New South Auckland White Ribbon Ambassador

‘The White Ribbon Campaign welcomes Phil Kingsley Jones as a new White Ribbon Ambassador in the fight to end violence against women’, says Families Commission Campaign Manager Rob McCann.

The White Ribbon Day campaign raises awareness of men’s violence against women - which in New Zealand is generally directed at wives, girlfriends and other intimate partners. White Ribbon Ambassadors encourage men to get involved by helping to challenge and change men’s abusive behaviour and attitudes towards women.

‘Men are actually the solution’ says new White Ribbon Ambassador Phil Kingsley Jones. ‘I work with young men all the time and I know that with the right support and role models, they can become good men, role models, partners and fathers.'

White Ribbon Ambassadors are chosen for their passion and commitment to ending violence towards women. Ambassadors use their public profile to champion a violence-free lifestyle to other men.

‘In my role as an ambassador I hope that I can and get men to stand up for what is right. I want our men to treat women with respect, and learn that earning respect is a vital key to a successful and happy relationship’, says Phil. ‘I was lucky as a child. I’ve never experienced violence, but many of my friends back in Wales weren’t so lucky. If I can ensure even just one family avoids the violence I’ve seen, then it’s a job well done,’ says Phil.

The campaign is led by the Families Commission which actively supports a suite of family violence initiatives including the It’s not OK campaign, the Family Violence Clearinghouse, Family Violence Statistics report and the White Ribbon Campaign.

‘The White Ribbon Campaign is about men speaking to men in ways that men understand’, says Mr McCann, 'and what better voice to listen to, than a man who guided a young Jonah Lomu'.

‘I’m sure the South Auckland community will be proud that Phil has been made an Ambassador, joining the likes of Ruben Wiki, Stan Walker and the Prime Minister. We’re looking forward to working with Phil working in an exciting campaign that culminates on 25 November’, says Mr McCann.