Street display puts focus on road safety
Ungiven gifts are adorning Heuheu Street in Taupō this week, as a sign of remembrance for those who lost their lives on our district’s roads last year.
The display is part of the annual Road Safety Week and features 22 plinths, representing people aged between eight and 59, with each plinth featuring an ungiven gift atop it.
Taupō District Council road safety coordinator Sarah Wraight said the display symbolises the gifts family and friends would not be able to give to their loved ones.
“We wanted to create something visual that really spoke to people about the crashes on our local roads and create conversations within the Taupō District community,” she said. “This display shows both the number of lives lost and gives a personal reminder of their age, gender and a gift they can never be given.”
Road Safety Week was a national initiative and a time to reflect on our own behaviour on the road and how we could make our roads safer, she said. This year the theme for the week was “Step Up for Safe Streets”.
Ms Wraight said to save lives on the road everyone needed to take responsibility.
“The victims of road crashes represented in Ungiven Gifts were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, colleagues and friends,” she said. “It’s important to see how our driving behaviour can impact on the lives of so many.”
Alcohol and drugs were the main contributing factors in the crashes that claimed the 22 lives. All drivers needed to be responsible for themselves and their passengers which meant driving safe, sober and not under the influence of drugs, she said.
“We all need to pitch in and be part of the solution.”
The display was created with support from local businesses and people who gave up their own time to support the initiative.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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