Newsletter
January 2009
In this campaign update: Book of Stories; Super Māori Fullas tour, White Ribbon Day success, Hamilton City Council's campaign Taiohi Morehu, Community Action Fund, website calendar.
Book of Stories
The campaign has produced a book of stories from women and men whose lives have been affected by family violence. 'It's time we started telling these stories' adds to the range of resources that are helping New Zealanders to prevent family violence. The book was launched in Wellington by the Minister of Social Development, Paula Bennett and Wellington mayor, Kerry Prendergast.
The book features the life stories of eight New Zealanders who grew up with family violence. Their stories illustrate the devastating effects of family violence, but also give hope that lives can be healed and that the cycle of violence can be broken. The book has been illustrated by Wellington tertiary design students. An exhibition of their artwork will tour libraries in 2009 to raise awareness of the impact family violence has on children. Copies of the book will be made available to family violence networks and the stories will be made available on the campaign website in pdf format in 2009.
Hamilton campaign
The library display of storyboards used for the launch of the book have now shifted to Hamilton where they will be displayed throughout the Hamilton region as part of Hamilton's localisation of the It's not OK campaign.
Billboards have also gone up across Hamilton promoting violence-free messages. The billboards feature local personalities including the Mayor Bob Simcock and former All Black lock, Keith Robinson. The Council worked with the campaign team to run the localised version of the campaign. Around 5000 mini booklets were handed out at the Santa parade before Christmas The booklets provide information and advice and contact details for providers of family violence prevention services in the Hamilton area. Coasters and posters were also developed and distributed in cafes, pubs and clubs across the city.
Super Māori Fullas
Waitangi Day sees the start of a 18-day nationwide motorcycle tour by the Super Māori Fullas supporting the It's not OK campaign. Super Māori Fellas are four Harley Davidson riding brothers who will be promoting messages about family violence. The brothers will be talking, in particular, about the positive ways Māori men can interact with partners and whanau. They will attend community events organised by the campaign's Community Action Fund participants and distribute campaign resources. The tour starts at Cape Reinga and travels the length of New Zealand to Bluff and then back home to Kaitaia. Sir Paul Reeves is patron of the Super Māori Fullas Trust and entertainer Pio Terei will be lending his support to the tour. The itinerary for the tour will be on the campaign website calendar shortly. Check out when the fullas are heading your way.
Taupo booklets
The Taupo Violence Intervention Network has worked with the campaign team to produce 20,000 mini leaflets promoting the campaign which include contacts for family violence prevention services in Taupo. The booklets are being distributed throughout the summer months and will be available in pubs and clubs, cafes, motels and hotels and all public venues in Taupo.
White Ribbon success
White Ribbon Day was bigger than ever in 2008 with an estimated 500,000 ribbons distributed. Hundreds of community activities and events were organised across the country to raise awareness about family violence and local businesses also got behind the day.
In Auckland, more than 1000 people took to the streets carrying anti-violence banners to march against violence and support White Ribbon Day. Staff at Manukau Foodstuffs asked local family violence community worker Ala'imalo Lua Maynard to speak to them about his work with men who want to change their abusive behaviour. Staff at the Gisborne Herald designed their own White Ribbon Day poster and staff at Paraparaumu Pak'n'Save hosted a sausage sizzle and handed out ribbons. Waitakere City Council produced its third billboard supporting the It's not OK campaign. The billboard features everyday 'Westies' and was launched to coincide with White Ribbon Day.
In Wellington the Families Commission hosted a national White Ribbon Day Men's Breakfast with speakers including Dr Hone Kaa, Chair of Te Kahui Mana Ririki, Neville Robertson, Waikato University family violence researcher and psychologist, and Heather Henare from Women's Refuge. Steve Logan of Wellington's top restaurant, Logan Brown, helped organise the breakfast. He has supported White Ribbon day for the past two years and this year appeared on the White Ribbon Day poster. He believes men need to be role models for their sons, mates, and family: 'Men can speak up when they suspect the violence is occurring rather than turn a blind eye or consider it is not their business. Not acting is actually supporting the behaviour. Men can promote non-violence in sports clubs and work places to establish what is acceptable not only to their mates, but to all New Zealanders', he said.
Taiohi Morehu
Taiohi Morehu, a successful marae-based leadership initiative for young people that addresses issues of violence in the home, school and communities, was held at Orongomai in Upper Hutt during October and November. Students from Upper Hutt, Heretaunga, Taita and Wainuiomata Colleges were part of the project which was initiated by the Campaign team. The project involved a series of forums with a range of speakers. The young people took part in a number of community forums, gave a presentation on White Ribbon Day, featured in a community night of speech music and dance and were invited to perform at Whanau Christmas, a day of free, family focused entertainment in Auckland.
CAF Round Four
Just a reminder that the fourth round of the Community Action Fund is open with applications accepted up to 31 March. Visit the website for details of the fund and how to apply. For more information contact Cristy Trewartha on (04) 916 3922 or Sally Rye-Dunn on (04) 978 4190.
Calendar
There is now a calendar on the campaign website www.areyouok.org.nz to share details of events and activities planned around New Zealand by people who are working together to help prevent family violence. Register your events on the calendar by emailing the campaign team. Visit the website for more details.
Your Feedback
We welcome feedback about the campaign and would like to receive your comments and information about any events or projects we may not know about. Please drop us a line via the campaign website at www.areyouok.org.nz.
