Eastern Bay of Plenty (EBOP) Youth Road Safety Initiative

In collaboration with Toi-EDA and local partners, the Eastern Bay of Plenty Road Safety Programme (EBRSP) organised an impactful driver training event for Rangatahi across Kawerau, Whakatāne, and Ōpōtiki. Led by key providers including the Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme, Whakatāne District Council, Eastbay REAP, NZ Police, Te Puna Ora o Mataatua, Tūhoe Hauora, and others like Sun FM, 1 Double X, and RockUp NZ, the event was designed to offer interactive learning experiences that would improve the skills and awareness of young rural drivers and road safety knowledge. 

The event featured 10 activities with a passport tick-off system, showcasing a significant level of collaboration among stakeholders. Additional support came from organisations such as the Kawerau District Council, Kawerau Youth Council, Kawerau Alternative Education Programme (Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Health and Social Services), Tarawera High School, CAYAD, Ōpōtiki District Council, Y2 Youth Education & Employment, Whakatōhea Health & Social Service, Ōpōtiki College, and Ngati Awa Social & Health Service. 

The success of the event underscored the importance of continued initiatives like this. Notably, the Whakatane event not only engaged youth but also participants across different age groups, prompting adaptability in activities as necessary.

A heartfelt thank you goes to EBRSP and Whakatane District Council for spearheading this incredible initiative.