Southern men are being encouraged to join a symbolic ride, with participants vowing never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women.
The White Ribbon Motorcycle Ride, organised by the Families Commission, forms part of the White Ribbon campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness and support for anti-violence initiatives, specifically ending violence towards women.
The ride will roll through the Lakes district and Central Otago region on November 22.
Jigsaw Central Lakes Family Violence regional co-ordinator Philippa Winter said when she heard the ride would be passing through the region, she felt the opportunity to meet the riders and hear their message was "not to be missed".
"There's far too much violence in our society and for Central, this is an opportunity to hear from men who care enough about this issue to ride throughout New Zealand sharing their inspiring stories.
"These are tough-looking guys riding big bikes and yet here they are, coming to talk to us and show their support for a violence-free region.
"This is a really powerful way to get our people to take notice and think about how we can end the violence."
Families Commission White Ribbon Campaign manager Rob McCann said the campaign was about "men talking to men in ways that men understand".
"That's why we use motorcycles and sports stars, such as Ruben Wiki, to convey the message - that you can be tough and play with controlled aggression, but you can't bring that aggression into the home.
"White Ribbon sees men as part of the solution, and the White Ribbon Ride is an opportunity to showcase men who have rejected violence.
"It's a powerful medium to see these blokes riding Harleys, talking about serving their country and reinforcing a non-violent message of love and respect," Mr McCann said.
The ride was first held in 2009 and was growing in size each year. This year, riders would attend about 80 functions and events across New Zealand.
Anyone could join the ride, provided they had a valid licence, a warranted bike with a minimum engine size of 250cc and were willing to make the pledge against violence towards women.
The ride would be in Queenstown on November 22 from 9am to 10.15am, in Cromwell from 11.05am to noon, Alexandra from 12.30pm to 1.30pm and Wanaka from 2.45pm to 3.30pm.
"We hope that our community will not only meet the riders, but that local men will join the ride for an hour, a day or even a week," Mrs Winter said.
