Holidaymakers heading to the East Coast hot spot of Mahia this summer are being urged to think about the safety of their whānau before jumping on a quad bike.
Police, Roadsafe Hawke’s Bay, and local iwi Rongomaiwahine have joined forces to engage with people and ‘encourage and educate’ them on the safe use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV).
They have put together a brochure outlining the rules around ATV/quad bike use and will be sharing that with those in the small beachside settlement.
Wairoa Senior Sergeant Maui Aben says the focus is on educating people on the safe use of ATVs, with prosecution as a last resort.
“We want people to enjoy their holiday and stay safe and understand the dangers of ATVs when not operated safely,” says Maui.
The rules are that riders must wear a helmet, not carry passengers and the vehicles are only to be ridden by those over 16 with a current driver’s licence.
Terence Maru from Rongomaiwahine Iwi Trust says the iwi supports the kaupapa to keep whānau safe and ensure everyone can enjoy their holidays without ATV incidents.
“We see so many people come in to Mahia for their holidays with a quad bike and let everyone ride it and carry passengers.
It’s all fun until someone gets hurt and we don’t want to see that,” says Terence. “We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun; we just want everyone to be safe.”
Roadsafe Hawke’s Bay Liz Schlierike says an ATV/quad bike can be a useful piece equipment but can have serious safety risks when used incorrectly.
Police and iwi will be out and about over the holiday season in Mahia engaging with the community and holidaymakers to educate them about safe ATV use and handing out the brochures.