National Walking Awards presentation ceremony

Who’s helping New Zealanders choose to walk more often?

On Friday 24th July 2009, Living Streets Aotearoa will host The Golden Foot Awards. These inaugural national walking awards celebrate and acknowledge organisations that are helping people use their feet more often.

Project representatives and key officials are gathering in Wellington on Friday evening to discover who the winners are. The awards, funded through New Zealand Transport Agency, are being hosted by Living Streets and will be presented by NZTA board member Alick Shaw.

The judges are very impressed by the number and quality of nominations. One of the judges, Brian Horspool from the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, says ‘It is great to see what projects have been carried out throughout the country and the level of commitment from organisations and individuals in improving facilities and promoting walking – very inspiring!’ Other judges include Peter Kortegast, an engineer, and Charles Finny, Chief Executive of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

The awards were open to all groups and organisations across the country and nominations included a wide variety of projects. Some were large infrastructure improvements such as the Twin Streams Walk and Cycleway project which has integrated sustainable stormwater management with footpath and cycleway creation in Waitakere. Other projects ranged from a ‘walking tree’ to encourage children to walk to school, to a new style pedestrian crossing in Lower Hutt.

Living Streets President, Cr Celia Wade-Brown, says “Walking is incredibly important to all ages and the best places to visit are the most walkable. These Golden Foot awards make walking more visible part of our transport system. Engineering, policy, urban design, signage and promotion can all encourage safe and pleasant walking. Walking is part of almost every journey and a key driver of city centre economic prosperity. It’s a delight to recognise some of the organisations that have made people’s steps a little easier.”

She adds, “After a general decline in the 90s, walking is increasing in popularity again. No wonder – if you can get fit without strained muscles, look sexy, have no worries about parking and be fuelled by chocolate – what a great choice of transport! “

ENDS

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