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.nz. We 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.

Tauranga shines again at the 2025 Parks Awards

Tauranga is proving itself a leader in parks and recreation, taking home multiple honours at the Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards.

The Parks Awards celebrate the people, projects, and places that positively contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand’s parks, play, and open spaces. Following on from its success in last year’s awards, Tauranga City Council claimed two category wins and two merit awards - dominating three of the five awards categories.

The Playspace of the Year award, split by project scale, saw both titles awarded to Tauranga City Council. Te Papa Tākaro o Matua Iwi was named Playspace of the Year (under $500,000) for refurbishing an outdated local park in Matua, Tauranga. Upgraded equipment and inclusive design created a space where all locals can play safely. Judges highlighted the project’s strength in engaging local tamariki - especially the scout group - whose ideas helped shape a space that’s both meaningful and fun.

Matua Playground

Matua Playground.

Tauranga’s Waterfront Playground was awarded Playspace of the Year (Over $500,000). Judges described this project as a standout example of innovative urban renewal, grounded in culture, equity, and environmental care. The former car park is now a modern recreational destination for Tauranga residents and visitors alike.

Tauranga City Council also earned merit awards for Waitaha Reserve in the Playspace of the Year (Over $500,000 category), and for Kōpūrererua Valley in the Healthy Parks Award category. Kieran Smith, Parks, Play and Open Spaces Programme Manager for Recreation Aotearoa said, "The Parks Awards are a way to recognise those places, spaces and people that help New Zealanders to experience our natural playground."

Smith said the awards also highlight the broad benefits parks and recreation provide. "As our cities grow, parks aren’t just places to play - they’re spaces for connection and local pride. They attract visitors and support wellbeing. It’s great to see Tauranga projects continuing to set a high benchmark."

Alison Law, Manager Spaces and Places for Tauranga City Council, said," As Tauranga continues to grow and we welcome more people into our city, it’s important we maintain investment. We know these spaces allow people to come together, play, and be active. We’re delighted to continue to be recognised nationally for these spaces we’re providing for our community.

Image caption

Tauranga’s Waterfront Playground

Posted: May 22, 2025,