All aboard the walking bus
Students arrive at school to a warm welcome after taking part in the Wednesday Challenge.
Two Taupō primary schools are making strides in changing how students travel to school, as part of the growing Wednesday Challenge programme.
Waipāhīhī School and Hilltop School Te Kura O Puke Taumata are the first in the region to take part.
Already running in other cities across New Zealand, the Wednesday Challenge encourages students to opt for healthy modes of transport to and from school including walking, biking, scootering, public transport and carpooling with other families.
By doing so, congestion at the school gates is reduced, along with carbon emissions.
Early results from Waipāhīhī School shows the impact that small, consistent changes can make says Anna Mosley, Wednesday Challenge Schools’ programme coordinator.
“We would love to see more Taupō schools join us.
“The impact is immediate, the energy it creates is incredible, and the long-term benefits for communities are significant. This is something every school can be part of.”
When Waipāhīhī School began the challenge, 29% of students were travelling via active or shared modes and 76% arrived by single-household car, the majority directly to the school gate.
In just one term, that picture has shifted significantly.
The average use of active and shared modes is now 45%, reaching 50% in the final two weeks of term one, while park and stride participation has grown from 2% to 10%.
More students are now walking, scootering, or being dropped further from school and completing the journey on foot, reducing congestion at the gate while building healthier habits.
Waipāhīhī School Principal Amanda Wilson, says the programme has brought a noticeable lift in energy and engagement across the school community.
“Waipāhīhī School has really enjoyed getting on board with the Wednesday Challenge. Our weekly walking school bus has more than doubled in size, and our dance parties at the front gate every Wednesday are such a great way to start the day.”
Amanda says it’s been easy to weave conversations about the benefits of walking to school into everyday learning.
“With our focus this term on Planet Earth and caring for our environment, we’ve also been able to highlight the sustainability benefits with our tamariki and our wider community.”
Taupō District Council road safety coordinator, Sarah Wraight, says the council is looking forward to more schools joining the challenge and was delighted to see some Waipāhīhī students arrive at school one morning this term, singing and joking.
“What an inspiration for other students.”
The early success in Taupō reflects a broader national movement, as schools across New Zealand rethink the daily school run.
“This shift to alternative modes is what makes my heart shine,” says Sarah. “Especially in the current environment with fuel costs, what’s not to love, giving children the independence to walk to school and learning road safety skills for life along the way.”
Schools interested in joining the Wednesday Challenge and creating similar positive change in their communities should visit www.wednesdaychallenge.co.nz