More than 250 rangatahi from across the Eastern Bay of Plenty took part in this year’s Rangatahi Road Safety Roadshow, which focused on delivering practical road safety education to rural schools.
Held over three days last week, the roadshow visited Murupara Area School, Te Wharekura o Ruatoki and Rangitāiki High School, taking road safety messages directly to communities outside the main centres. The programme was delivered using Whakatāne District Council’s Honoa Hapori community vans.
Council’s Community Safety Advisor Richard Hamer says the decision to visit more remote locations was driven by community demand.
“We were more than happy to make this happen. It dovetails nicely into the summer roadshow we ran in rural locations also. We’re aware of the extra distances that these communities have to travel at times and the need for people to do so safely.”
The roadshow featured eight themed stations covering issues like distractions, impaired driving, restraints, and driver licensing. Students took part in hands-on activities, including a climbing wall to highlight the importance of restraints, kart driving with impairment goggles, and engaging with Police at a roadside checkpoint demonstration.
A range of partners supported the programme, including NZ Police, iwi groups, driving and motorcycle schools, and youth and health services—bringing a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to improving road safety.
Mr Hamer says the young driver roadshows are an important part of the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty Road Safety Programme delivered throughout the community. He thanked all the organisations that participated and each and every one of the young people who attended.