Anti-violence tour coming to Mataura

Maori men on a mission to stop family violence are bringing their message to Mataura.

On February 15 at noon, Super Maori Fullas will be at the Mataura Community Centre and are inviting families to join with them to eliminate family violence.

There are four brothers in the Super Maori Fullas contingent, who will leave Cape Reinga astride their Harley Davidson motorcycles on Waitangi Day in the ‘‘Ride Against Family Violence''. The tour ends in Kaitaia on February 24.

Roger Rawiri, Jack Paki, Mathew Rawiri and Mervyn Rawiri are brothers who grew up surrounded with love and respect.

‘‘We know that family violence is a serious social problem in New Zealand. We hope that by drawing attention to the issue with our bikes, and our ride, we will reach people in a new way,'' Mr Paki said.

Parenting professional and TV personality Pio Terei first coined the phrase, ‘‘Super Maori Fulla''. Mr Terei is a trustee for the brothers' charitable trust and will appear at events along the ride.

Bikers are invited to join the ride as the brothers passed through their town.

The brothers are funding the trip themselves, with support from businesses, the Families Commission and the ‘‘It's Not OK'' campaign.

‘‘We know there are lots of great dads and partners out there. There's a lot of good men who don't hurt their loved ones and who can help and support others to be violence-free,'' Mr Paki said.