Active Travel On The Rise As Rotorua Schools Embrace The Wednesday Challenge

Rotorua schools are stepping up to the Wednesday Challenge, with early results showing a significant shift in how students are travelling to school.

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.

At Otonga School Te Kura o Tihiōtonga, the programme is already making a measurable impact.

When the school first joined the Challenge, just 24% of students were travelling to school using active and shared modes, with 76% arriving by single-household car (71% directly to the school gate and 5% using Park & Stride).

Over Term 1, that picture has changed considerably. Active and shared transport modes have grown to an average of 38%, reaching as high as 45% during a recent gate activation. At the same time, school gate drop-offs have dropped to an average of 41%, while Park & Stride has increased significantly to 21% of students.

Otonga School Principal Neil Carrington says the programme has been both easy to implement and highly effective:

“Implementing the Wednesday Challenge has been a seamless experience. It’s a fun, accessible program that has completely transformed the way our students travel to school every Wednesday and throughout the week.”

Momentum is continuing to build across the city, with Glenholme School having just launched, and Malfroy School set to begin soon.

Wednesday Challenge Schools’ Programme Coordinator, Anna Mosley, says the results are extremely encouraging.

“I think they reflect a broader shift underway across Rotorua, with schools, families, and communities increasingly recognising the benefits of active travel. From reducing congestion at school gates to saving money on fuel, building skills and improving student well-being there are many positives and we are delighted Rotorua schools are embracing the Challenge.”

The Wednesday Challenge is run in partnership with Rotorua Lakes Council who values its wider benefits for the community. Transport Safety Coordinator Georgie Griffiths says the programme aligns strongly with what families want.

“We know that most kids want to walk or bike to school. The Wednesday Challenge is a great way to encourage kids and their whānau to be active and choose sustainable ways to travel in a way that is fun and supportive. More people using an active mode to get around means less congestion, cleaner air, safer streets and healthier kids.”

The results seen so far in Rotorua reflect a broader national trend, where the Wednesday Challenge is helping schools create lasting behaviour change, reducing traffic at the school gate while supporting healthier, more active lifestyles for students.

With strong early results and growing enthusiasm from students, staff and whānau, the programme is now inviting other Rotorua 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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