawkes Bay Hospital Board. He was Chair of the Ministerial Expert Advisory Group on Family Violence and was a member of the Family Violence Death Review Committee and a Board member of SuPERU/Families Commission. He is a member of the Advisory Panel to the Chief Executive of the Ministry for Children/Oranga Tamariki.  Paul has published articles on family law topics in international and New Zealand journals and delivered papers at local and international conferences. He is a member of the International Association of Family Judges. Paul was made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in 2011. He is married with three children and seven grandchildren.

PEJMAN OKHOVAT

Pejman was the former CEO of The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery. He is passionate about raising awareness in his organisation and the wider community, that violence against women is not acceptable. As an Ambassador, Pejman sees his role is to challenge and educate others with an aim to stop men’s violence towards women. He currently provides a variety of initiatives in his workplace that encourage both men and women to consider their own relationships and if support is required, direct them to the appropriate support network. Pejman realises that this topic is confronting and highly sensitive but is determined these issues be bought out into the open and, as a result, others are empowered to seek help. Pejman is seen as a strong, influential character that has the ability to inspire others. He has access to a large number of team members, other businesses and leaders through which he can promote the anti-violence against women message. Pejman has moved back to Australia.

PETER MCLAREN

Peter has been Managing Director of McLaren Associates Ltd since 1989, a boutique Management Consultancy, specialising in multi-tasked Human Resources activities, including recruitment, organisational consulting, job evaluation and remuneration planning. From the 1^st of April 2015, Peter will be stepping down from the operational perspective of the company’s business and will take up the position of Chair of the Advisory Board of McLaren Associates Ltd.

Throughout Peter’s career he has been involved in high level Human Resources Management positions with multi nationals and New Zealand companies. He has held a vast number of Chair and Board appointments with Not-for-Profit/ Voluntary and Welfare organisations, particularly within Mental Health/ Family and Animal Welfare market sectors. Peter was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Wellington for his services to the community.

As a White Ribbon Ambassador, Peter will play his part in reducing violence within the family environment as well as advocating for equal rights for women.

PETER TENNANT

Peter Tennent is a former Mayor of New Plymouth and a very good role model who worked closely with the Taranaki Safer Families Trust and Taranaki Community Law Centre. Peter has always been willing to participate and acted as once of the faces for a local family violence project.  Passionate about his local community, he feels privileged to have led the district during its most successful decade where Taranaki was judged the best and most liveable community on the planet! (United Nations endorsed Liv.Com Awards)

HON PITA SHARPLES

Hon Dr Pita Sharples was the co-leader of the Maori Party and Minister of Maori Affairs was announced as a White Ribbon Ambassador on 21 June 2012 at a special Matariki Candlelight Vigil on Mangere Mountain. Dr Sharples opened the vigil with an acknowledgement to the more than 100 men, women and children who have died over a five year period through domestic violence or child abuse.

Dr Sharples has co-chaired the Waitakere Task Force on Family Violence for many years, initially with former mayor Bob Harvey, also a White Ribbon Ambassador. “I’m honoured to have been nominated as a White Ribbon ambassador. I have worn a White Ribbon for many years as a symbol of non-violence, and now to be asked to take a leadership role is very humbling. I believe that our tamariki are our future and they deserve to grow up in homes that are violence-free and I want to encourage young men to build relationships based on love and respect,” Dr Sharples says.

RAJ BEDI (Tikka Rajinder Parkash Bedi)

Raj has a Masters in Sociology and LLB and migrated to New Zealand in 2002. His professional journey in New Zealand includes fulfilling roles as a South Asian Life Style Coordinator-ProCare, Community Centre Manager YMCA Auckland and Programme Advisor Migrant/Adult Educator Ora Limited NZ. Currently he is a qualified interpreter with CMDHB, ADHB and DOL.

Raj believes that an effective way to change attitudes of men towards women is by educating and raising awareness through legal, cultural, spiritual and religious settings. He is well known for his commitment to raising awareness among the community on various issues when needed. He very much reckons his family’s support in his endeavours towards having an educated and aware community development.

As an Ambassador, Raj intends to continue promoting interest at speaking engagements, community events, and motivating others to challenge the abusive behaviour of men in the families.

