All roads lead to Hamilton for traffic conference

A talk by New Zealand’s road policing manager, a cross-party political debate and an explanation of how teenage boys’ mentality can relate to driving decisions are features of the New Zealand Traffic Institute (TRAFINZ) conference at Claudelands this week.

The conference, to be held at Hamilton’s new Claudelands events and exhibition centre and co-hosted by Hamilton City Council, opens today (Monday, 14 November), and runs through until Friday. It brings together researchers, academics, engineers, political leaders and others with an interest in road safety, urban design, planning and the creation of a more sustainable transport networks.

Hamilton City Councillor Dave Macpherson, who recently returned from a transport system fact-finding trip to Europe, says the conference will make excellent use of one of the city’s finest new facilities.

“The conference was scheduled for a South Island venue, but the multi-purpose Claudelands facility was able to meet the needs of the organisers in the timeframe they’re working to,” Councillor Macpherson says.

“Claudelands is a good central location for conference visitors to explore the city, and one of our dinner functions will also be held at Hamilton Gardens – another city-owned asset.”

City Transportation Operations Team Leader Robyn Denton is included on the conference’s speaking roster, and will discuss Council’s Safer Speeds campaign alongside Cr Macpherson.

David Bennett (National’s Hamilton East MP and chair of the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee, Shane Jones (Labour List MP and Transport spokesman) and Gareth Hughes (Greens List MP and Transport spokesman) will spar in the conference’s political debate on Wednesday at 3.45pm.

Superintendent Paula Rose is New Zealand Police’s Road National Road Policing Manager, and will provide an overview of the implementation of the Safer Journeys strategy and developments in road policing.

Author and former prison boss Celia Lashlie will discuss how teenage boys think and their decision making relates to driving, while philanthropist and chairman of the Motorcycle Safety Levy Council Gareth Morgan will also speak.