Learners to benefit from MUMA/LTSA partnership

Assisting Maori learner drivers to become better, safer and more experienced drivers is the aim of a new partnership between the Manukau Urban Maori Authority and the Land Transport Safety Authority.

The partnership was formalised with the signing at Nga Whare Waatea Marae in Mangere today of a contract for the delivery of the Street Talk driver education programme.

Street Talk contracts were also signed today between the LTSA and the YMCA and the New Zealand Institute of Driving Instructors.

Street Talk courses consist of a series of six sessions, each of which focuses on changing driver attitudes through critical self-reflection. Learner drivers compile a logbook of their driving and discuss their experiences with trainers and other course participants. Successful completion of a course allows drivers to reduce their time on a restricted licence by six months.

Director of Land Transport Safety Reg Barrett said at the signing that, while the Street Talk course on its own was a proven success, MUMA had taken the programme to another level, gaining accreditation to teach trainers as well as to administer courses and test for unit standards.

“MUMA deserves credit for the remarkable results it has achieved in terms of delivering driver education to Maori.”

MUMA Chief Executive June Jackson said that the key to MUMA’s success was being able to train their own Maori trainers to deliver the programme to Maori.

The consequences of road accidents were a huge burden on Maori, Ms Jackson said, but at the same time there has always been apprehension about taking driver education courses, and even going through the driver licensing process.

“We have developed a programme that allays the fears of participants and works with them in a manner sensitive to their needs. Success has come naturally from that.

“Participants emerge with pride in their achievement to become positive role models for others in the community.”

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