Bay of Plenty students have come together to raise awareness about how to stay safe on the region’s 86 railway level crossings, by always expecting the unexpected and watching out for trains.

A new video campaign created by Travel Safe and featuring students from Tauranga Primary School, Mount Maunganui Primary School, Omanu School, Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Te Kura o Matapihi, Te Puna School and Otūmoetai Intermediate, highlights the importance of using designated crossings, removing distractions like headphones and always stopping, looking, listening, and hopping off your bike, scooter or skateboard before crossing.

“Not all crossings are the same,” says ex-train driver and current KiwiRail Senior Cultural Advisor and Chaplain Ricky Kuka.

“Some have bells, lights and gates, while others rely on signs and using your senses. But they all require your full attention. Don’t try to race a train — they are faster and quieter than you think, and they can’t stop quickly.”

In the video, students showcase how to use the different real-life crossings found across the region, including those with bells, flashing lights and gates, those that rely on your eyes and ears, fenced maze crossings, and others that are a straight walk-through. It also includes practical safety tips for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says rail safety education is extremely important, especially given the number of different types of crossings in the Bay.

“Every encounter with our train tracks deserves our full attention. The tragic loss of Jorja-Ray Smith in our community two years ago is a heartbreaking reminder of why rail safety education must remain a priority — for everyone who uses our roads and footpaths.”

Rail Safety Week, 11-17 August 2025, is a national initiative led by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ, with support from transport partners and local councils across Aotearoa. Held every August, it aims to reduce rail-related incidents and encourage safe behaviour around trains and tracks. This year’s theme, ‘Stay Off, Stay Safe’, highlights the serious dangers of trespassing in the rail corridor and urges people to stay clear of railway lines.

Travel Safe delivers road safety education across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, with an annual focus on rail safety awareness week.

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