Julia McLean gives some insight into those who can impact local change for horse riders

Local Government in my eyes is a bureaucracy that is closest to the people. Its regional transport committees (RTC) - made up of:

Mayors from within the region
Local councillor from each region
Transport Authority (NZTA-Waka Kotahi) representative

Regional transport committees act as a direct link to Central Government in implementing objectives and priorities in transport that fit with the Governments focus and spend. It’s the only committee I believed was fit for purpose to receive a presentation on what’s NOT working in community.

What’s NOT working is road safety!

There are 14 regional transport committees and I managed to find and book an appointment to present to all, The time allocation ranged from 5 to 15 minutes, all were friendly but it was an interesting experience travelling the country via zoom and accommodating the differing line of questioning depending on what part of the country I was in. Rural verse Urban, Chairs that ride or grew up around horses verse Chairs who clearly couldn’t wait to move to the next agenda item.

As the year of 2024 rolled on by, my facts and knowledge grew and my messaging became clear and unapologetic. The stories of near misses, the incredible unity and understanding of the case within the riding community and other sectors was apparent. And it’s when you receive your first endorsement that you know you’re on to something and it spurs you on.

**Ngā mihi nui Greater Wellington**

Thank you Greater Wellington RTC. The first to commit support and the first to write directly to the Minister of Transport for change.
“We support your call for the government to consider better provision for horse riders safety within relevant legislation and as part of national road safety strategies and documents.” - Chair of Greater Wellington RTC

“Full support for horse riders to be formally recognised as Vulnerable Road Users in New Zealand transport legislation. Recognition will ensure the consideration of equestrians in decision making and allow for formal safety messaging and initiatives to help keep them safe on New Zealand roads.”

— Chair Nelson Tasman Joint RTC

And in no particular order the support was unwavering. Ngā mihi kia koutou katoa.

Waikato RTC
Nelson Tasman Joint RTC (whose Chair also went on to attend a community awareness ride in Murchison)
Canterbury RTC (where my daughter and I delivered in person and she agreed in the car to my invitation for her to speak)
The Auckland Transport Board confirmed in its letter of support, that its Regional Transport Committee was in support as well.
Bay of Plenty RTC
Horizons RTC (a slight delay in approval, but we got there in the end),
Hawkes Bay RTC
Northland RTC
West Coast RTC
Taranaki RTC
Southland RTC

Gisborne RTC I haven’t heard back from as yet.

“We agree that the government should be encouraged to engage with the equestrian community to better understand the issues and develop appropriate nationally consistent safety direction and initiatives.”

— Chair of Horizons RTC

“By formally recognising horse riders as vulnerable road users, a greater sense of awareness and responsibility can be fostered amongst motorists, thereby reducing the likelihood of crashes and incidents involving horses and enhancing road safety for everyone as part of a safe system approach to road safety.”

— Chair of Waikato RTC

This level of support from the Local Government sector should not be ignored.

It illustrates that what’s being asked, why and what’s at stake, makes absolute sense.

‘It’s a no brainer’, ‘It’s common sense’ are some phrases I’ve heard shared.

Please read the numerous letters of support. Some make you smile, some make you proud. One or two show how much work needs to be done to educate decision makers. Either way though, the case for vulnerable road user status for horse riders and carriage drivers will be heard in NZ Parliament, and it’s a request that will be followed both here and around the world.