Wellington Region's New Travel Plan Mascot

Wellington Region's New Travel Plan Mascot

The Wellington Region’s School Travel Plan mascot has his name! The naming competition’s winning entry came from the students of Carterton School’s Room 10. The students proposed to name the adventurous young kākā Jack.

Other notable entries to the naming competition were Richi McKākā (Cardinal McKeefry School), Scoot (Dyer Street School) and Kakama Kākā (Opaki School).

The energetic new School Travel Plan programme mascot will be emphasising the fun of active and sustainable transport. Jack will also deliver news and information about active and sustainable travel initiatives available to schools in the Wellington Region.

Room 10’s entry to the naming competition was chosen over 50 other entries. The name Jack was selected for its crisp and snappy sound. The panel felt that Room 10’s entry would suit the cheeky, outgoing native parrot perfectly!

For winning the competition, Carterton School received a special visit from Jack – his first appearance! A special assembly was held and a range of speakers emphasised the importance and advantages of travelling to school by active modes.

World Champion athlete and SPARC Healthy Lifestyle Ambassador, Melissa Moon, inspired the students with a story about the mental and physical challenges she experienced walking to and from school as a child. Carterton Mayor Gary McPhee and police constable Nathan Riwai-Couch emphasised the value of being active on the way to school, walking with friends and the importance of learning good road crossing skills.  

In 2009 Carterton school will be developing their own school Travel Plan in partnership with the Wairarapa Road Safety Council and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

“Carterton School’s specific goals will be determined once they begin the process”, says Rebecca Jamieson, Travel Plan Coordinator for the Wairarapa. “Schools often choose to focus on increasing the number of children walking to school, reducing traffic congestion caused by vehicles dropping off or picking up students, or improving students’ road safety skills. Carterton School is such an active and vibrant school; it is going to be a pleasure to support them in developing their Travel Plan!”

Schools which join the School Travel Plan programme are supported by their local council and Greater Wellington Regional Council. Travel Plan initiatives can involve police education officers, road safety coordinators, health providers, traffic engineers, Active Schools facilitators and other agencies as appropriate.  

If your school would like more information about the Wellington Region’s School Travel Plan programme visit www.gw.govt.nz/schooltravelplans.

Further information: Rebecca Jamieson, (06) 370 5634.