Ka mahi nga tamariki ki Pari-rua Tamariki take action in Porirua
Porirua City Council's Road Safety Coordinator, Paulette Pavelich has been busy in 2025 trying out new initiatives and developing resources for the tamariki and rangatahi of Porirua.
Below are a few inspiring examples of what kura and ākonga have been working on together with their Council.
For more information, contact Paulette.
Parking Safety at Rangikura School
Rangikura School student council made a video to show off their new pop up parking signs.
Provided by PCC, these signs aim to make whānau think before parking dangerously on broken yellow lines or too close to crossings. They come in English and Te Reo Māori.
"Parking here endangers our students. THINK"
"Ka mōrearea ā mātou ākonga i te wāhi waka nei. Whakaarohia!"
Watch the Rangikura School Student Council as they talk about our new parking signs which will help keep our tamariki safe.
"A big thank you to the Porirua City Council for the signs - they're awesome!"
Helmet competition
Check out the awesome winning Bike Helmet Competition designs and the finished helmets. The students designed their own helmets and a local artist, Antz Paaka, airbrushed their designs to create a one-of-a kind helmet for each winner. There were 176 entries from a range of very talented tamariki representing 11 schools in Porirua.
The winners (and their parents) were all delighted with the end results and the tamariki promised to be safe and wear them whenever they rode their bikes.
Keep in touch with Porirua City Councilopen_in_new for details of this competition for 2026.
(192 KB, Pdf)
2026 New Bike Bell Campaign
Porirua City Council are promoting the use of bike bells as part of a ride safely initiative. This is an essential piece of equipment for around town riding and shared pathways to warn others that you are coming. A bell is also important on cycle trails and dual direction mountain bike trails, in particular on blind tight corners that are two-way.
Download the flyer (1.2 MB, Pdf) to share with tamariki or whānau in your school community. Or contact PCCopen_in_new for more info.
Cycle safety brochure
Porirua City Council has produced a new cycle safety brochure, Bike Easy'. This offers simple yet important advice for tamariki on how to get ready for their ride.
It's designed to fold up and fit in your pocket or wallet.
And it stars local tamariki!
Click on the image on the right to open a printable version, or contact PCCopen_in_new for copies.
(5.7 MB, Pdf)From the archives: Paremata School advocates for "smart sign"
Paremata School has been working with Porirua City Council over the past ten years to make safety improvements around their school gate. In 2015 they spoke to then Mayor Nick Leggett, “Even though we’re children we can say what we want”
Then in 2018, a year 3 and 4 class campaigned for the first "smart" sign outside their school. Their story is shared by Porirua City Councilopen_in_new (5 minute read).
What next?
Share your stories Taking action
More coming soon – We are working at selecting links and resources from trusted providers to inspire student-led actions at your kura.
Related Lessons
He Whakaoreore Roro Movin'Minds
Year 4-8 students create a mini-movie or slideshow to persuade their peers about the benefits of active travel for themselves, their neighbourhood and the planet.
Ko te whakahihikotanga ā-roto, ā-waho Motivation – intrinsic vs extrinsic
Understand the meaning of motivation in a way that relates to a student's personal experiences.
Kōrero miramira Inspiring stories
Articles and links that share experiences from school communities and showcase student voices and actions in Aotearoa.