A better way to travel

The days of bringing your horse to school in Taupō aren’t quite over it would seem.

Amongst those walking, biking and scootering to Hilltop and Waipāhīhī schools as part of the Wednesday Challenge this week (October 14) were three horses.

‍Co-Director and founder of the Weekday and Wednesday Challenges Heidi Hughes says 172 businesses, 66 schools and 34,000 people altogether, take part in the challenges each week across New Zealand and Australia.

The idea is to encourage people to leave their cars at home and choose a better mode of transport, for their health and the environment.

They have now clocked up one million journeys.

Heidi says the value lies in changing attitudes and encouraging people to discover new ways of getting around, providing a practical solution for cities and towns grappling with congestion.

Taupō District Council road safety coordinator Sarah Wraight says Wednesday’s challenge was a huge success-with 582 students arriving in various house groups through the school gate.

“There were three girls who arrived by horse - what a memorable way to come to school, something they will never forget.

“One of the mums came prepared with a pooper scooper- what a champ. “

She says there were students biking, scooting and walking, some girls on roller-skates, and even one student skipping.

Children were able to wear mufti for the day.

Sarah gave out water bottles, bike tyre repair kits, slap bands, spokey dokeys, fluro and high vis bag covers as spot prizes.

Jessie Archer from Lake FM was there interviewing students live on the radio.  

“The vibe was electric and everyone including teachers and parents had huge smiles on their faces.

“What’s not to love arriving to school by bike, horse, roller blades, scooter or on foot, great for the environment, great for student health and less congestion at the school gate.”

She hopes it inspires other schools in Taupo to take part in the Wednesday challenge.

Hilltop School started the Wednesday Challenge with 35% of students travelling to school by sustainable modes, and 65% by single-household car (55% to the school gate, 10% Park & Stride).