The nationwide initiative invited Kiwi kids to put their creative spin on safety, for the opportunity to receive one of five grants to go toward helping Kiwi tamariki achieve their dreams.
After reviewing more than 40 imaginative entries from schools across Aotearoa, Rotokawa School, Clyde School, Rotorua Primary School, Chertsey School, Tikorangi School were selected for their outstanding submissions.
Each school had an innovative and unique approach to its safety video.
Chertsey School used tree climbing as their safety theme, Clyde School had secret agents preparing the school for the Safety Inspector, Rotokawa School stood out for its use of te reo in its ‘Tumeke!’ safety video, Rotorua Primary School used sport and rugby to bring safety to life, and Tikorangi School showcased rural school safety – complete with cow and sheep walking road rules.
Four-time world champion shot putter, Dame Valerie Adams was the competition’s lead judge and praised the entries’ quality and creativity.
“Schools for Safety was all about giving Kiwi kids the chance to be creative and showcase their school’s safety initiatives,” Adams says.
“There were so many incredible entries. I was fascinated and intrigued by the imagination of our tamariki.”
Adams says getting down to a shortlist was tough and she was extremely impressed by how language and culture were included in so many of the videos.
“The winners stood out for their unique approach to safety, excellent delivery, and creativity. Congratulations to the five deserving schools selected – tino pai rawa atu!”
Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Kiri Hannifin says Kiwi kids are giving Air New Zealand a run for its money when it comes to safety videos.
“We received more than 40 entries from schools large and small across Aotearoa – an incredible volume and all of such a high calibre, which made our job exceptionally challenging,” Hannifin says.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Air New Zealand, so it's wonderful to see Kiwi schools place just as much importance on keeping our tamariki safe.”
Based on the quality of the entries Hannifin says she's confident among them were some future safety stars in the making.
“Congratulations to each and every school that participated for their remarkable efforts and creativity. We can’t wait to see how the recipients use their grants to inspire and educate their students.”
