Following a frightening car crash involving a drunk driver earlier this year, rugby star Renee Holmes is joining forces with the AA to champion school road safety through a new nationwide competition recognising New Zealand’s young road patrol volunteers.
The Lollipop Legends competition will award two schools $10,000 each to fund projects that improve safety for students and their wider communities, shining a spotlight on the vital role school road patrol teams play across Aotearoa.
Holmes, who served as a school road patroller herself, said the issue has become deeply personal after the vehicle she was travelling in with her three young nieces and nephews was hit by a drunk driver around school pick-up time.
While everyone walked away unharmed, the experience left a lasting reminder. “After the crash, I’ve been thinking a lot about how important road safety is for Kiwi families. It reminded me that even when you’re doing everything right, things can happen unexpectedly, which is why programmes that help keep children safe are so valuable,” said Holmes.
In the opening weeks of the 2026 school year, five children were struck by vehicles around the country, including two separate incidents on the same morning.
Each school day, students at more than 1,200 schools volunteer as road patrollers, helping classmates cross roads safely before and after school.
AA Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer Simon Douglas said the programme helps children develop lifelong road safety habits while making school journeys safer.
“We know many schools have great ideas that would make their environment safer but don’t always have the resources to bring them to life, and this funding is an opportunity to change that.”
Schools with recognised road patrol teams supported by New Zealand Police School Community Officers or other transport authorities are invited to enter by outlining how they would use the funding to improve safety for students and the wider community.
Potential projects include bike storage facilities, playground upgrades, safety murals and other initiatives designed to create safer school environments.
Entries will be reviewed by a judging panel made up of representatives from the AA, New Zealand Police, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and the Safe and Sustainable Transport Association.
“Every school has its own unique safety challenges. Through Lollipop Legends, we want to help local schools invest in projects that will make a lasting difference,” says Simon.
Entries for Lollipop Legends close on Sunday 26 July 2026. Enter at www.aa.co.nz/lollipop-legends.
