The roads of Te Puke are set to rumble when a convoy of motorcycle cruises into town for the White Ribbon Ride this Friday.

The week-long motorcycle voyage, which takes place all across New Zealand during White Ribbon Month in November, aims to tackle New Zealand's crippling domestic violence record head-on.

White Ribbon riders are trained to speak about violence prevention and include motorcyclists from The Patriots – former and current members of the armed services – and Te Ahi Kikoha who travel across New Zealand delivering speeches and taking part in about 80 community events.

This week riders in four groups – Auckland and Northland, Lower North Island, South Island and the Haruaki convoy which is visiting Te Puke on Friday – have been covering the country spreading their message of respectful relationships.

Te Puke is the second to last of 12 towns being visited during the Hauraki ride which began in Hamilton and will finish in Hamilton.

'Our whole aim is to stop violence towards women, the kaupapa {purpose) is to get men to stand up, speak out and to act to prevent men's violence towards women,” says Hauraki region White Ribbon Ride leader Aaron Morrison.

On Friday, the Hauraki convoy will head to Te Puke High School to deliver a presentation to students focusing on the White Ribbon message at about 12.30pm.

The convoy will then travel to Te Puke Intermediate to deliver another presentation as well as announce the winner of the White Ribbon colouring competition at 1pm.

'Following the school visits the convoy will then leave on mass and do two or three laps of Te Puke Township with a police escort,” says It's Not Ok Te Puke campaign spokesperson Heather Beddie.

'They'll then be mulling around on the street talking to people, and all the champions from the It's No Ok campaign will also be distributing the white ribbon message and pledge to members of the public.”

The White Ribbon Riders will also appear at the annual Papamoa Santa Parade which runs down Dixon Road to Papamoa Plaza this Sunday, November 27, from 12pm-3pm.

The Hauraki region White Ribbon Ride route. Image: whiteribbon.org.nz

White Ribbon day, which aims to end family violence against women, serves as a reminder to not forget the children when it comes to matters of domestic abuse.

Intimate partner violence and child abuse is inextricably linked, says Child Matters general manager relationships and operations, Jane Searle.

In about 65 per cent of child abuse cases reported to Child Youth and Family, there is also occurrences of intimate partner violence.

'In 70 per cent of intimate partner violence cases, the children are also being abused,” says Jane.

'Even if children are not physically abused, their exposure to violence, and violence occurring in their home, can cause serious harm.”

At least one in four adults has experienced childhood trauma or abuse, family violence or sexual assault, says Jane.

'It is not always easy to tell if a child is being hurt or is at risk, but we strongly urge anyone who may have concerns about a child to speak up.”

There is no quick fix for child abuse and Child Matters believes Government organisations, Police, community groups, businesses, Maori and health organisations, individuals and members of the public all play a role in keeping children safe.

'There is not one agency that can do it alone, and it's up to everyone in the community to take responsibility for any worries that they have regarding a child. If you have any concerns at all about the safety of a child, please contact Child Youth and Family (0508 FAMILY) or the Police as it could make all the difference.”

Child Matters is a national charitable trust dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. The organisation provides training, consultation, policy writing and advisory services.

For more information about the ride and campaign visit the White Ribbon website at: whiteribbon.org.nz

Jane Searle Child Matters General Manager Relationships and Operations. Photo: Supplied.