In its thirteenth year, the Road Safety Rotorua Youth Expo returns next week educating Year 11 students to form safe driving habits.
Hosted at the Energy Events Centre from Monday 13 March through to Friday 17 March, the Expo is expected to reach the majority of year 11 students in the district, including attendees from Maatua Whāngai and Kōkiri Alternative Education Centre.
Funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Rotorua Lakes Council, the Expo aligns with government’s Road to Zero 2020 – 2030 road safety strategy.
The national strategy encompasses a vision where everyone, whether they’re walking, cycling, driving, motorcycling or taking public transport, can get to where they’re going safely.
Encouraging 15/16 year olds to create good habits before they’re eligible for learners and restricted licence is the target of the Expo.
Expo providers include Police, Manaaki Ora, Helen’s Driving School, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John, Rotary Rotorua and the Department of Corrections: Ara Poutama Aotearoa.
The NZ famous ‘Decepta’ vehicle will also be at the Expo as a stark reminder of the consequences to occupants of a low safety rated car during a crash.
Education for parents and caregivers is also on the agenda this year with a free ‘Parents Evening’ held on Tuesday 14 March, 6 – 8pm to promote supporting youth on their driving journey.
For further information about the Road Safety Rotorua Expo, contact Council’s Safe and Sustainable Journey’s Coordinator, Helen van Beek - Helen.VanBeek@rotorualc.nz.
ENDS