Trustpower takes home Bikes in Business award

Tauranga-based Trustpower have won the Bikes in Business category at the Bike to the Future awards. Photo/File

Tauranga-based Trustpower have won the Bikes in Business category at the Bike to the Future awards.

The awards are a joint initiative by the New Zealand Transport Agency and Cycling Action Network. More than 60 projects were nominated for awards, and winners were announced this evening by Minister of Transport Simon Bridges.

There were six category winners, and six further projects that received highly commended awards.

The judging panel included:

• Richard Leggat, chairman of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, board member of Cycling NZ, chair of the former Cycling Safety Panel, member of the Urban Cycleways Investment Panel.

• Mike Noon, general manager motoring affairs at Automobile Association,

and

• Pippa Coom, deputy chair of Waitematā local board, cycling advocate and member of the Urban Cycleways Investment Panel.

Of Trustpower's win, judges said:

When Trustpower made the decision to move its office into the Tauranga CBD it presented a unique opportunity to challenge staff to think about how they got to work.

Trustpower quickly developed a transportation plan in conjunction with the local councils which incorporated providing choices and encouraging people to use bikes and other forms of transport.

New initiatives were put in place, including the provision of great facilities at the new building and events to encourage cycling and safety. Trustpower made a significant shift in mindset of its staff and saw a large uptake in the number of staff cycling.

Judges' comments:

"Trustpower provides its staff with travel options and embraces active modes for commuting. We hope this will set a great example for other organisations to support cycling."