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Haumarutanga rori - pakeke

Road safety - adults

The Travel Safe team work in the community to reduce accidents and improve road safety.

Young Driver Workshop

Free young driver workshops are aimed at road users aged between 16 and 24, who hold a current learner or restricted driver licence. Participants will leave with improved knowledge, confidence, and skills.

Each workshop includes:

  • A 60-minute one-on-one driving lesson with a certified instructor
  • Waka Kotahi NZTA roadworthy vehicle check (what to check to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy)
  • Driver behaviour awareness (speed, impairment, restraints, distraction, and fatigue 
  • Awareness session on sharing the road with heavy vehicles

Parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend but it’s not compulsory. The four-hour workshops are held during school term holidays, usually between 9am and 1pm.

Drive has everything you need to prepare for your learner, restricted and full licence tests.

Visit the Drive website

Young driver workshop

Car Restraints

Looking for support around car seat restraints? Contact one of our local car seat technicians at travelsafeschools@tauranga.govt.nzWe offer free car seat installations, checks, and will help answer any questions or concerns regarding your car restraint.

Carseat installation

Parking behaviour

Drop off and pick up are busy times that pose a safety risk at the school gate. Travel Safe help schools to communicate things like parking time limits, drop off and pick up zones, parking over the kerb and other safety risks at the school gate. We deliver an in-school parking and safety programme named Peaceful Parker, and partner with council parking officers to do school visits when requested by schools or the community.

Blindzone Workshops 

Blindzone workshops allow people to see the world from a truck driver’s point of view. Through a series of practical scenarios, participants will learn where to place themselves so they are visible to truck drivers and will leave with more awareness and confidence on the road. 

For more on Blindzone and cycling around heavy vehicles visit Share the Road.

Blindzone workshop

Be Bright, Be Safe, Be Seen

This winter visibility programme reminds cyclists, walkers, runners, and scooter riders to have lights, bright clothing, and reflective gear if they are out and about during early mornings, evenings, and at other times of low light and poor visibility. 

Whether commuting to work or school, being active for fun or fitness, or popping down to the local shops, people should take extra care and keep safe by being fully visible on roads and paths. 

All cyclists are encouraged to wear high-visibility clothing and ensure their front light, rear light and rear red reflector are all working correctly and are clean.

View the official New Zealand code for cycling for more information.
 

Related news

Great places to play in Tauranga this summer

Great places to play in Tauranga this summer

While many families are taking a well-deserved break, you might be looking for a fun way to spend time in Tauranga. Why not visit some of our great places to play around town?

While many families are taking a well-deserved break, you might be looking for a fun way to spend time in Tauranga. Why not visit some of our great places to play around town?

Council aims to support increased participation by providing easily accessible opportunities for organised and informal play, active recreation, and sport for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

There are more than 100 playgrounds around Tauranga that serve different purposes. Council delivers three types of playgrounds: destination playgrounds, major neighbourhood playgrounds with facilities like basketball courts, and local neighbourhood play spaces.

But Play Advocate Tiffany Williams says play is not just for children at playgrounds.

“Play, or spontaneous self-directed fun, is for children and adults alike and it can happen anywhere. While you’re out and about this summer you might find a beam to balance on, invent a new game using your imagination, or run and hide among trees”.

“It’s all about creating a happier and healthier community. Play is a vital part of development for children, but for all ages and abilities, play is a great way to connect with others, have a laugh and stay active – no matter how or where we choose to play.”

It’s no secret we’re spoilt for choice for great places to play, but here are three Tiffany recommends you check out this summer.

1. The waterfront in Tauranga

“There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re wanting to shoot hoops on the basketball half court, practice your manu technique from the pontoon, or enjoy the new exciting playground,” Tiffany says.

The new playground boasts an impressive eight-metre-tall waka tower structure. There are a variety of ways to access the waka tower from the elevated pathway, etched with the Milky Way and Matariki stars, with connecting bridges to rope climbing for those who love a bit more adventure.

There's also a nature play zone for climbing and balancing and a water play zone with troughs and water pumps and more.

“Whether you bus, bike or drive into the city – don’t miss the chance to walk or wheel through our playful streets too. You’ll find interactive elements along Spring Street, sparkling water features, and a new play pod in Red Square,” Tiffany adds.

2. Our beautiful beaches

Beaches offer an awesome opportunity for sensory play, which are activities that stimulate our senses.

“Think about the different textures you can feel, the waves you splash in, the birds you can hear squawking, and what you might create using the sand whether that’s drawing, writing or building,” Tiffany explains.

“It’s also a great place to run around then cool off with a dip in the ocean – but make sure you swim between the flags.”;

Mount Maunganui main beach offers a great place to surf for keen wave catchers, and Pāpāmoa Beach is the place to be for a relaxed day out.

If you’re looking for calmer waters, why not head around to Pilot Bay for a dip or a stand-up paddleboarding session?

3. Your local neighbourhood reserve

“We’d really encourage you to head out and find your nearest reserve, and get creative about ways to play,” Tiffany says.

Using your imagination on the grassy area is one way to enjoy your local reserve, but you can also bring your own lawn games, play tag, or have a picnic.

Many have unique features, such as a grove of shady trees, a path to wheel along, or a slope to roll down.

“We are planning some upgrades and additions for several local neighbourhood reserves soon. Check out our webpage to see if it’s one near you.

“Children can complete the survey themselves or with help from an adult” Tiffany says.

Image captionThe new playground on our city centre waterfront, provides a space where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy spending time, connecting with nature and celebrating our city’s rich culture and history.
Posted: Jan 3, 2025,

Related information

Staying safe on scooters. Information about staying safe on your scooter.

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