Greg Murphy’s road safety message wins
Five-minute quizz
Memories of a former Manawatu¯ Standard journalist have been revived, with motorsport legend Greg Murphy being awarded the Neil Nelson Trophy for his contribution to the motoring industry.
Nelson, a reporter at the newspaper from 1981, was president of the New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild when he died in 1996. The guild soon afterwards invited Nelson’s widow and colleague Janine Rankin to present the first award in his memory to ex-formula One driver Chris Amon.
Murphy began his motor racing career in 1990, winning what was then called the Shell Scholarship, at a time when Nelson reported regularly on racing and events at Manfeild.
However, it has been Murphy’s involvement promoting the Holden Street Smart road safety programme that prompted motoring writers to honour him with the award for 2018. ❚ Here’s the scenario: Saddle Rd, steep incline, three truck-and-trailer units, many cars and tandem cyclists, with bags, bed rolls, lycra pants and red hoodies rolling up the hill. Are the truckies expected
Guild president Richard Edwards said Murphy had gone the extra mile to help other people, advocate for road safety and for training better, safer young drivers.
Murphy said he was honoured and pleasantly surprised to receive the award.
‘‘(It) is not research being done to find out if training works. It is 100 per cent guaranteed to make a difference.’’
He wanted the Government to shift the focus of its road safety efforts. ‘‘Spending money on roads is one thing, but if people
to stop and try to get moving again? I already figured out which party was inconsiderate.
❚ Tragic as the death of backpacker Grace Millane may be, I don’t understand the national outpouring of grief. Mob hysteria perhaps? What about every New Zealand woman killed in similar circumstances? Rennat
❚ A very Ma¯ori Xmas to Joel continue to do the same things they are now, then we shouldn’t expect the road toll to change much.’’
Holden New Zealand managing director Marc Ebolo said he was delighted the award recognised the value of the programme.
It is the second time a driver-training advocate has won the Neil Nelson award. It was also held by former race driver John Osborne for developing and running Proactive Drive, providing teenagers with car-handling skills.
Maxwell, from Marjie.
❚ Good on the Brits for naming that low-life skunk. Call him a human being? Don’t think so.
❚ Jacinda shouldn’t be ashamed or sorry of what happened to Grace. It’s out of her control. What she should be ashamed and sorry for is a 100,000 New Zealanders going hungry. Bob
❚ We had very few strikes under
National and we have had more than enough under Labour. Industrial relations under National were a lot better and we were happier.
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