MEDIA RELEASE
28 October 2009
Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper joined with Booster Rooster, emergency services crews, and NZV8 driver Mark Pedersen to promote the safety belt message to the kids of Taupo Primary School in an unofficial NZ first safety belt record.
A single giant safety belt, hundreds of metres long, stretched its way around the school, with kids and adults taking part in what is estimated as NZ’s biggest ‘buckle up’. More than 360 children, along with parents and teachers took part in the event, which was endorsed by Taupo District Council and Safe Kids New Zealand.
Mayor Rick Cooper gave the word to ‘make it click’, and a Taupo Primary student clicked the buckle in place. He reminded the kids to pass the message on to their parents “I know you all buckle up in the car, and you should make sure mum and dad do as well.”
The other key message for the day was around the correct use of child restraints in vehicles, after the latest research from Safe Kids New Zealand states that a child should be in a booster seat until they are at least 148cm tall.
NZV8 driver and CEO of Taupo Motorsport Park Mark Pedersen likened the booster seat to his own racing seat in his V8 racecar. “Safety is no joke, we V8 drivers take it very seriously. We actually have a very similar seat in our cars, but a lot bigger and with a six point harness to keep us safe on the track.” Mark then secured the booster seat to the passenger seat in his SCG Racing Ford V8 race car, to demonstrate its similarity, and safety.
Taupo District Council Road Safety Coordinator Christine Hutchison wanted to do something that the kids would remember. “It was a huge success, the kids certainly got the message.”
“We also want to put the challenge out to other councils or schools to try and better our attempt,” said Ms Hutchison.
Children also enjoyed climbing in and out of the Taupo Rural Fire truck, a St John’s Ambulance, and Police cars.
Taupo Primary School Principal Cushla Seamer, Safe Kids NZ’s Booster Rooster, Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper and More FM’s Andrew Leiataua
Taupo Primary School students with the giant length of safety belt