Two Taupō primary schools are already making meaningful strides in changing how students travel to school, as part of the growing Wednesday Challenge programme.

Taupō schools Waipāhīhī School and Hilltop School Te Kura O Puke Taumata are the first in the region to take part, helping lead a shift toward healthier, more sustainable school journeys.

Already running in other cities across New Zealand, the Wednesday Challenge encourages students to opt for healthy modes of transport to and from school including walking, biking, scootering, public transport and carpooling with other families. By doing so congestion at the school gates is reduced, along with carbon emissions, and the students are improving their health and well-being.

Early results from Waipāhīhī School are already demonstrating the impact that small, consistent changes can make and Wednesday Challenge Schools’ Programme Coordinator, Anna Mosley, is encouraging more schools to put their hand up.

“We would love to see more Taupō schools join us,” says Anna. “The impact is immediate, the energy it creates is incredible, and the long-term benefits for communities are significant. This is something every school can be part of.”

When Waipāhīhī School began the Challenge, just 29% of students were travelling via active or shared modes, while 76% arrived by single-household car, the majority directly to the school gate.

In just one term, that picture has begun to shift significantly.

• Average use of active and shared modes has increased to 45%
• It reached 50% in the final two weeks of Term 1
• Park & Stride participation has grown from 2% to 10%

More students are now walking, scootering, or being dropped further from school and completing the journey on foot, reducing congestion at the gate while building healthier habits.

Principal, Amanda Wilson, says the programme has brought a noticeable lift in energy and engagement across the school community.

“Waipāhīhī School has really enjoyed getting on board with the Wednesday Challenge. Our weekly Walking School Bus has more than doubled in size, and our dance parties at the front gate every Wednesday are such a great way to start the day.”

Amanda says it’s been easy to weave conversations about the benefits of walking to school into everyday learning.

“With our focus this term on Planet Earth and caring for our environment, we’ve also been able to highlight the sustainability benefits with our tamariki and our wider community.”

Taupō District Council Road Safety Coordinator, Sarah Wraight, says they’re looking forward to more schools joining the Challenge and increasing the outcomes across the district.

“I was delighted to witness some Waipāhīhī students arrive at school one Wednesday morning this term when I was cycling past, they were singing and the banter was lovely to hear and witness. What an inspiration for other students to see and hopefully aspire to take part.”

The early success in Taupō reflects a broader national movement, as schools across New Zealand begin to rethink the daily school run.

“As Road Safety Coordinator this mode shift to alternative modes is what makes my heart shine,” says Sarah. “Especially in the current environment with fuel costs, what’s not to love, giving children the independence to walk to school and learning road safety skills for life along the way.”

With strong early results and growing enthusiasm from students, staff and whānau, the programme is now inviting other Taupō schools to get involved.

Schools interested in joining the Wednesday Challenge and creating similar positive change in their communities are encouraged to reach out and be part of the movement to change the way we travel, for good.

For more information visit www.wednesdaychallenge.co.nz

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