Eastern Bay road safety champion Lorreen Hartley has been recognised with a Kotahitanga Award for her dedication to reducing alcohol-related harm on our roads. 

Ms Hartley was awarded by the Safe and Sustainable Transport Association and was recognised for her work with the Alcohol Recidivism Tikanga Programme – a life-changing course run in collaboration with Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa (NASH), Police and Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Eastern Bay of Plenty Community Corrections. 

Sonia Lynds, who nominated Ms Hartley, said Ms Hartley’s commitment to reducing serious crashes and fatalities in the Eastern Bay is demonstrated in her leadership of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Road Safety Programme. 

“The Alcohol Recidivism Tikanga Programme has achieved a 96 percent rate in graduates non-reoffending in regard to drink-driving,” said Ms Lynds.

“This statistic is impressive enough, but if we take the time to consider what hasn’t happened on our roads due to each graduate making the decision not to drink and drive, it is a potentially lifesaving course.”

Programme Lead Facilitator Des Harawira of Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa said he regards Ms Hartley as a driving force behind the Marae-Based Impaired Driving Programme. 

“She is really passionate about the safety, health and wellbeing of whānau and wider community,” said Mr Haraiwra. 

Eastern Bay Road Policing Manager Senior Sergeant Chris Howard said Ms Hartley is an asset to the community who never seeks praise for her hard work and dedication. 

“Lorreen is a true champion for impaired drivers in the Eastern Bay,” he said.

“She works very hard in trying to develop a change in mindset of recidivist drink drivers. She also plays a big part in education around sports clubs where alcohol is consumed, and she liaises with those clubs to instil a positive message around not drinking and driving.” 

The Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme aims to raise community awareness about road safety and work towards reducing deaths and serious injuries on Eastern Bay roads. 

The programme is a joint initiative run by the Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki and Kawerau District Councils and Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council. 

As well as the Alcohol Recidivism Tikanga Programme it also supports youth programmes and free winter pit stops (vehicle safety checks). 

Find out more at whakatane.govt.nz/eastern-bay-road-safety