Air New Zealand has again elevated its commitment to community and safety with its groundbreaking Schools for Safety initiative. The program, designed to inspire young minds to prioritize safety creatively, culminated in five outstanding Kiwi schools receiving $10,000 grants each, totalling $50,000.
With over 40 imaginative entries from schools across Aotearoa, the winners exemplify the unique blend of innovation, culture, and safety awareness that New Zealand’s next generation embodies. The winning schools are:
- Rotokawa School
- Clyde School
- Rotorua Primary School
- Chertsey School
- Tikorangi School
Each institution stood out for its inventive approaches to safety, blending creativity with essential lessons to engage their communities effectively.
Spotlight on Innovation and Culture
The winners demonstrated a diverse range of themes, all reflecting New Zealand’s rich cultural fabric:
- Rotokawa School – Celebrated for integrating te reo Māori in their “Tumeke!” safety video, blending language and safety with flair.
- Clyde School – Delivered a thrilling narrative with secret agents preparing their school for a visit from the Safety Inspector.
- Rotorua Primary School – Showcased the spirit of rugby to highlight teamwork and safety.
- Chertsey School – Focused on tree climbing as a fun, engaging metaphor for safety.
- Tikorangi School – Offered a rural lens on safety with lessons about cow and sheep road rules, adding charm and practicality.
Judges Applaud Exceptional Talent
The initiative’s lead judge, Olympic legend Dame Valerie Adams, admired the creativity and cultural representation.
“Schools for Safety was an extraordinary showcase of the talent and imagination of our tamariki,” Dame Valerie remarked. “It was incredibly difficult to narrow down the entries. From incorporating language and culture to delivering safety messages with flair, every submission was a testament to the creativity of our young Kiwis. Congratulations to the five winners – tino pai rawa atu!”
Air New Zealand’s Commitment to Safety
Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, highlighted the program’s alignment with the airline’s core values.
“Safety is the foundation of Air New Zealand’s operations,” Hannifin said. “To see schools embracing safety with such enthusiasm and ingenuity is truly inspiring. The caliber of entries was exceptional, and the creativity of these young minds exceeded our expectations. We might have some future safety video stars in the making!”
Hannifin emphasized how the grants will further empower schools to continue their work in inspiring and educating tamariki about safety and well-being.
Building a Safer Future
Air New Zealand’s Schools for Safety initiative is a shining example of how corporations can engage with local communities meaningfully. By fostering creativity and promoting cultural inclusivity, the airline underscores its dedication to sustainability, education, and safety.
The winning projects will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to think critically about safety while celebrating New Zealand’s unique cultural identity.
Congratulations to the winning schools, whose imaginative efforts have set the benchmark for future participants.
Written by: Anne Keam
