Latest news with #RoadSafetyWeek2025
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Be A Road Safety Hero This Road Safety Week
Press Release – Marlborough District Council Road Safety Week 2025 from 12 to 18 May recognises everyone who is working to make our roads safer and support people following crashes. This Road Safety Week, Marlburians are urged to be more vigilant near pedestrian crossings and report near misses. Council's Multi Model Advisor Charlotte Campbell-Lamerton says it is timely to remind drivers to be aware around pedestrian crossings. 'Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have right of way. Drivers should remember that this includes pedestrians who are waiting to cross or already crossing.' In Blenheim and Picton there are also quite a few 'courtesy crossings' made of bricks or paving or raised above the level of the road. 'These are intended to facilitate eye contact between pedestrians and drivers resulting in a mutually negotiated position over who goes first,' Charlotte said. 'They provide a place where drivers can stop safely to allow pedestrians to cross. Drivers are not required to stop at courtesy crossings however the official New Zealand road code recommends that drivers are courteous to pedestrians using or waiting to use a courtesy crossing.' Charlotte said Council also collected data on walking and cycling related near misses and crashes. 'This data is used to better understand road safety issues across our road and reserve network so safety adjustments can be made. Please go to Council's website and fill in the Bike/Walk Crash and Near Miss Report form about any close calls when you're out walking or cycling around Marlborough.' 'Blenheim cycle shop Bikes and Scooters recently designed a QR code to help make it easier for people to report a near miss on Council's website. This is a great example of being a road safety hero,' Charlotte said. Road Safety Week 2025 from 12 to 18 May recognises everyone who is working to make our roads safer and support people following crashes. 'It also enables everyone who uses roads to understand how they can take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. That's a great message for us all to remember,' Charlotte said.
NZ Herald
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Northland news in brief: Property values up
Free car seat checks Northland Road Safety Trust and its child restraint technician are offering free car seat checks, installs, tips and advice this week as part of Road Safety Week 2025. The aim is to ensure all car seats are installed correctly and safely, as 80% of child restraints are installed or used incorrectly. They will be at Otangarei Marae from 3pm until 6pm on Thursday, May 15. On Friday, May 16, a Road Safety Hero relay around the Hatea Loop will start at 1pm at the Canopy Bridge. Dress up in your most creative hero costume, pick up some road safety tips on the way, and be in to win one of many giveaways. DoC hut booking The Department of Conservation has opened bookings for its huts for the 2025/26 season, starting with backcountry huts, cabins, lodges and cottages. Bookings are open for popular shared huts like the Coromandel's Pinnacles Hut, Bushline in Nelson Lakes and Aspiring Hut. Fully bookable options include Te Whare Mata Uraura on Matiu/Somes Island, The Camphouse in Taranaki and Mimiwhangata Beach House in Northland. There are seven DoC huts in Northland. To make a booking, go to: Safe-drinking drive The Far North District Council has called on people across the district to share their thoughts on the selling and consumption of alcohol as the council aims to support safe, responsible drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm in communities. Insights will advise the council on how alcohol-free areas apply and develop a Local Alcohol Policy. The survey is open until May 30 and can be found on the council's website.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Road Safety Week: Will Auckland Transport Be Heroes Or Villains??
In the same week that Auckland Transport has quietly moved ahead with plans to strip safe speed zones from over 150 schools from 14 May, Auckland Transport is asking Aucklanders to shout out to their road safety heroes for Road Safety Week 2025. 'In the same week they announce higher speeds around 150 schools across the city, it is disturbing to see AT highlight how the burden of safety falls on parents and kids,' says Jon Turner, Puketāpapa Local Board member and City Vision ward councillor candidate for Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward. 'It is outright hypocrisy for AT to say one thing on socials to launch Road Safety Week, when at the same time behind the scenes they're making Aucklanders less safe and refusing to listen to multiple voices calling for a re-assessment of the huge scale of the reversals about to go ahead. Right when we most need AT to stand by the evidence, stand up for Aucklanders, and push for a common-sense approach to a harmful and badly written speed rule, they've crumbled,' says Mr Turner. 'Other cities have found a way to do the right thing and retain their safe speed zones where there is public support. The new Minister of Transport is open to discussion. We know safe speeds work, and dozens of Albert-Eden residents have told me what safe speeds mean to them,' says Albert-Eden Local Board member Christina Robertson. 