Media statement | 28 February 2008

Record number of Kiwi kids get moving as Walk to School Week goes nationwide

A record number of Kiwi kids are gearing up to hit the footpaths and head to class 'feet first' next week (March 3-7).

Feet First Walk to School Week is an annual event led by Land Transport NZ which aims to boost the number of children walking to and from school by promoting the benefits of making the trip on foot.

Over 140,000 primary school children from 440 schools in 43 towns, cities and districts across the country are set to take part in next week’s events - more than doubling the number of participating schools and students from last year.

The latest results from the Ministry of Transport's ongoing household transport survey show that the proportion of New Zealand children being driven to school each day has jumped from 31 percent in 1990 to more than 50 percent now. At some schools nearly 90 percent of students are driven.

Over the same period walking and cycling by five to 14-year-olds has dropped from an average of two hours and ten minutes per week to just under one hour and twenty minutes per week.

Land Transport NZ Chief Executive Wayne Donnelly said Feet First Walk to School Week aims to help turn these figures around.

"Getting our children out of our cars and onto their own feet will make them fitter and healthier, and they'll have more social interaction with other children. It will also reduce the amount of money we spend on petrol, relieve congestion at the school gate, and help to cut our energy use and vehicle emissions.

"Feet First Walk to School Week will highlight the benefits of walking and help increase the number of kids getting to school under their own steam. We're committed to promoting sustainable and safe land transport for life, and this is a great way for children to learn good habits early on."

While in previous years Feet First has been run only in selected regions, high demand for the programme and a funding boost from government has allowed it to expand nationwide in 2008, reaching more schools and more children than ever before.

Land Transport NZ is encouraging children throughout New Zealand to walk to school with friends or caregivers, or as part of a walking school bus, not only next week but throughout the year. Mr Donnelly also urged motorists to slow down and take extra care whenever driving around school areas.

Schools taking part in Feet First Walk to School Week will be vying for prizes of Sanitarium school breakfasts and free sports gear from AMI Insurance for those with the most participating students. Sponsors Geared New Zealand will also provide high-visibility waterproof jackets as spot prizes.

The highlight of the week is Walk to School Day on Wednesday 5 March, when some schools will aim to have every child make the journey on foot.

To keep the focus on walking to school after the week’s events have finished, prizes are also on offer for classes with the highest rates of participation in 'Walking Wednesdays' during the first term.

Visit www.feetfirst.govt.nz for further information, including a full list of participating schools.

Editors' note:

Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Hon Helen Clark will join students and teachers walking to Edendale School in Auckland from 8:30am on Friday 7 March.

Minister of Transport, the Hon Annette King will join students and teachers walking to Lyall Bay School in Wellington from 8:30am on Monday 3 March.

Green Party – Co-Leader, Jeanette Fitzsimons will join students and teachers walking to Wadestown School in Wellington from 8:30am on Wednesday 5 March.

Suzy Cato and Bryan & Bobby will join students and teachers walking to Browns Bay School in Auckland from 8:30am on Wednesday 5 March - www.suzy.co.nz and www.bryanandbobby.co.nz.

Sportswoman, April Ieremia will join students and teachers walking to Bayfield Primary School in Auckland from 8:30am on Wednesday 5 March.

Sportswoman, Bernice Mene will join students and teachers walking to Waterview Primary in Auckland from 8:30am on Wednesday 5 March.

The Governor-General of New Zealand, Hon Anand Satyanand will join students and teachers walking to St Francis School, Pt Chevelier in Auckland from 8:30am on Friday 7 March.

The following Feet First subject matter experts are available for comment:

Health - Childhood health and obesity
Dr Nikki Blair, Pediatrician, Wellington Hospital
Mobile: 0274 376455
Email: Nikki.Blair@ccdhb.org.nz

Social and Education – Child walking research
Dr Robin Kearns, Professor of Geography, The University of Auckland
Phone: 09 373 7599 ext 88442
Email: r.kearns@auckland.ac.nz

Safety – Road safety education
Lesley Wallis, Communications Manager - Road Policing, New Zealand Police
Phone: 04 470 7111
Email: Lesley.Wallis@police.govt.nz

For more information
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 931 8829  or  0212 763 222