Warm welcome for 200 riders | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

Finding a bed for about 200 men is a challenge in itself - but when each of them comes with a motorbike the task seems almost impossible.

But not for Tauranga's Te Whetu-o-te-rangi marae, which catered for the men and their beloved motorbikes on Wednesday night after the group rode from Palmerston North to commemorate White Ribbon Day.

"It's going to be a spectacle. Nothing like this has ever been seen before. It's definitely the first time for our marae," said Kipouaka Marsden, of Ngati Pukenga.

"Because we're a Maori community, we've all come together to accommodate these men, including our neighbouring marae, Tahu Whakatiki. All our whanau will be here," she said.

Te Whetu-o-te-rangi marae pulled out all the stops, including decorating fences and the marae with white ribbons, in preparation for their visitors.

"It's a very special event for Maori and Tauranga moana because these type of men were once violent and part of the system but they've changed and now they're role models for the community. We're very proud to have them here," Mrs Marsden said.

Motorcyclists who stayed at Te Whetu-o-te-rangi marae on Wednesday night included the Super Maori Fullas, a group of four brothers who travel annually around New Zealand promoting violence-free communities.