A series of workshops which promotes the concept and practice of non-violence among the nation's teenage population will be held by Te Kupenga - the National Network for Stopping Violence - next week.
Launched in Gisborne last November, Whakamana Tangata (Respect All People) sessions support schools and youth organisations taking a leadership role to eradicate violence among young people.
Youth programme trainer, Dale Ferris, says the rate of violence in secondary schools is a major concern, and research shows that 76 percent of teenagers are non violent, but there is an increase in bullying in most regions of New Zealand.
One-day workshops will be held in Taumarunui, Invercargill, Christchurch and Kaikoura, beginning on May 11.