People Behind PWASNZ
Delia McLean
Rangatahi Lead
Riding makes me happy. I have been fortunate to ride a pony that has taught me a lot about never giving up, realistic expectations and celebrating the wins and moving forward when things don’t go to plan. My pony and I liked to keep fit and competed in CTR trail riding events. Her heart rates were low, so we did quite well. Taylor (grey pony) has now moved to Oamaru and I have a new focus, his name is Ted or Mr Photogenic.
Before the Pass Wide & Slow road safety message came to New Zealand, I felt scared riding on the road. Drivers are unpredictable. Some go so fast and so close. Just like if I was on a bike or walking, drivers should slow down, be patient and give space. Even more so when there is an animal as they have a mind of their own.
I wrote a speech for school on ‘why horse riders don’t feel safe on the road’ and also delivered it to the Canterbury’s Mayors and Chair of the Regional Transport Committee. They thanked me and gave unanimous support for horses to be formally recognised in transport legislation as a Vulnerable Road User.
Many riders are young like me. Riding is our sport. Our passion. Our well-being. So just as you would slow down and move over for a walker, a cyclist on the road, please do the same for a horse or carriage driver. After all, I’m riding a 350kg animal – I don’t want her to be hurt, or me or you the driver or your passengers. We need to look after each other.
My Why
Riders on the road are often women and children. We are managing an animal with a mind of its own and doing our best. We rely on other road users to make good choices to keep us safe.
Julia McLean
PWASNZ Founder
My background is in journalism, local government leadership and community led projects.
A horse riding accident on the road 16-years ago had a devastating impact on my life - I was in an induced coma for six-days and my head injury resulted in the loss of my career as a broadcast journalist.
Fast forward, and two years ago I got back into riding. The stories from riders about their treatment at the decision making table led me to make enquiries.
I am proud to have written the VRU Submission work on behalf of New Zealand’s equestrians, and will continue to make roads safer with the creation of Pass Wide & Slow New Zealand.
Eve
Marketing & Brand Strategist
Three of my passions in life are horses, road safety and marketing - I was made for the important kaupapa that is PWASNZ.
My marketing career started 25 years ago managing behaviour change marketing campaigns for NZTA / Waka Kotahi. Since then I have worked with clients such as Briscoes, Hōiho Riding On TV Series and The Kiingitanga. I am a marketing strategist and changemaker who believes in the power of authentic connection and collaboration.
I am deeply proud the PWASNZ brand and strategy I have created. Being able to bring the brand to life with the creation of this website with website developer / designer Hannah of Volar Creative has been a labour of love and it is only the beginning for PWASNZ. This kaupapa will saves lives and I am driven by that belief.
Wendy
Senior Advisor
I joined Pass Wide & Slow NZ because I want to see a better riding environment for all equestrians. At the moment horse riding is becoming more and more the domain of the people who are able to afford a horse float and a 4wd towing vehicle. Riders are subject to discrimination and exclusion by councils, planners and lawmakers by the removal of traditional safe riding grounds. It seems though that the majority of the horse riding public are blind to this, or too apathetic to fight for the future.
I hope that PWASNZ can build solid relationships with partners and decision makers so that we can effect real change for the horse riding public. There will always be the cohort of drivers who think that they are the only ones entitled to use the road, but hopefully consistent messaging and some targeted law enforcement will make most people consider the effect their driving behaviour has on vulnerable road users.
I look forward to a future where riders are considered in planning and asset building the same way drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are.
Toffee
PWASNZ Ambassador
Toffee is 16.1hh Thoroughbred owned by Julia McLean. Toffee stars in a lot of our content as he is simply exceptional and represents the PWASNZ brand so well. He is a character whereby he must accept you and once he does it’s a lovely feeling to know you have gained his trust. He is kind, thoughtful, brave and compliant.
Toffee adventures to places his owner knows he will enjoy. He takes most things in his stride – motorised paragliders practicing landing at the beach, a leopard seal lying in the sand, a dog circling him in the waves trying to snap at his heels, but won’t be quiet if another gelding is near his mare. That’s where careful management is needed most!