Tararua Alliance donates booster seats to community in need

Horizons Regional Council and its road safety partners Plunket and NZ Police are grateful to Tararua Alliance who have donated ten booster seats in a bid to give back to the local community.

Horizons Regional Council and its road safety partners Plunket and NZ Police are grateful to Tararua Alliance who have donated 10 booster seats in a bid to give back to the local community.

Horizons' road safety coordinator Debbie Webster is thrilled Tararua Alliance have been able to sponsor the 10 booster seats, provided by child restraint specialists Little Buds.

"These booster seats will be donated to families on a case-by-case basis where we can see they need a helping hand," says Ms Webster.

"There are many whānau out there trying their best to do the right thing, but unfortunately we're seeing more and more situations where both parents are working but the cost of living has increased so much, they're unable to afford items such as booster seats.

"To have Tararua Alliance come on board and sponsor the full cost of these seats is phenomenal. Ten families will be truly impacted by their donation to give back to the Tararua community, helping to keep them safe.

"I've been undertaking roadside checks in partnership with Plunket and Police for 14 years now, and we all agree the correct use of child restraints are improving. However, during these checks, statistics collected show over half of the restraints inspected are installed incorrectly.

"Common problems we encounter include tether straps not bolted, loose harnesses, restraints not routed correctly with the seatbelt, not suitable for the age/size of the child, or expired restraints. This is if they have a car seat at all."

Tararua Alliance director Dave Geary says the team are pleased this small action will make a huge difference in keeping local children safe and help families who are in need.

"When speaking with Debbie and the Police, we learnt that many children aren't in the correct-sized restraint. They outgrow the initial car seat, so then need to move to a seat appropriate for their age and size."

Parents are encouraged to check the required standards before hiring or buying a child restraint, which are available on Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's website.

Plunket's technicians are also available to provide advice on how to correctly fit a child restraint.

Requirements for child restraints

Age of child, the law says you must:

Until their seventh birthday - correctly secure your child in an approved child restraint.

From their seventh to their eighth birthday - correctly secure your child in an approved child restraint if one is available in the vehicle (and if not, in any child restraint or safety belt that is available.)

From eighth birthday to 14 years old - must use safety belts if available. If not available, they must travel in the back seat.

Over 14 years old - must use safety belts where they are available.