Media statement | 23 July 2008

Last chance to be a winner in the 2008 Road Safety Innovation and Achievement Awards

Got what it takes to be a leader in road safety, or know someone who does? If so, the organising committee of New Zealand's premier road safety awards programme wants to hear from you soon.

Entries close in less than two weeks (4 August) for the 2008 Road Safety Trust Road Safety Innovation and Achievement Awards.

Entries are open to individuals, organisations and communities for innovations and outstanding contributions to road safety.

Awards will be made in five categories:

• Education
• Community
• Organisations
• Vehicle-Based
• Road Engineering

An overall Premier Award will also be presented to the ‘best of the best’.

Judging criteria have been expanded in this year's awards to include a wider range of road safety initiatives, which will recognise proven innovation, achievement, commitment and sustainability in road safety.

The winner in each award category will receive a cash prize of $2,000, with the overall Premier Award winner receiving an additional $3,000 cash prize. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Wellington in September.

Entry forms and more information about what it takes to be a leader in road safety can be obtained at www.roadsafety.govt.nz/roadsafetyinnovationawards/index.html. Entries must be received by 4 August 2008.

The awards are funded by the Road Safety Trust and administered by Land Transport New Zealand. The awards organising committee comprises representatives from the Automobile Association, New Zealand Police, Accident Compensation Corporation, Land Transport New Zealand and the Road Safety Trust.

The Road Safety Trust is a Crown Entity that receives its funding from a share of the proceeds of personalised licence plate sales. Trustees are appointed by the Minister of Transport. The Trust is empowered to fund community safety initiatives, training, education, overseas travel, attendance at conferences and private sector technological developments beneficial to road safety.

For more information
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 894 6285  or  0212 763 222