Tauranga city streets will swell with excitement as over 700 local students walk the streets with large banners encouraging road safety and active travel in their communities.

Tauranga and Western Bay primary and intermediate students will assemble at the Waka near The Strand by 9.15am for the official opening address by Tauranga Deputy Mayor Larry Baldock. At 9.35, they will parade with banners that they have specially designed in their schools.

Now in its twelfth year, this celebration acknowledges students who have been working throughout the year to promote road safety and active travel within their school communities.

Temporary road closures will be in place as students make their way through inner-city streets. The affected streets include:

• Willow Street
• Grey Street
• Elizabeth Street
• Devonport Road
• The Strand

The Strand car park will be closed until 11am. Please make alternative arrangements for parking on Friday, 29 November.

Retailers, friends and family are encouraged to show their support by assembling along the route by 9.30am.

Travel Safe in partnership with NZ Police and attending dignitaries will award trophies for the best banners at the Edgewater Fan (on the waterfront) at the end of the parade just after 10am.

Media Note:
Media are invited to come along and to take photos.
A map of the parade route is available on request.

Dignitaries in attendance:
Hon Simon Bridges, National MP
Larry Baldock, Deputy Mayor
Zane Smith, NZ Police
Margaret Murray-Benge, Western Bay Councillor