July 2015: (by Amy Childs, Rotorua Review)
Bully Free Bro, or BFB, is an anti-bullying initiative created to engage, educate and empower rangatahi to become bully free ambassadors.
Over the last two years BFB have been slowly building relationships with the community and growing the initiative towards bigger ideas.
BFB co-ordinator Warren Tumarae said one of the developing ideas is to have an annual "bully free" day or week which they hope to involve schools.
"The aim would be to engage, educate and empower students, teachers, schools, parents and the community. I believe the schools are the best place to grow the message to the wider community, through our kids and hopefully into the home, which has always been the biggest challenge," he said.
"At this stage I have a few schools in mind to approach with this idea, yet to be confirmed, but hope to look at mid-year as a date for the day or week. It would be great if all schools got involved and made it look however they felt worked for them, but keeping in mind the message 'bully free'."
Tumarae said he is excited about 2015 as he looks back on what they have already accomplished and the foundation they now have to build on.
"Some of the highlights from the past year have been gather ambassadors from all ages, cultures and experiences of life who helped to push the bully free message to the community," he said.
"Also having some well-known faces who have got involved to support the cause because the loved the bully free kaupapa. We have had Temuera Morrison who launched the campaign in 2013 as well as the 'Perfectly Ugly' music video that came out last year with reggae band 1814."
Another idea Tumarae had had in the back of his mind since starting the programme has been to create a Bully Free Bro tour.
"With a group of amazing young people we could put together a performance of dance, skits and music with a powerful bully free message," he said.
If you would like to learn more about Bully Free Bro, then visit their FAcebook page or contact Warren Tumarae at bullyfreebro@yahoo.com or 027 622 5052.