RAJNEIL (RAJ) PRASAD

Rajneil Prasad was born in Fiji and has lived in New Zealand for over 13years. He is married to a Samoan. Raj works for Airways Corporation and is the President Elect for the Rotary Club of Hutt River Valley.

Raj describes himself as a “simple guy” and believes in simple grassroots objectives. He believes that all lives matter and in improving one life at a time. His upbringing has taught him a lot and has shaped his present and he believes that the lessons learned and actions done now will dictate his pathway into the future.

DR RAMIL ADHIKARI

Dr Ramil Adhikari has been the Chairperson of Public Health Association – Wellington Branch (PHAWB) since 2019. As part of the PHA, he has been advocating & promoting for a collective voice in our communities to improve the health of all New Zealanders & to establish health equity in Aotearoa since 2015. In addition, he works as a public health worker for Oasis, a gambling support service, and at the Bridge, which is an alcohol, drug & substance abuse treatment and support centre in Wellington. He is also engaged in research on ‘Sleep during Covid19 lockdown’ at the Sleep/Wake Research Centre in Wellington.

He is also the President of the Nepalese Society of Wellington and works to preserve Mt Everest and the wider environment. He has been involved in National cultural competency development panel of the Stroke foundation since 2020. He is also an advisor for the Nepalese Literature Society of North Island committee. Dr Adhikari is a total polyglot – who can speak Chinese (mainland), Dutch, Nepali, Hindi, Punjabi & English. He also serves his community as a Justice of the Peace.

Dr Adhikari believes in equal gender rights and is committed to the White Ribbon campaign to promote violence-free communities & to end violence against women.\

RANBIR SAINI

Ranbir Kaur Saini migrated to New Zealand in 2003. She is a qualified Social Worker. She has been working as Team Leader of a passionate team (New Zealand Sikh Women’s Association) for the past 15 years. She has been involved with community prevention and intervention on Family violence issues, particularly for migrants, youth and senior citizens.

She is always ready to help people from the wider community with different aspects of Domestic Violence, Positive Parenting, Mental well-being and Anti-bullying.

RATILAL CHAMPANERI

Ratilal Champaneri is a highly respected member of New Zealand’s Indian Community. As a husband and father of a girl and two boys, Ratilal is aware he is a role model, not only for his children, but also for the wider community. While interacting with him, one cannot help but notice the immense respect and sensitivity he has for women.

Ratilal understands that changing people’s attitudes and mentality towards women will take a long time. In becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador, Ratilal hopes to raise awareness of the issue of violence toward women, educating boys and men to view women as valuable partners in life. He believes attitudinal change is equally as important as taking legal steps to protect women’s human rights, and vital to the development of society and attainment of peace. He believes in a concentrated collaborative approach between government, non-government including healthcare authorities, legislators and mass media. We welcome Ratilal’s passion and desire to make a difference.

RAWIRI HIRINI

Rawiri has previously worked for the Kokiri Marae Health and Social Services where he was a passionate colleague, but is now following a boyhood dream and entering the army to be a social worker.

By becoming an ambassador, Rawiri wants to be the face of the message for Maori men against violence, and be an active participant against violence.

RAY COSTER

The Very Reverend Ray Coster of Mount Maunganui is a former national leader of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa who recently retired after 39 years of parish ministry. Ray is on the International World Council of Churches committee as the representative for New Zealand member churches and is also the Chair of the NZ Board of the International Christian Blind Mission. During his nearly four decades as a Presbyterian minister, he found that helping to move relationships to become more respectful takes time. “Changing men’s attitudes and behaviour towards women can be done, but it does require modelling, compassion and patience.”

Ray says “Churches have many opportunities in their work and engagement with their communities to promote concepts of positive masculinity which support gender justice.” The Presbyterian Church has long been committed to supporting the White Ribbon campaign and each year many of its churches take part in events aimed at educating about how to prevent and stop violence against women.

RAY WALLACE

Ray is a former Mayor of Lower Hutt, and is a co-patron for the Safe Hutt Valley network – a group of organisations committed to promoting safety in the Hutt Valley and reducing the number and severity of preventable harm incidents.

Within the council environment, Ray stresses an open door policy where anyone with family violence issues can ask for support. A strong sense of community mindedness has seen Ray involved with numerous community projects such as fundraising for the local volunteer fire brigade, organising food bank appeals and coordinating youth awards. He has been a Justice of the Peace for 24 years.

