Momentum in motion: Term 2 highlights from the Central North Island
Term 2 has been incredibly dynamic, marked by significant engagement and impactful road safety messages across the Central North Island. Mel shares her highlights from the term in this blog, read on to hear all about it!
My April travels kicked off in Havelock North at an event that genuinely blew me away: the Hawkes Bay Regional Council Road Safety Expo. Huge credit to their incredible Road Safety Coordinators and local police for putting on such an engaging and effective day. Seeing students rotate through activity stations, learning about road safety while having a blast, was fantastic to see and be part of.
May was jam-packed from start to finish. I began by heading to Otumoetai College in Tauranga, where Jolene Bisley (Tauranga Council) and Jenna Southon (Police) joined me to run the beer goggles / obstacle course. Over 80 students took part – a brilliant turnout!
A real highlight was having the privilege of interviewing Mila, the Road Safety Hero award winner. Mila, from Mercury Bay School, has completely taken charge of her SADD group and is an absolute asset to her school and community. Her dedication to spreading road safety awareness, alongside her volunteer work at the local fire brigade, is truly inspiring.
Next, it was off to the Waikato. It started with a powerful session on distractions for the Alt Ed Road Safety Programme at Blue Light. Then, at Te Awamutu College, over 50 students got involved in our "Focus or Fail" activity – another awesome turnout! I finished that leg of the trip at Tuakau School, where our lovely Sandra joined me to run "Focus or Fail" there too.
My Coromandel trip was all about getting new 2025 SADD groups off the ground with our “Getting Started” workshops. First stop was Paeroa College, followed by Thames College, where our amazing national leader Pavelyn lent a hand by putting the word out there. My last stop on the way home was Waihi College, and what a finish! 19 students turned up, all buzzing with fantastic road safety activity ideas.
Before I knew it, June was here! Another visit to the Waikato, first up was the Alt Ed session at Blue Light this time focusing on speed, and I was incredibly fortunate to have police officers Erana Savage and Toby Smith join us to demonstrate the speed laser gun and draeger – a real eye-opener for the students. I then visited Waikato Diocesan School for Girls and Fairfield College to run engaging activities, both with great participation.
I wrapped up the month with the Community Road Safety U-Turn Programme. This vital initiative, run with local police officers Gary Raynel and Mahinarangi Paekau. This programme is for youth offenders with minor driving convictions, focusing on restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed. It's all about educating our youth to make safer choices on our roads, for themselves and for everyone else.
My travels throughout Term 2 were incredibly rewarding! I’m thrilled with the impactful delivery of our Road Safety Programmes to youth and the meaningful connections fostered with our amazing SADD student groups across schools. I’m looking forward to building on this momentum as we head into Term 3!
Mel