'AT has argued that the speed rule forces them to undertake a blanket reversal of over 1500 safe speeds, but we know this isn't the case. Hamilton and Dunedin took a very similar approach when setting safe speeds, so why isn't AT taking their lead in defending Auckland streets? I've examined AT's assessments of all the safer speeds implemented in my local board area since 2020, and found over 60 streets that clearly do not meet the criteria of the speed rule, but are still losing safe speeds. Aucklanders deserve answers–why is AT going further than the speed rule requires?' says Dr Robertson. 'AT reported last week that Auckland is 'seeing a return to higher levels of deaths and serious injuries (DSI)'. I have repeatedly asked AT, including at the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee last week, to make safety a priority and to reassess their approach to the Speed Rule to avoid unnecessary harm,' says Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor Julie Fairey. 'We know bringing down speeds makes a big contribution to increasing road safety. Putting speeds up, especially when other councils have shown there are options available under the Speed Rule that AT could use to reduce this harm, is not heroic; it's villainous,' says Ms Fairey. City Vision calls on Auckland Transport and the Minister of Transport to find a common-sense solution to avoid the huge cost to strip safe speeds from the communities that asked for them. Notes: Evaluation of AT's Safe Speeds programme shows significant reductions in deaths and serious injuries (DSIs) compared to the expected numbers if safe speeds had not been implemented. Public support for safe speeds is wide- ranging for example: January-March 2024, a Verian survey for NZTA Waka Kotahi showed that 7/10 New Zealanders support lowering speeds around schools to improve road safety. June 2024, a Verian survey for AT showed more people support speed reductions than oppose them across Auckland, and support had increased since 2023. After being informed about the decrease in deaths and serious injuries on roads where speed limits have been reduced, support for the speed limit reductions rose to 61% and opposition fell. There is strong support across the Albert-Eden Local Board Area for the Phase 2 consultations on safe speeds ranged from 70% in Mt Eden/ Sandringham/ Balmoral to 93% in Mt Albert, with 76% support in Point Chevalier near Pasadena Intermediate and 83% support in Waterview. 78% of school leaders in Auckland support permanent safe speed zones around schools. About City Vision: City Vision is an alliance of Labour, Greens and community independents working together for progressive change in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Since 1998, City Vision has championed policies that support a liveable, safe, connected, healthy, economically and environmentally sustainable city for all Aucklanders. City Vision stands local board candidates in the Waitematā, Puketāpapa and Albert-Eden Local Board areas.
Scoop
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
2025 Road Safety Week Looming
Press Release – Northland Road Safety Trust With 27 people killed in Northland road crashes in 2024 and six deaths already in 2025, Northland Road Safety Trust Manager Ashley Johnston is calling on motorists to drive safer. 'It's about staying focused on what is ahead you and around you when driving because that can be the difference between life and death,' says Johnston. That is why the theme of the Road Safety Week 2025 (12-18 May) is being a road safety hero by recognising everyone who help to make our roads safer and openly discussing how everyone can play a part in making journeys safer in Kaipara, Whangārei and Far North districts. 'Any road death is one too many and unfortunately too many people are being killed and seriously injured on Northland roads for several reasons that are avoidable. We say it all the time but it comes down to driving to the conditions – especially with winter on the horizon – not speeding, wearing seatbelts, ensuring children are in restraints. 'Too many motorists on Northland roads are still driving distracted or under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The impact of road crashes can last a lifetime and destroy families.' Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector Anne-Marie Fitchett says Northland Police and partners are working hard to reduce the number of deaths on our roads. Increased enforcement efforts to specifically reduce speeding and impaired driving have seen an improvement in driving behaviours but more improvement is needed. 'We've had eight people die on our roads this year compared with 18 at this time last year. While that is a vast improvement, every one of those people had families and people that cared for them who are now grieving. The hurt to Northland families following crashes is huge and often lasts a lifetime,' says Fitchett. Making good driving decisions relies on a clear head, considering the impact of our driving on others, and complying with traffic laws, she says. 