Back to School in Wairarapa: Safety Front of Mind as Term 2 Begins

As students across Wairarapa return to school for Term 2, road safety is being highlighted as a top priority—particularly as the region continues to experience wetter, colder conditions.

The change in season brings increased risks on the road, with rain, reduced visibility, and darker mornings and evenings all contributing to more challenging driving conditions during busy school travel times.

Road Safety Projects Coordinator Holly Hullena says the start of Term 2 is a timely reminder for everyone to take extra care.

“Coming into winter, we’re seeing more wet roads, fog, and darker conditions—especially during school drop-off and pick-up times. These factors make it harder to see and stop in time, which is why these safety messages are more important than ever,” says Holly.

A key focus is around school buses, where children can be particularly vulnerable.

“We’re asking drivers to slow down near school buses and never overtake when a bus is stopped. For children and their whānau, simple actions like arriving early, standing well back, and crossing where the driver can see you can make a big difference.”

Drivers are also being urged to adjust their behaviour to suit winter conditions.

“Driving to the conditions means slowing down, increasing your following distance, and turning your headlights on earlier. These small changes can prevent serious incidents, particularly when visibility is reduced.”

School gate safety is another area of concern, with congestion during pick-up and drop-off times creating unnecessary risks.

“We often see unsafe parking behaviours like stopping on yellow lines, blocking driveways, or double parking. These actions reduce visibility for children and other drivers. Choosing a safe place to park—even if it means walking a short distance—helps keep everyone safe,” Holly says.

In Masterton, unsafe parking can be reported via parking@mstn.govt.nz to help address ongoing concerns around school zones.

With more students walking, biking, or scootering to school, visibility is also critical.

“Being seen is one of the simplest ways to stay safe. Wearing bright or reflective clothing, using lights, and making eye contact with drivers before crossing are all important habits. At the same time, drivers need to stay alert and expect to see children, especially in low light conditions.”

Holly says road safety is a shared responsibility.

“Whether you’re behind the wheel, walking, or waiting for the bus, we all have a role to play. A little extra care and patience can make every school journey safer for our tamariki and our communities.”

Safety Tips:

Bus Safety – Back to School

Back to school safety reminders

With schools starting for Term 2, we’re asking everyone to take a little extra care around school buses and bus stops.

For parents & students

• Arrive at the bus stop early to avoid rushing
• Stand well back from the road until the bus has fully stopped
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching
• Cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you

For drivers‍

• Slow down near schools and bus stops, especially between 8–9am and 2:30–4pm
• Never overtake a stopped school bus
• Stay alert for children crossing from behind buses

Let’s all do our part to make every school journey safe for our communities

Drive to the Conditions

Cooler, darker, wetter days are here – drive to the conditions!

Term 2 means winter driving is just around the corner, so it’s time to adjust how we drive

Watch out for:

• Wet and slippery roads
• Fog and reduced visibility
• Icy patches and early morning frost
• Darker mornings and evenings

Stay safe by:

• Slowing down and increasing following distances
• Turning your headlights on earlier
• Being extra cautious around स्कूल zones and crossings
• Keeping your windscreen clear and tyres in good condition

Safe driving protects everyone on the road

Safe Parking & Pick-Up

Keep it safe outside our schools

School drop-off and pick-up times can get busy — let’s make sure we’re keeping tamariki safe

Please remember:

• No parking on yellow lines
• No stopping in bus stops
• Don’t block driveways
• No double parking

These rules are there to keep visibility clear and children safe

In Masterton, you can report unsafe parking behaviour:
parking@mstn.govt.nz

Let’s all do our part to keep school zones safe and stress-free

Be Seen, Be Safe

Be bright, be seen this winter!

If your child walks, bikes or scooters to school, visibility is key

For students

• Wear bright or reflective clothing
• Use lights on bikes and scooters
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Stay alert and avoid distractions

For drivers

• Watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists
• Slow down near crossings and school zones
• Be extra cautious in low light conditions

Seeing and being seen can make all the difference

‍