Haumaru o Ara - Recidivist Drink Driving Workshop

Haumaru o Ara – Safe Journeys

Recidivist Drink Driving Workshops

Haumaru o Ara – Safe Journeys is a locally delivered workshop programme designed to support people who have repeat drink driving behaviours or Excess Breath Alcohol (EBA) charges to make positive and lasting change.

This one-day intervention provides participants with the opportunity to better understand the impact of alcohol on decision-making, driving behaviour, personal wellbeing, whānau, and the wider community. It is a practical, supportive programme focused on reducing reoffending and helping create safer roads for everyone.

Why this programme matters

Drink driving continues to place lives at risk across our communities. Haumaru o Ara has been developed through community collaboration to address this issue in a meaningful and accessible way.

The programme gives participants a chance to reflect on the choices that led to offending, identify patterns of behaviour, and develop strategies to prevent it happening again.

What participants can expect

Workshops are facilitated in a respectful, non-judgemental environment where attendees are encouraged to engage openly and honestly.

Participants will explore:

  • The effects of alcohol on judgement, reaction time, and driving ability
  • The personal, legal, and social consequences of drink driving
  • Behaviour patterns linked to repeat offending
  • Underlying beliefs and challenges that may contribute to alcohol misuse
  • Practical tools and strategies for long-term behaviour change
  • Planning safer transport options for the future

Experienced facilitation

The programme is supported by experienced AOD clinician William Blakemore, who brings an empathetic and sensitive approach to working with people facing alcohol-related challenges. Participants are supported to work through barriers, build insight, and develop realistic steps toward positive change.

Community focused and locally delivered

Haumaru o Ara is proud to be a locally operated programme that makes support more accessible for people in our region. Continued funding has been secured for the next three years, helping ensure this valuable service remains available to those who need it most.

Referrals

Referrals are welcomed from practitioners, agencies, and organisations supporting clients with drink driving issues or offending. The workshop can be used as:

  • A standalone intervention
  • An addition to existing rehabilitation or support programmes
  • A proactive step toward behaviour change and accountability

Strong referral support helps ensure this programme can continue serving the community.

Upcoming Workshops

We run regular Haumaru o Ara workshops throughout the year for eligible participants.

Venue: REAP House, 340 Queen Street
Alternative venues: If there are sufficient participant numbers, we may be able to arrange suitable workshop venues in other locations.
Duration: One-day workshop
Enquiries and referrals: Email rsc@wairsc.org.nz
Registration: Essential. Spaces are limited and close prior to each workshop to allow for planning and catering.

Make a referral

If you work with clients who may benefit from this programme, we encourage you to get in touch and discuss referral options. Together, we can support safer choices and safer journeys for everyone.

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