'In 2024, 22% of our deaths and serious injuries involved alcohol. Similarly, speed contributed to 33% of deaths and serious injuries on Northland roads in 2024, while 24% of those killed or seriously injured in light vehicles in Northland weren't wearing a seatbelt. All these figures were the highest in the country, so we still have a lot of changes to make. 'If we choose not to wear a seatbelt, we will have minimal protection in a crash (however it is caused). If we drive while impaired, we can't possibly hope to react in the way we need to. And if we speed, there is less time to react. Let's learn these lessons now rather than the devastating hard way. And let's keep up the reduction of trauma and harm by working together to keep reducing our road toll,' says Fitchett. To acknowledge lives lost on Northland roads, Johnston is inviting locals to register and take part in the 2025 Road Safety Hero fun relay/walk around the Hātea Loop in Whangārei on Friday, May 16. The event kicks off at 1pm at Pūtahi Park, in the Town Basin (near the Canopy Bridge) and is a chance for the community to come together and learn about road safety in a whanau friendly event. 'It is a day full of fun, awareness, and a powerful message! Whether you're a speedster or a casual stroller, we want people to show their support for road safety awareness and honour the heroes who make our roads safer every day. People can dress like a Road Safety Hero with reflectors, capes and any other creativity,' says Johnston. 'Bring your friends, whānau, coworkers because there'll be trophies for fastest around the loop, most creative team around the loop and spot prizes for best dressed heroes. Let's make this year's relay/walk the best one yet. Be a hero — walk the talk for road safety!' Road Safety Hero Week is supported by Northland Road Safety Trust, Plunket, NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Hato Hone St John, Northern Rescue Helicopters, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Northland Regional Council, Whangārei District Council and Auckland Transport's child restraint experts. Hundreds of people took part last year and numerous local businesses and schools are lined up to be part of the 2025 Road Safety Hero celebration by talking part in the relay or just walking the Loop. Johnston says it Road Safety Week is also about recognising the need to support people after a crash – from emergency services to health professionals, transport engineers to school crossing patrols, farmers, road workers community campaigners and more. 'It's important people increasingly understand how they can take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others by being courteous to others and making sensible, safe decisions like not being distracted by phones while driving and not driving while tired and fatigued. 'We can all become road safety heroes whether we are walking, riding or driving by individually contributing to safety on our roads in our own way.' And that is why Ashley and her team will join forces with Northland Road Policing and visit five primary schools – Morningside, St Francis Xaviour, Horahora, Tikipunga and Onerahi – from May 12 to 16 to raise awareness of roadside and pedestrian safety during the morning school drop-off time. Having been a front-line Police Officer, Johnston knows only too well the heartache from road crashes. Another key part of Road Safety Week 2025 are three interactive, educational child restraint workshops around Whangārei. The first will be in Bunnings carpark at Raumanga from 3pm-6pm on Tuesday, May 13, followed by Onerahi Police Station from 3pm to 6pm on Wednesday, May 14 and outside Otangarei Marae from 3pm-6pm on Thursday, May 15. Qualified technicians will be on hand to answer questions and ensure car sets are installed correctly. Workshop dates and locations will be listed at There will be giveaways for the kids and former Police Recruitment Officer Doug Te Puni will be at all the restraint checks with his Mr Whippy van, along with the Road Safety Hero relay, where there will be a sausage sizzle and some more giveaways. To register for 2025 Road Safety Heroes relay go to and to find out more about Road Safety Week 2025 (including downloading educational packs), check out Note: In 2024 there were 27 deaths and 153 serious injuries from road crashes on Northland roads. The ages of victims ranged from 0 – 86 years old. There was a social cost of $561.7 million associated with Northland crashes. 11 died and 49 were seriously injured in crashes where inappropriate speed contributed to the crash 9 died and 26 were seriously injured in crashed where drugs were present 6 died and 34 were seriously injured in crashes where alcohol impairment above the limit contributed to the crash 6 died and 23 were seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt in light vehicles. 20 died and 80 were seriously injured in single vehicle crashes. 20 died and 105 were seriously injured in head-on or run-off road crashes. 13 died and 61 were seriously injured on a state highway. 22 died and 104 were seriously injured on roads in areas defined as rural 3 deaths and 27 seriously injured involved a motorcycle or moped 1 died and 9 were seriously injured in crashes involving a truck.
