Published Date: 7th Apr 2026

Road safety team's work recognised by National Road Trauma Centre

This significant achievement, was recognised under a special one-off category created this year to acknowledge our leadership and commitment to improving road safety outcomes across the South Canterbury region.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Christchurch on Thursday 26 May 2026 by the Road Traffic Accident Trauma Charitable Trust, trading as the National Road Trauma Centre.

Caption: From left to right - Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen, TDC General Manager: Land Transport Suzy Ratahi, Road Safety Coordinator Michelle Bunt, Road Safety Coordinator Lucy Mehrtens, Chair of Road Traffic Accident Trauma Charitable Trust, John Barr.

Other recipients  of this year's awards were:

• National Award for Road Safety: Safe Systems Solutions Pty Limited
• National Award for Emergency Response and Healthcare: Twizel Medical Centre (PRIME team)
• Regional Award for Road Safety: Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora (South Canterbury).

Transport-related incidents account for nearly half of all major trauma cases in New Zealand, remaining the leading cause of serious injury nationwide.

This highlights the importance of continuing to work together across prevention, emergency response and ongoing care to reduce transport-related harm for our community.