Update 27th July 2023

Waka Kotahi has been in touch with the school since the update in the last newsletter. They have completed a review of the main highway sections of both bus routes. Their review confirmed each stop is aligned with the approach outlined in the Guidelines for the Safe Siting of School Bus Stops, so no changes to the PUDO (Pick up and Drop Off) is recommended. 

While the bus route requires children to cross the road, Waka Kotahi confirmed the bus stops are located where there is visibility for people to cross safely. On days when fog is an issue, Waka Kotahi has asked the MoE and bus operator to consider vehicle-mounted active flashing signs. Waka Kotahi suggests that the school cancels the bus during foggy periods. We will take GoBus' advice on this approach before any decision-making as this would present significant challenges to parents for consistency of the service.

Waka Kotahi has also referred the issue of speeding past the school bus to the Police so they can consider education and enforcement opportunities.

Concerning school bus signage along the highway, Waka Kotahi will liaise with Waitaki and Mackenzie District Councils to source funds for safety billboard signage along the bus routes. Bus route warning signage was also considered, but given the visibility along the route, it did not meet the criteria for installation, except for where they are currently installed near Quailburn Rd.

We’ll continue to keep you updated with any further information as we work with all the agencies involved.

Update 20th July 2023

Health and Safety Review of Pick Up and Drop Offs (PUDO)

At the start of the year, the Ministry of Education and GoBus completed a Health and Safety review of pick up and drop offs (PUDO). This review allowed them to identify potential risks and implement measures to mitigate them effectively. Since then, with parental pressure on the MoE, there has been a further review which again identified the same PUDO as the safest spots. This week, the school has met with MoE Transport employees to discuss each PUDO. It is likely that minor adjustments will be put to parents for decision making about the specific location of some PUDO in coming weeks.

Mackenzie District Council 'Ride Along' Assessment

At the end of last term, parent volunteers met with MDC alongside the school to discuss signage and road condition concerns. Since this meeting, MDC have conducted a 'ride along' assessment of our school bus routes. This will inform a plan that they will take to council in coming months.

Waitaki District Council Signage Plan

WDC have developed a clear signage plan for the Omarama non-highway parts of our bus route. This is set to be implemented within the month. Signage will enhance visibility and awareness for motorists.

Collaboration with Waka Kotahi, Ministry of Education and Mackenzie District Council

To expedite the process of improved signage implementation along the main highway, the Ministry of Education has been in close contact with Waka Kotahi and the Mackenzie District Council. Through this collaboration,they are pushing for swift execution of the signage plan. Waka Kotahi’s work flow is currently at capacity, so this work may take some time to complete.

Hi-Viz Initiative by Mackenzie District Council

We are grateful for the Mackenzie District Council's generous offer to source a sponsored optional Hi-Viz vest for our bus students. This initiative will enhance the visibility of our students during their commute, especially in low light conditions or adverse weather. We are waiting to hear of their progress.

Advocating for Compulsory Seatbelts

The Ministry of Education has been actively engaging with our local MP, urging her to raise the issue of compulsory seatbelts on school transport at the government level. We firmly believe this measure will further protect our students and provide parents with peace of mind when sending their children to school. We’d encourage you to contact our local MP to raise awareness of this concern.

Keeping You Informed

As the work progresses, we will keep you updated through our newsletter. If you’d like to see general information about our school transport, we’ve made a page on our school website that collates the relevant information from the Ministry of Education - it can be found here: www.twizel.school.nz/joining-our-school/school-transport. If you have other questions that the school can help to follow up, please email [email protected] and we’ll endeavour to assist.