Hurunui rises to the road safety challenge

Road Safety Awareness Week, which ran from 4 to 10 May, brought both a sobering message and a real sense of community to the District last week.

One of the highlights was Mayor Marie Black visiting Amberley Community Preschool to read Travelling with Tiaki to a room full of eager young book enthusiasts. The picture book introduces key road safety messages in a way that resonates with young people. Supported by Waka Kotahi NZTA, the book has now been shared with all of Hurunui's preschools and new entrant classes.

Also during the week, free driver coaching sessions were trialled for residents aged 65 and over. Amberley resident Ann Little took up the opportunity, working through her paces with Graeme Dalley from Eyes on the Road Driver Training. Ann said that as you get older it's natural to lose a little confidence on the roads — and when the chance came up, she didn't hesitate.

The week also carried a wider Canterbury message — 261 people were killed or seriously injured on Canterbury roads in 2025. Road safety coordinators from across the region joined forces with New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and Hato Hone St John to highlight that every crash sends ripples through families, workplaces, and communities. Nine Canterbury mayors were united in their call for change.

Throughout the week, practical tips focused on the RIDS behaviours — Restraints, Impairment, Distractions, and Speed — a simple reminder that small, everyday choices add up to safer roads for everyone.

Emma Feathery, Safer Roads Facilitator at Hurunui District Council said "Road Safety Week may be marked on the calendar, but the responsibility it highlights belongs to every week of the year. These are our roads, our families, our neighbours — and the simple choices we make each day keep everyone safe.”

Thank you to everyone in the Hurunui who played their part this Road Safety Awareness Week. For more information, visit roadsafetyweek.org.nz.