Scoop
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
2025 Road Safety Week Looming
Press Release – Northland Road Safety Trust Too many motorists on Northland roads are still driving distracted or under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The impact of road crashes can last a lifetime and destroy families. With 27 people killed in Northland road crashes in 2024 and six deaths already in 2025, Northland Road Safety Trust Manager Ashley Johnston is calling on motorists to drive safer. 'It's about staying focused on what is ahead you and around you when driving because that can be the difference between life and death,' says Johnston. That is why the theme of the Road Safety Week 2025 (12-18 May) is being a road safety hero by recognising everyone who help to make our roads safer and openly discussing how everyone can play a part in making journeys safer in Kaipara, Whangārei and Far North districts. 'Any road death is one too many and unfortunately too many people are being killed and seriously injured on Northland roads for several reasons that are avoidable. We say it all the time but it comes down to driving to the conditions – especially with winter on the horizon – not speeding, wearing seatbelts, ensuring children are in restraints. 'Too many motorists on Northland roads are still driving distracted or under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The impact of road crashes can last a lifetime and destroy families.' Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector Anne-Marie Fitchett says Northland Police and partners are working hard to reduce the number of deaths on our roads. Increased enforcement efforts to specifically reduce speeding and impaired driving have seen an improvement in driving behaviours but more improvement is needed. 'We've had eight people die on our roads this year compared with 18 at this time last year. While that is a vast improvement, every one of those people had families and people that cared for them who are now grieving. The hurt to Northland families following crashes is huge and often lasts a lifetime,' says Fitchett. Making good driving decisions relies on a clear head, considering the impact of our driving on others, and complying with traffic laws, she says. 'In 2024, 22% of our deaths and serious injuries involved alcohol. Similarly, speed contributed to 33% of deaths and serious injuries on Northland roads in 2024, while 24% of those killed or seriously injured in light vehicles in Northland weren't wearing a seatbelt. All these figures were the highest in the country, so we still have a lot of changes to make. 'If we choose not to wear a seatbelt, we will have minimal protection in a crash (however it is caused). If we drive while impaired, we can't possibly hope to react in the way we need to. And if we speed, there is less time to react. Let's learn these lessons now rather than the devastating hard way. And let's keep up the reduction of trauma and harm by working together to keep reducing our road toll,' says Fitchett. To acknowledge lives lost on Northland roads, Johnston is inviting locals to register and take part in the 2025 Road Safety Hero fun relay/walk around the Hātea Loop in Whangārei on Friday, May 16. The event kicks off at 1pm at Pūtahi Park, in the Town Basin (near the Canopy Bridge) and is a chance for the community to come together and learn about road safety in a whanau friendly event. 'It is a day full of fun, awareness, and a powerful message! Whether you're a speedster or a casual stroller, we want people to show their support for road safety awareness and honour the heroes who make our roads safer every day. People can dress like a Road Safety Hero with reflectors, capes and any other creativity,' says Johnston. 'Bring your friends, whānau, coworkers because there'll be trophies for fastest around the loop, most creative team around the loop and spot prizes for best dressed heroes. Let's make this year's relay/walk the best one yet. Be a hero — walk the talk for road safety!' Road Safety Hero Week is supported by Northland Road Safety Trust, Plunket, NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Hato Hone St John, Northern Rescue Helicopters, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Northland Regional Council, Whangārei District Council and Auckland Transport's child restraint experts. Hundreds of people took part last year and numerous local businesses and schools are lined up to be part of the 2025 Road Safety Hero celebration by talking part in the relay or just walking the Loop. Johnston says it Road Safety Week is also about recognising the need to support people after a crash – from emergency services to health professionals, transport engineers to school crossing patrols, farmers, road workers community campaigners and more. 'It's important people increasingly understand how they can take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others by being courteous to others and making sensible, safe decisions like not being distracted by phones while driving and not driving while tired and fatigued. 'We can all become road safety heroes whether we are walking, riding or driving by individually contributing to safety on our roads in our own way.' And that is why Ashley and her team will join forces with Northland Road Policing and visit five primary schools – Morningside, St Francis Xaviour, Horahora, Tikipunga and Onerahi – from May 12 to 16 to raise awareness of roadside and pedestrian safety during the morning school drop-off time. Having been a front-line Police Officer, Johnston knows only too well the heartache from road crashes. Another key part of Road Safety Week 2025 are three interactive, educational child restraint workshops around Whangārei. The first will be in Bunnings carpark at Raumanga from 3pm-6pm on Tuesday, May 13, followed by Onerahi Police Station from 3pm to 6pm on Wednesday, May 14 and outside Otangarei Marae from 3pm-6pm on Thursday, May 15. Qualified technicians will be on hand to answer questions and ensure car sets are installed correctly. Workshop dates and locations will be listed at There will be giveaways for the kids and former Police Recruitment Officer Doug Te Puni will be at all the restraint checks with his Mr Whippy van, along with the Road Safety Hero relay, where there will be a sausage sizzle and some more giveaways. To register for 2025 Road Safety Heroes relay go to and to find out more about Road Safety Week 2025 (including downloading educational packs), check out Note: In 2024 there were 27 deaths and 153 serious injuries from road crashes on Northland roads. The ages of victims ranged from 0 – 86 years old. There was a social cost of $561.7 million associated with Northland crashes. 11 died and 49 were seriously injured in crashes where inappropriate speed contributed to the crash 9 died and 26 were seriously injured in crashed where drugs were present 6 died and 34 were seriously injured in crashes where alcohol impairment above the limit contributed to the crash 6 died and 23 were seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt in light vehicles. 20 died and 80 were seriously injured in single vehicle crashes. 20 died and 105 were seriously injured in head-on or run-off road crashes. 13 died and 61 were seriously injured on a state highway. 22 died and 104 were seriously injured on roads in areas defined as rural 3 deaths and 27 seriously injured involved a motorcycle or moped 1 died and 9 were seriously injured in crashes involving a truck.
