Recognising the Outstanding Contributions of Community Members through the Road Safety Hero Awards

In 2022 we launched the Road Safety Hero Awards to recognise and celebrate the individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make our roads safer. Each year, we invite nominations from across Aotearoa New Zealand to acknowledge and applaud the road safety heroes in our communities.

The awards are presented at the national launch event for Road Safety Week in May, shining a spotlight on the people whose commitment, passion and leadership are helping to reduce harm and create safer journeys for everyone.

We now recognise heroes across three categories:

Youth Road Safety Hero (Under 25)
This award recognises a young person who has led or been actively involved in a project or initiative that has made a positive difference to road safety outcomes. It celebrates young leaders who are influencing their peers, raising awareness, or driving change in their schools or communities. Sponsored by Road Safety Education Limited
Community Road Safety Hero
This award recognises a person or group making a meaningful contribution to road safety within their community. This could include parents who support school patrol, passionate teachers, volunteers, community advocates, or local leaders who are helping to improve safety and awareness at a grassroots level.
Professional Road Safety Hero
This award recognises someone working in a profession connected to road safety who has made a significant impact through their work. This may include individuals such as Police officers, engineers, firefighters, educators, or health professionals who have improved outcomes through a specific project, innovation, or through sustained commitment and leadership over time.

NOMINATIONS OPEN for 2026 on 1 MARCH

(nominations close on Friday April 17, 2026)

2025 Road Safety Hero Award Winner

Mila Smith de Zeeuw, a Year 13 student from Mercury Bay Area School, was named the recipient of the Annual Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Hero Award.

Mila is a committed leader in her school and community. A member of Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the leader of her school’s SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving) committee, she has spearheaded initiatives that bring police and Fire and Emergency into her school to raise awareness about road safety.

Her selection for this award reflects her passion for road safety and the real, positive impact she is already making—both at school and in the wider community.

Sponsored by Road Safety Education Limited

Please fill out this form to nominate for The Annual Road Safety Hero Award.

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Youth Award (under 25 years)

Community / Group Award

Professional Award

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2024 Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance Hero Award

The winner of the Road Safety Hero Award is Senior Constable Kenneth Terry, recognised for his exceptional dedication to promoting road safety in North Canterbury. With over 38 years of service in the New Zealand Police force, including 13 years as a school community officer, Kenneth has been instrumental in initiatives like the “Be Safe Be Seen” cycle light programme for school children. His passion for children’s safety and tireless efforts have made him an invaluable asset to the community. Without Kenneth’s commitment, road safety initiatives would not have had the same impact, making him a deserving recipient of this award.

To nominate someone for the award please fill out this Road Safety Hero Award form – nominations open 1 March each year and close the second Friday in May.

2023 Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance Hero Award

Chris Horrocks

Member on the Wairarapa Road Safety Council Board (WRSC) until 2022

2022 Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance Hero Award

Sterling Maxwell

Youth Representative – SADD/Kaitiaki o Ara Board