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Travel Safe

Travel Safe is an all-ages community focused approach to road safety in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

A joint initiative between Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, NZ Police, and NZ Transport Agency. The Travel Safe team partner with and work alongside communities, schools, parents, caregivers, volunteers, and students, to deliver programmes and initiatives to reduce accidents and improve road safety.

The programmes are developed to address identified high risks for targeted audiences.

Travel Safe is driven by guiding principles:

  • listening to communities
  • keeping it simple and flexible
  • developing community and school ownership at the beginning
  • strengthening community action
  • developing personal skills
  • creating supportive environments
  • supporting building healthy public policy
  • valuing volunteers

Find out more using the links below and follow Travel Safe on Facebook for updates.

Rail Safety Week 2025

Bay of Plenty students have come together to raise awareness about how to stay safe on the region’s 86 railway level crossings, by always expecting the unexpected and watching out for trains.

Rail Safety Week, 11-17 August 2025,  is a national initiative led by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ, with support from transport partners and local councils across Aotearoa. Held every August, it aims to reduce rail-related incidents and encourage safe behaviour around trains and tracks. This year’s theme, ‘Stay Off, Stay Safe’, highlights the serious dangers of trespassing in the rail corridor and urges people to stay clear of railway lines.

Share with care

Share with care on our pathways. Whaia te ara. Stay left, slow down, keep dogs close.

Latest news

Students get sneak peek of new community centre taking shape

Students get sneak peek of new community centre taking shape

Students at Merivale School were excited to be the first to receive an exclusive preview of the ongoing construction of the new Merivale Community Centre.

Merivale School Principal Tom Paekau says the children were thrilled to tour the building site last week, particularly since many of them will benefit from the after-school programme offered at the centre.

“The children see this space as their own, and the sense of whanaungatanga – connection – is strong, especially within the Merivale community,” explains Tom. “The new centre will help strengthen the relationship between the school and the wider community, particularly with whānau who aren't directly involved with the school.”

Construction of the 600m² centre has made great strides since beginning late last year, with the roof and walls now in place. The next phase includes fitting of windows, the interior fit-out and installation of services.
Volunteers from the Merivale Community Centre joined the walk-through of their future space, and Centre Manager Dave Merton says some shed tears of joy.

“The community has long awaited a fit-for-purpose centre, and it's amazing to see the progress firsthand,” said Dave.

Te Papa Ward Councillor Rod Taylor says it was great to see the children there as they are among those who will truly benefit from the new centre.

“A new community centre has been a long time coming for Merivale, and it’s wonderful to see the area receiving the attention it deserves. The Merivale Community Centre will be a central hub for the community and a safe haven for many. It’s exciting to watch the progress as we approach the centre’s opening in late 2025.”

The new facility is being funded by Tauranga City Council, along with community grants from TECT Community Trust, BayTrust, and the Lottery Grants Board.

For more information, visit: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/merivale

Image captionTauranga City Council’s Senior Project Manager Deon Connoway and children from Merivale School are looking forward to the opening of the new Merivale Community Centre later this year.
Posted: Apr 7, 2025,

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