In his role as a White Ribbon Ambassador, Ray wants to help lift the awareness of family violence and stress that it is not okay.

RAVINDRAN ANNAMALAI

Ravin was Vice President of the Multicultural Council of Wellington for five years and has been working  closely with the White Ribbon Campaign to raise the issue of men’s violence towards women within his own community.  Ravin will be promoting and campaigning to highlight the White Ribbon message on events organised by the Multicultural Council of Wellington.

Ravin has good leadership capabilities, is a reflective listener who carefully considers viewpoints.  He encourages others, is always positive and is highly regarded in the community.

Ravin has embraced the White Ribbon campaign and has persuaded his Wellington branch members to become involved and organise events during the year’s campaign.

RIC ODOM

Ric was a Trustee of the White Ribbon Trust and the founding Chair. A former Army officer, Ric has a strong commitment to the community, is a JP and has been a member of Comvoices and founding Chair of Ara Taiohi – the national umbrella organisation for youth. Ric is currently Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Hospice and his previous roles included Chief Executive Officer of YMCA New Zealand and Chief Executive Officer of the RNZSPCA.

Ric is married to Jenny and has three children. Also a motorcycle enthusiast, Ric has taken part in a number of White Ribbon Rides on his big blue Honda Goldwing, and as an Ambassador speaks to businesses and communities on a regular basis.

RICHARD CLARK

Former Breakers boss is now the running the Brisbane Bullets. “It’s was a great honour to be asked to be a White Ribbon Ambassador. We are being asked to lead by example; to ensure that our family and friends know that violence is never acceptable, and to use our public profiles to get this message into the wider community.

“It’s a message that I was proud to support at the Breakers, and we hope that our fans take this message away with them. I’d like to think that we can use the profile of clubs and players to make a difference. We want to encourage all New Zealanders to stand up and say no to violence against women and children.”

RICHIE HARDCORE

Champion Muay Thai kickboxer Richie Hardcore became a White Ribbon Ambassador in 2015 and has since also taken on a role as a member of the Trust. Richie is a passionate advocate for social change. Professionally he is in demand as a public speaker, personal trainer and fight coach. In his role as an Ambassador and in his professional public speaking engagements he campaigns to prevent sexual and domestic violence and also works as a sexual consent educator. Richie has been a vital part of the White Ribbon Ambassador team and he recently presented to Year 12 and 13 students throughout the Wellington region in our Youth Ambassador Leadership Programme. Richie’s mission is “to help make the world better by supporting people to live their best lives” and we are grateful for his personal commitment to speaking out on these issues.

ROB THOMSON

Rob has been involved in family violence prevention since the 1990s, working for several agencies including Stopping Violence Dunedin, Te Whare Pounamu Dunedin Women’s Refuge, the STOP programme, and more recently as the Family Violence Network Coordinator in Dunedin. As the network coordinator he organised many community and WR events, Men’s hui, and supported other agencies and groups in family violence prevention. He also developed the Families Free From Violence campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to take responsibility to ending FV in their whanau and community. Rob is passionate about community development, and strongly believes that we all have a role to play in preventing family violence.

RODGER BARLOW

I am a trained teacher with many years of classroom experience and have worked in the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors of education. Currently I am working in a secondary school in the Counties Manukau area where many of the students already wear the White Ribbon, but are not fully aware of the meaning behind the symbol.

My position brings me into contact with numerous young people on a daily basis and I view this as an opportunity to introduce the White Ribbon campaign to them and to educate them that violence towards women is not acceptable. Over the years I have worked with YMCA Youth at Risk groups, Victim support, and taken an active part in mentoring disadvantaged school age youth. I have coached and managed schoolboy Rugby League and Hockey teams up to representative level.

I am a keen advocate for the rights of Secondary teachers, have been a union member for all of my teaching career and am the Executive Member of the Post Primary Teachers Association for Counties Manukau.

ROLAND (ROLY) ELLIS

During my six years as Mayor of Tararua I felt privileged to be asked to be an ambassador for White Ribbon. We have recently rejuvenated the small hard working District committee, and have opened it up to welcome more relevant people on board. In order to better relay the White Ribbon message we need widen the support amongst local people.

