An Important Message from The NZ Vulnerable Road Users Trust

Written By Kim Manunui

Calling all drivers in New Zealand.  When you see a pedestrian, cyclist or horse rider on the road, any vulnerable road user, please exercise patience by slowing down and giving space as you pass.

The New Zealand Vulnerable Road User Charitable Trust, with the support of New Zealand Police is committed to reducing trauma, serious injury and death on our roads, and together are promoting a positive and life-saving message of Pass WIDE and SLOW.

“Vulnerable road users have no protection and are dependent on the choices made by the drivers around them.  Everyone is a vulnerable road user at some point in their life and most people drive too.  That being said, approach and pass a vulnerable person on the road how you would wish to be passed if you were on foot, two wheels or riding an animal,” says Trust Chair Julia McLean

In the first 5-months of 2026, 20 people have lost their life whilst walking or cycling on the road and one horse died as a result of being hit by a truck.   

“These deaths are avoidable.  Behind every fatality are countless injuries and near misses that are not captured in on road data.  This is why the Pass Wide and Slow road safety message is an important way in which we can all play a part in reducing trauma on our roads,” says McLean  

It is also why the Trust is looking to raise vital funds to create an Incidents Reporting App to record behaviours that are currently not captured in decision making data.  The Trust believes good data will help inform advocacy efforts, show where early intervention initiatives are best placed, inform targeted education campaigns and ultimately show the true extent of at-risk behaviour on the road.  

You can partner or support the New Zealand VRU Charitable Trust, by making a donation or get in contact with Founder and Chair  julia@nzvrutrust.org.nz

About the Trust

The New Zealand Vulnerable Road User Charitable Trust is a dedicated voice to those most at risk on our roads - walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and all vulnerable road users - to influence meaningful change in transport policy, driver behaviour and road safety education.  The Trust promotes the Pass Wide and Slow road safety message and makes affordable high visibility gear to promote 'Be Seen' on the road. 

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
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