Media Release
Slow down on school buses welcomed by NZSTA
The New Zealand School Trustees Association is applauding the Education Ministry’s prudent approach over improving the
safety of children on school buses.
The Ministry has announced it will delay tendering processes for contract bus services to allow the transport industry
time to adopt new safety measures.
NZSTA executive member Chris Haines says the fact the Ministry has delayed its tendering process shows it takes the
issue of safety on school buses very seriously.
“Obviously adopting any new standard can take time, and the Ministry has clearly recognised this. However the most
important aspect of this issue is that there will be improved safety standards for those children travelling to and from
school on a bus.”
Chris Haines says while it is pleasing there has been progress with introducing new safety standards, more still needs
to be done.
The NZSTA annual conference held in Wellington recently highlighted the issue, with delegates voting to call for
seatbelts to be installed in the front of school buses. The conference also wanted restrictions on the number of
students allowed to stand in aisles.
“Parents and schools have concern about the safety of their children. Improving safety standards is about looking at
what may happen, and taking steps to prevent it happening.”
He says changing the standards will come with a cost, and the reality is that the Government needs to increase its
funding in this area.
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For more information contact Chris Haines.
Phone: (025) 387-903.