We know we can make a difference to those in need by pointing them in the right direction, but we need to get them to come forward for help. We look forward to making a difference.

RONALD KARAITIANA

Ronald is of Rangitane, Ngati Kahungunu and Ati Haunui a paparangi. He is passionate about his family and community.  Ronald became the first White Ribbon Ambassador from ACC in 2015. Prior to this, Ronald worked with Wairarapa Violence free to reduce child deaths in 2002.  Ronald is on his local District Health Board, Rangitane o Wairarapa Board and is self employed.  Ronald loves helping whanau.

 

RONALD (RON) VINK

Ron is the Chairman of 4ABC (For A Better City) in Upper Hutt. His aim, as an Ambassador, is to work with the Mayor of Upper Hutt to develop a programme that helps to eliminate violence in the city. Ron is challenging the behaviour of abusive men by actively engaging and giving his time, skills and resources to the Hutt Valley PSO (Police Safety Order) project. Ron is a natural leader and a well-respected individual, with a true passion to reduce men’s violence towards women. Ron was the White Ribbon Ambassador Liaison and helped to revamp the White Ribbon Ambassador project.

ROSIE NASH

I’m a kiwi from Tāmaki Makaurau. I love people, especially young ones, and am mindful that our tamariki learn by observing the way us more ‘experienced’ humans live.

I am proud to be an ambassador for White Ribbon and wholeheartedly believe in its kaupapa. I want to be a person whose life and choices help to influence culture and policy towards equality, respect and communication. Let’s lead our lives with compassion for each other.

ROZANA CACHAY

Dr Sarkaw Mohammad Randhawa is currently practicing as a chiropractor and is the owner of Hillcrest Spinal Centre in Hamilton. She is the founder of the I AM HE(R) Charitable Trust which produces short films on issues within the ethnic communities – in particular, issues that carry stigma. Through this Trust, she has produced films on the victims of domestic violence and celebrated women’s achievements. She has been an advocate of women’s rights, especially those struggling to fight for themselves. She is a board member of Shama Ethnic Women’s Trust (commonly known as Shama) which is a charitable trust formed in 2002 to bridge the gap in available services for ethnic women and children. Shama recognises that the challenges faced by ethnic women are complex and unique, and their needs often sit outside what is catered for by mainstream social services and support programmes.

Dr Randhawa was awarded with the 30 under 30 honour by Hamilton City Council for her contribution to the community at a young age. She has also won several awards including the ANZ Young Achiever Award and the News Link Community Service Award. Her educational background includes Bachelor in Para Medicine and Emergency Management, Bachelor in Chiropractic, Postgraduate Certificate in Travel Medicine (Refugee and Migrant Health), Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation and Masters in Rehabilitation. She loves spending time with her husband and two young kids – when she gets time from her busy work schedule and family life, she loves sketching, singing, public speaking, emceeing and acting.

DR STEPH ROTARANGI

Dr Steph Rotarangi was the Deputy National Commander and Deputy Chief Executive for Fire and Emergency New Zealand.  Steph’s career in both Australia and New Zealand has provided first-hand experience of the effects of personal trauma and the wrap-around services needed to help people overcome adversity.  Fundamentally Steph understands that victims and perpetrators of violence need support and assistance and she is committed to learning more about how to achieve this.   Steph and her husband Ants live in Napier, have three children, two dogs and a cat.  In her downtime Steph enjoys backyard basketball, but she says “don’t mix up enjoyment with talent”.

SURJEET SINGH SACHDEVA

Surjeet Singh Sachdeva is a dedicated, resourceful and resilient person with a passion to serve his community. After forty years working for a Nationalised Bank in India, Surjeet retired from the post of Chief Manager. He always works with a positive attitude and has a strong faith. He has continuously been on the list of Executive Committee Members of the Indian Association (Manukau) NZ. For the last eight years He has served this Association as General Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer for one term each. At present he is Assistant Treasurer IAMNZ. Surjeet is an active member of the Indo NZ Seniors Association, Indian Kiwi Positive Ageing Charitable Trust, Hindu Seniors Foundation and Muskaan Care Trust. He is delighted to have been appointed as White Ribbon Ambassador and is eager to work to prevent violence against women.