A noisy group of visitors to Oamaru Intermediate School on Friday, brought with them a message of peace.

Ten White Ribbon Riders, who have been on a two-week tour of the South Island, rolled into Oamaru last week, to spread their anti-bullying message.

South Island ride co-ordinator Dave Ellena said the men, and their two supporters, began their ride on November 14, and had travelled as far north as Nelson and Takaka, and south to Te Anau “and all the places in between”.

“We visited schools, prisons, community groups and organisations,” he said.

The main message was stopping men’s violence towards women, although that was adapted for the schools.

“When we’re talking to schools, we’re talking about respectful relationships and trying to stop bullying. Because school bullies grow up to be big bullies.”

A number of the riders had experienced violence in their past, and had some “pretty scary stories to tell” which they were happy to share with older audiences, Dave said.

“A number of them have shared their early life, or their past life, if you like - not on this trip but other trips, that they probably wouldn’t have shared otherwise, and I think it is therapeutic for them.”

Oamaru Intermediate pupils prove a captive audience as one of the White Ribbon

Riders shares an anti-bullying message. PHOTO: Ashley Smyth

The reception from schools and prisons had been excellent, and everybody had been welcoming and keen to hear what the riders had to say, he said.

Waitaki District Council community development manager Helen Algar said Oamaru police and Stronger Waitaki had been working together since about 2012/13 to bring the White Ribbon Ride to the district. 

It had long been well-supported by the community, in particular Vanessa’s Cafe in Hampden and Oamaru business owner Sally-Ann Donnelly.

They were shown “amazing hospitality” by the Waitaki.

In past years the riders had been joined in the Waitaki by anti-violence campaigner Lesley Elliott (whose daughter Sophie was murdered by her former boyfriend) and Bill O’Brien - trustee and manager of the Sophie Elliott Trust - which works to reduce levels of domestic violence and help young people foster healthy relationships.

Lesley died last week after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

“So today’s quite poignant for us with the passing of Lesley,” Helen said.

The riders visited three schools on Thursday and four on Friday. They had visited Waitaki Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, St Kevin’s College, East Otago High School, Oamaru Intermediate, Weston and Papakaio schools.

This was the first year they had included primary schools, Helen said.

“The little kids just loved it.”

Lunch was provided at Oamaru Intermediate on Friday by the Rapid Response Team.