New Zealand Horse Riders Back Their Own Road Safety
PWASNZ Worldwide Awareness Rides 2025 #2025pwasawarenessrides
The sound of horse’s hooves clip clopping through communities across Aotearoa New Zealand was a joy to watch as riders united with the World in raising awareness about the need for motorists to pass a horse or carriage driver WIDE and SLOW.
In total there were 119 road safety awareness rides registered in the UK, 2 in USA, 31 in New Zealand, 1 in Canada, 4 in Australia and 1 in South Africa.
PWASNZ received amazing support at a national and local level from NZ Police.
Unfortunately a storm felt first in the UK prevented many rides from going out, and this translated into similar decision making for over half of the registered rides in New Zealand on the weekend of 13/14 September.
But there is still time left in the campaign month and six organised rides will be lighting up local roads in Kaitaia, Hokianga, Dannevirke, Wanganui Peter Pony Club, Te Puke and Oxford by the end of the campaign month.
‘Being Seen’ in hi- vis for both rider and horse is one of several important messages Pass Wide & Slow New Zealand is promoting.
PWASNZ Founder Julia McLean says this road safety weekend allows the equestrian community to come together and to support an empowering message that can save lives. Seeing young riders in particular take up the cause is heartening, but a close second is our countries beautiful minis, ponies and horses whose lives matter too.
Thanks to PWASNZ brand and marketing lead Eve Leniston-Howell, (Eve Marketing Strategist) for building and implementing a brand and marketing strategy that gave the kaupapa the reach it needed.
Eve of PWASNZ - Brand & Marketing
PWASNZ is particularly proud to have received NZ Police support for its efforts from the country’s Director of Road Policing
“We continue to encourage all road users about the shared responsibility to keep everyone safe. Pass Wide and Slow New Zealand’s efforts to educate and raise awareness of safe and respectful behaviours when travelling past horses and riders is one Police continues to support.” Superintendent Steve Greally,
The global awareness ride happens annually and PWASNZ encourages the entire equestrian sector to show its support and look to register a ride in 2026. This can be done via www.passwideandslow.co.nz
Julia and Dee of PWASNZ - Founder and Rangitahi lead
To keep across PWASNZ advocacy work, go to our the Pass Wide & Slow NZ Facebook page.