The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ingrid Johnston, is travelling across New Zealand this week, reinforcing the importance of leadership, collaboration and community action during Road Safety Week 2026.
Held from 4 to 10 May, Road Safety Week carries the theme Be a road safety hero, recognising that everyone has a role to play in preventing road trauma and supporting those affected by crashes. The initiative highlights the contributions of individuals and organisations across sectors – from emergency responders and educators to engineers and community advocates – whose work collectively improves safety outcomes.
Dr Johnston’s visit reflects this national focus on recognising and supporting “road safety heroes”, while strengthening connections with ACRS members and stakeholders throughout Aotearoa.
The week began in Queenstown on Monday, where Paul Durdin – ACRS New Zealand Co-Chair and Ingrid met with Opposition Spokesperson for Transport, Mr Tangi Utikere. Discussions centred on shared road safety priorities and the importance of sustained, bipartisan leadership to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the road.
Later that day, Dr Johnston attended the national Road Safety Week launch in Wellington. The event brought together partners, sponsors and supporters, showcased community initiatives, and celebrated Road Safety Heroes, with award winners announced by the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance. The awards recognise individuals and groups who demonstrate leadership and commitment to improving road safety outcomes across New Zealand.
Continuing her national engagement, Dr Johnston joined ACRS members in Christchurch on Tuesday, followed by a visit to Whitau School on Wednesday, where Road Safety Week activities highlighted the role of education in shaping safer behaviours among young people.
Throughout the week, activities across the country – involving schools, businesses, and community organisations – have reinforced the shared responsibility for safer journeys and encouraged practical actions to reduce harm on the road.
Dr Johnston will conclude her visit in Auckland on Thursday, participating in a flagship event hosted by the ACRS New Zealand Chapter in partnership with the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance. The Road Safety Conversations: Why road safety leadership matters event will feature Dr Johnston as keynote speaker, where she will emphasise the need for bipartisan leadership to progress road safety goals, followed by a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and networking. The event will conclude with a walk to view the Auckland Harbour Bridge illuminated in yellow for Road Safety Week.
Road Safety Week 2026 continues to provide a platform to elevate leadership, celebrate contributions, and drive collective action toward a future free from death and serious injury on the road.
Mr Paul Durdin, Co-Chair ACRS NZ Chapter
