Whakatāne District Mayor Tony Bonne is urging the community to turn out in force in support of the White Ribbon, Take the Pledge family fun day on Thursday and help make Whakatāne a domestic violence-free town.

“This is a particularly worthwhile venture and I’d love to see as many people as possible getting involved and endorsing the event’s kaupapa,” he says. “As Mayor, I took the pledge last year and I’d commend it to every man in our community. In short, it says: I promise never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women – and that’s something that every self-respecting man should wholeheartedly support.”

Thursday’s family fun event will be held at Mitchell Park (adjacent to the Pyne Street car park) in Whakatāne, with activities starting at 3 pm. Highlights include Harley and classic car displays, a bouncy castle, stalls, a tug-of-war competition and free sausage sizzle.

“Unfortunately, I’m currently on a Sister Cities visit to Japan, so will not be able to attend this year, but there will be a strong turn-out from other Council elected members to support this worthy cause. Best wishes to everyone involved in organising the event – I hope the weather smiles on it and that a great time is had by all, with hundreds of new people taking the pledge,” Mayor Bonne concludes.