Road Safety Week gets into gear
The high number of people killed or seriously injured on New Zealand’s roads in April is a sad reminder of the importance of the need for safe behaviours when driving.
“Road safety has been a sharp focus for Council over the past two years and we’ve set our targets to reduce serious injuries on our roads by at least 40 per cent by 2030, and have a zero death rate by then,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.
To help raise awareness of what we can do to make our roads safer, Council will be running a range of road safety activities in the CBD during Road Safety Week from 9–13 May, from 9am to 4pm daily. During this week there will be several informative displays, clinics and events in Cobham Court to work towards safer roads for our drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. A car that was involved in a fatal crash on Paekākāriki Hill in 2009 will be on display, preserved in its mangled final state with the original beer bottles still inside. “I attended to this crash where a combination of alcohol, drugs and speed led to the death of one person and the serious injury of two others,” says Mike George, Porirua City Council Road Safety Co-ordinator. “The survivors were very lucky to be alive and are still on ACC, making this one of the most expensive ACC claims in history.”
Another chilling display in Cobham Court from Monday to Wednesday next week will be the Decepta concept car – you might have seen this in a recent road safety commercial on TV showing a car that looks normal from the outside but is mangled on the inside, demonstrating the damage a car with a 1 star rating can sustain. “If you’re not sure about your current car’s safety rating or you want safety advice for a new car, come over and have a chat to our team, we’ll gladly check out your car and help out,” George says. There will also be free car seat clinics available for the whole week to help parents with car seat safety checks.
These clinics usually only take place on the second Wednesday of each month at Mungavin Hall between 1–3pm. “Park in the Cobham Court area and then ask our team to check your car seat. We’re here to correct any issues and make sure your kids are safe and secure in your vehicle,” George says
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.6% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
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