I heard a cavalcade of revving motorbike engines exploding through our village main street. Normally I would find that an irritating show of male ego. But this time it was different: the riders were men uniting to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In the past year, 90,000 call outs were made to NZ police by victims of male violence. It costs the NZ taxpayer billions of dollars a year. Personally, most of the women I counsel have been survivors of male violence.

What an inspiration to stand in recognition of these women, surrounded by men clad in leather, proud of their gleaming bikes, but also prepared to talk to their mates about violence against women and children.