Background
We developed plans with some schools across the district, to help make it safer and easier for students to walk, bike or scoot to school. Although there is no budget allocated to making physical improvements at this stage, we worked with interested schools to make a plan so we are ready to take action when funding becomes available.

School surveys
Thanks to Firth Primary, Matamata Intermediate, David Street School, Te Aroha Primary and Stanley Avenue School for putting your hand up to take part in the school travel plans survey. The feedback helped us learn what people consider the current issues/concerns and barriers to children walking, cycling or scooting to school and ideas for possible improvements and behavioural changes that would help make these journeys safer in the future. The feedback formed the base of each individual school travel plan, with suggestions such as walking school buses, cycle and scooter trains and safety training and education. A copy of the final report has been provided to each school.

Transport Choices
School travel plans is one of seven transport projects across the district that is receiving funding from the Waka Kotahi's Transport Choices programme. You can see more about Transport Choices and the other funded projects over at mpdc.nz/walkbikeride

This project is one of seven funded from the $2.3 million Waka Kotahi Transport Choices funding package. Although there is no budget allocated to making physical improvements at this stage, we are working with interested schools to make a plan so we are ready to take action when funding becomes available. 

Waka Kotahi Transport Choices programme - Transport Choices is part of the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) that supports councils to begin immediate work to develop safer, greener and healthier travel options. 

Strategic Direction Summary  Council has set its strategic direction to inform our priorities and work programme moving forward. The strategic direction aligns with the four community wellbeings – social, environmental, cultural and economic which are core pillars of local government’s mandate.