Ride Leader Bio's

PATRIOTS DEFENCE FORCE TE AHI KIKOHA MOTORCYCLE CLUB Te Ahi Kikoha are a group of Maori health The Patriots are back on board for the professionals who formed to co-lead the 2012 Ride and rearing to get out on 2011 White Ribbon Ride. Hailing from the road again. Consisting of current communities across Te Ika-a-Māui (North and former members of the New Island), this group brings a wealth of Zealand Defence Forces, these men experience in working to promote a and women have witnessed violence abroad, and now want violence-free Aotearoa New Zealand. to put their peace-keeping skills to use on the home front. Te Ahi Kikoha means ‘The Sharpened Flame’. The The Hauraki Chapter in the North Island and whakatauki that supports this is: Taku ahi tūtata, taku mata Nelson/Marlborough Chapter in the South Island provide on- Kikoha. The literal translation is: When my fire is close the ride management with Road Captains and Tail-End Charlie’s point of my weapon is sharp. This is a metaphor for when a guiding the convoy safely between each town. Three cause (fire) is close to one’s heart and interest then the representatives from the Patriots will again stand up and commitment, passion (point) is always greater. The speak at each of the events, sharing their personal insights message is in the fire and Te Ahi Kikoha are the carriers and on living violence-free, along with the key messages of the messengers, taking the fire and igniting communities for the White Ribbon Campaign. cause across the motu (country). East Wind – James Grey East Wind - Takurua Tawera James is the Treasurer for the Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Ngati Hauraki Chapter Patriots DFMC Kahunungu Tapuika Tuhourangi nga and 2012 will be his third year with Iwi. Takurua has worked in Health the White Ribbon Ride. Every year and Social Services for 25 years and he hears too many heart wrenching is currently employed with Te stories which always brings tears to Runanga O Wairarapa as their his eyes. What motivates him most Cultural Clinical Supervisor. His is the continuous stories in the passion is to ride alongside like- media about violence in NZ homes, minded men who have a similar and also his experiences as a child vision for a better society. Being a in extended family situations, whilst part of the Ride is a choice he has staying with whanau. made to be a better man. West Wind - Aaron Morrison West Wind - Tony Brooking Aaron is a current serving member Ngaa Puhi, Ngati Porou. Taaku ahi of the NZDF, and member of the tuutata, taaku mata kikoha: taaku ahi Hauraki Chapter Patriots DFMC. mamao, taaku mata kiporo, tiheiwaa As a serving soldier and Patriot he mauri ora. The White Ribbon for me supports and serves our country, is about unifying as a people to say and rides in the White Ribbon Ride ‘It’s OK to ask for or offer help’. It’s to encourage all men to never about standing up as men to be part condone violence toward women. of the solution, it’s about empowering Whakamana Wahine. others and it’s about tino Respect Women. rangatiratanga, my own and other TE ARAWA E peoples. South Island – Donald Napier South Island - Richard Bradley Donald is a current serving Richard is the Development Manager member of the NZDF and Patriots of Te Runanga a Rangitane o Motorcycle Club. He has served on Wairau, the Iwi authority for the a number of operational South Island section of the Rangitane deployments in the Middle East, Iwi. Prior to this Richard worked as a Pacific and East Timor, and was social worker assisting whanau to awarded the NZ Distinguished address abuse, neglect and violence. Service Medal in the 2011 New Richard is a member of the Nelson Years Honours List. Remaining Marlborough Chapter of the Patriots active in the community, he also Motorcycle Club, but will be assists at WelTec by tutoring representing Te Ahi Kikoha for the young adults in Information and 2012 Ride. Communication Technology. .

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