Napier City Council supports White Ribbon

Published: 23 November 2016

Last Updated: 22 November 2016

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton is urging everyone to get behind this year’s White Ribbon campaign and speak out against violence.

Along with Napier Councillors Keith Price and Richard McGrath, Mayor Dalton signed the White Ribbon pledge last week, in the lead up to New Zealand’s annual White Ribbon Day, this Friday (25 November).

White Ribbon’s aim is to end men’s violence towards women by encouraging men to lead by example and talk to other men. Taking a zero tolerance approach to violence is “absolutely” the direction we should all be heading in, Mayor Dalton says.

“I think it’s time men took a long hard look at themselves and realise there’s nothing noble in beating females. It’s a gutless act,” he says.

Councillor Price takes a similar view. “Having been a policeman I have witnessed the results of violence against women and it is something we just shouldn’t tolerate.”

This year’s theme is Respectful Relationships and Councillor Richard McGrath says it is something all men should spend some time thinking about. Talking is a good place to start. “Nothing will ever change unless we speak up.”

White Ribbon was launched by a group of men in Canada in 1991 following the mass shooting of 14 female students at the University of Montreal two years earlier. It has spread worldwide, and has been held annually in New Zealand since 2004.

Singer-songwriter Hollie Smith has released a song, Please, to mark this year’s campaign, with all proceeds from the purchase of the single going to White Ribbon. You can also show your support by wearing a White Ribbon pin. For more information about the pledge, which can be signed online, or to order pins, go to www.whiteribbon.org.nz

Mayor Dalton will be speaking at the Napier City Says Thanks civic service at Waiapu Cathedral, Browning St, Napier, to mark White Ribbon Day this Friday at 10am.

Back to News Archive