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Stay Fresh and Phones-Free This King’s Birthday Weekend
As King’s Birthday weekend approaches, the Wairarapa Road Safety Council is urging drivers across the Wellington Region to prioritise safety by driving fresh and staying phones-free.
Road safety data from 2019 to 2024 shows a worrying pattern. Over the past five King’s/Queen’s Birthday weekends, the Wellington Region recorded 74 crashes, with 15 of those occurring in the Wairarapa. Fatigue and driver distraction — especially mobile phone use — were identified as contributing factors in a significant number of these incidents. Many of these were preventable.
“Long weekends should be about reconnecting with wh?nau and making memories — not mourning avoidable loss,” says Holly Hullena, Projects Coordinator for the Wairarapa Road Safety Council. “Every time someone picks up their phone while driving or pushes through fatigue, they’re making a choice that puts lives at risk. We’re asking everyone to make better choices this weekend — drive fresh, keep your hands on the wheel, and your eyes on the road.”
WRSC is reminding drivers to:
- Get plenty of rest before hitting the road
- Take regular breaks on long journeys
- Keep mobile phones out of reach or on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode
- Share driving responsibilities where possible
- Avoid alcohol or drugs before driving
“We all want to get to our destination safely and return home to the people who love us,” adds Hullena. “Let’s make this King’s Birthday weekend one to remember for the right reasons.”
For more information and tips on safe driving, visit www.wairsc.org.nz or follow the Wairarapa Road Safety Council on social media.
Be a Road Safety Hero this Road Safety Week!
Monday 12th of May 2025: Road Safety Week is racing towards us and we’re joining the call to Be Road Safety Heroes from Monday 12 May to Sunday 18 May – and year round.
Be a Road Safety Hero is this year’s theme of Road Safety Week and organisers are asking us all to be mindful of safety when we drive, walk or cycle. We can all play a part in keeping our communities safe. Our council is taking part in Road Safety Week. Join us and be in to win road safety gear, a Prezzy card voucher and pick up a free high vis safety vest for your tamariki.
How to take part in Road Safety Week 2025 – Everyone in the community can take part in raising their own and others’ awareness of road safety, during this campaign and year round.
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Ghost your mates - Remove distractions when driving
Thursday 1st of May 2025: Distraction campaign is hitting hard in the Wellington Region urging drivers to Ghost their mates.
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Easter and ANZAC Holiday driving message
Thursday 17th of April 2025: Stay Safe on the Roads this Easter and ANZAC Period
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Slow down on country roads this Christmas
Thursday 19th of December 2024: Masterton District Council and the Wairarapa Road Safety Council (WRSC) are urging motorists to take care and slow down on the District’s roads
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Think twice before you drive in Wairarapa
Wednesday 2nd of October 2024: As spring breathes new life into Wairarapa, New Zealand, the region gears up for a season of festivities and outdoor gatherings. However, with increased social activities comes the heightened risk of drink driving.
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Motorcycle Awareness Month 2024: A Call to Action for Safer Roads in New Zealand
Monday 2nd of September 2024: As Motorcycle Awareness Month 2024 kicks off, Ride Forever, in partnership with the Wairarapa Road Safety Council, Waka Kotahi and ACC, is urging all road users to be more vigilant and considerate towards motorcyclists. This annual campaign aims to enhance the safety of motorcyclists across New Zealand.
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Know your speed - Know your speed limit
Monday 2nd of September 2024: The Wairarapa Road Safety Council together with Wellington District Police is launching a new campaign over September and October aimed at addressing the dangerous misconception that driving just a few kilometers over the speed limit is acceptable. The campaign, featuring the tagline "Know Your Speed - Know Your Limit," will emphasize the importance of adhering to posted speed limits to ensure the safety of all road users.
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Drinking? Don't Drive. It’s Time to Get Our Heads Around It.
Saturday 1st of June 2024:
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Everyone can be a Road Safety Hero!
Friday 17th of May 2024: In Wairarapa we celebrate and raise awareness of Road Safety Week in conjunction with Brake Charity. This year we acknowledge that everyone can be a road safety hero.
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