Get set for Term 4: Wairarapa families urged to use the school holidays to plan an active journey to school
Get set for Term 4: Wairarapa families urged to use the school holidays to plan an active journey to school
With Term 3 finishing on Friday 25 September and Term 4 not starting until Monday 12 October, the Wairarapa Road Safety Council is encouraging local families to use the two-week school holidays to plan, practise and prepare for walking, scooting, skating or biking to school when the new term begins.
Active travel to and from school offers real benefits for kids, parents and the whole school community. It eases traffic congestion and the daily crush outside the school gate, giving everyone a calmer, safer start and end to the day. It also gives children a head start on time management, as they learn to plan around a walking, riding or scooting schedule rather than a car door. For parents, it's an early and low-stakes way to start teaching kids responsibility — for their own safety, their gear, and getting themselves out the door on time.
Just as importantly, active travel keeps kids moving. This is especially important for children under 10, who need regular physical activity for healthy development, and for whom a walk, scoot or ride to school can be an easy way to help meet daily activity levels without it feeling like "exercise."
The Council is reminding parents and caregivers that road crossings in the morning and afternoon school rush can be hazardous, and that children — particularly those under 10 — should always have a parent, caregiver or other trusted supervisor with them on the journey. The holidays are the ideal time to walk or ride the school route together as a family, identify and practise using safe crossing points, and talk through the road rules before Term 4 traffic ramps back up. Families are also encouraged to find a couple of neighbourhood buddies to join the journey, as there's safety in numbers and it makes the trip more fun for kids too.
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility, and the school holidays are the perfect time for families to get ready for Term 4," says Wairarapa Road Safety Council Projects Coordinator Holly Hullena. "Walk or ride the route with your kids, find the safest place to cross, and team up with a few other families — a little preparation now means a safer, calmer start to the day once school's back."
Families looking for more resources — including guidance on setting up a walking school bus, bike and scooter skills training, and pedestrian safety lessons for kids — can visit the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Education Portal at education.nzta.govt.nz.
Holiday checklist for families:
- Walk, scoot or ride the school route together at least once before term starts
- Identify and practise safe crossing points along the way
- Check helmets, bikes, scooters and skates are in good working order
- Line up a couple of buddies or a walking/riding group for safety in numbers
- Talk through road rules and stranger safety with younger children
- Plan for a parent, caregiver or supervisor to accompany children under 10
