Songs addressing family violence

Youth band Manawatūkaha has won 2016's "Yeah, Nah it's not OK" song competition. The annual Eastern Bay of Plenty Song Quest competition promotes violence-free communities and is open to 13 to 18 year olds.

Organising committee chair and Family Works' Family Violence Response coordinator Helen Holt said the song quest helps raise awareness and provide information about family violence to young people: “It allows teenagers to help inform their community about the issue in a fun and creative way.”

The event is a combined initiative of the It's not OK Campaign and Family Works Northern, and organised by the Family Safety Events Committee.

See an interview with the members of the winning band and their teacher for more information. The band will receive an eight-hour free recording session with Outlet Productions. The song from last year's winner is available online as a free resource.

Pasefika Proud in partnership with Churches Unite has also released a music video in support of ending violence. The video, An anthem of Hope: Hold on, Change is Coming, is available on the Pasefika Proud facebook page.

For other songs addressing family violence, see the recent our previous story on winning songs from the 2016 E Tu Whānau Song Competition that are available online.