One hundred and sixty riders and an army of supporters put New Zealand on the world map at the weekend, with the first entry into a global campaign to promote road-riding safety. 

In total, there were 119 road safety awareness rides registered in the UK, including 31 in New Zealand, four in Australia, two in the USA, and one each in Canada and South Africa.  Each ride was made up of around 10 riders, plus their crew.  The global ride has been held annually for nine years.

The sound of horse’s hooves clip-clopping through communities across Aotearoa was the culmination of a year of campaign to raise awareness about the need for motorists to pass a horse or carriage driver WIDE and SLOW.

Riders paid respect to the 44 New Zealand riders who had lost their lives while riding or driving a horse on local roads.

‘Being Seen’ in high vis for both rider and horse is one of several important messages Pass Wide and Slow New Zealand is promoting, according to founder Julia McLean.

“This road safety weekend allows the equestrian community to come together and to support an empowering message that can save lives.  Seeing young riders in particular take up the cause is heartening, but a close second is our country’s beautiful minis, ponies and horses whose lives matter too.”

PWASNZ has received support from NZ Police’s Director of Road Policing.

“We continue to encourage all road users about the shared responsibility to keep everyone safe. Pass Wide and Slow New Zealand’s efforts to educate and raise awareness of safe and respectful behaviours when travelling past horses and riders is one Police continue to support,” says Superintendent Steve Greally.

Extensive PWASNZ brand marketing led by Eve Leniston-Howell has seen multiple equestrian communities engage in the campaign, and Facebook followers increasing from one to 3,300 in just over a year.

“Our measure is the uptake in high vis wearing, organisations reaching out to support the work, or communities saying ‘I saw your work, I know your message’,” says Julia.

There is still time left in the campaign month and six organised rides will be lighting up local roads in Kaitaia, Hokianga, Dannevirke, Wanganui, Te Puke and Oxford.  Others can join via www.passwideandslow.co.nz

Registration for 2026 is now open.