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Tributes flowed for a “much loved” and inspiring teacher after she died in a motorcycle accident last week.
In a social media post, Upper Hutt College (UHC) said staff and students were “devastated” to learn of the death of Rachel Pawsey, 30, who taught at the school from mid-2016 to late 2016. last year.
Pawsey was killed after a collision with a car on August 27.
The accident occurred on State Highway 2 near Riverstone Terraces, between the intersections of Moonshine Hill Rd and Western Hutt Rd in Moonshine Valley.
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Kevin Stent / Stuff
Rachel Pawsey taught at Upper Hutt College for almost four years.
Pawsey taught physical education, health, and the outdoors, and the school said she was “an excellent teacher, excellent in the classroom, unfailingly positive, and a role model for her classes.”
“Rachel was adventurous and loved sharing her outdoor experience with her students. Many will have special memories of Rachel encouraging them to try things and overcome their fears and uncertainties while hiking, camping, rappelling, high tailpieces, or kayaking.
“Rachel was kind, positive, energetic and always smiling, a much loved and admired colleague and friend.”
Katherine Bond, a longtime friend of Pawsey and a spokesperson for her family, said she was an adventurous person who loved netball and horse riding.
She had been friends with Pawsey, who is originally from Auckland, since primary school.
“It had a great impact on everyone’s life.
“She was cheerful, always happy and smiling,” he said.
Pawsey was part of the St Marys Old Girls Netball Club, who also posted a tribute, saying that Pawsey was on her way home from netball when the accident occurred, describing her as a “vibrant and beautiful young woman.”
In 2018 and 2019, Pawsey won her teams MVP, as well as being nominated for the same award in 2020.
Remutaka MP Chris Hipkins has called for changes to the section of SH2 where the accident occurred.
ROBERT KITCHEN / Things
Chris Hipkins, who is Remutaka’s MP, says he has seen many accidents on the stretch of road.
Data from the New Zealand Transportation Agency shows that in the last 10 years there have been three deaths on SH2 (and River Rd) between Moonshine Hill Rd and Western Hutt Rd.
In addition, there have been seven serious accidents and 29 minor accidents.
“I have seen many near misses and have been advocating for improvements in my ability as a Remutaka deputy,” Hipkins said.
The intersection of SH2 and Whakatiki St had similar problems, and after the NZTA agreed to install traffic lights, there were far fewer complaints, Hipkins said.
“I think something similar is inevitable in the Riverstone interchange … In the long term, NZTA should plan a complete replacement of SH2, Moonshine Road Moonshine Bridge area.”
Waka Kotahi NZTA director of regional relations Emma Speight said investigations will be conducted to determine whether road or highway conditions are a contributing factor.
“We have previously installed medium barriers along SH2 River Rd between Moonshine Hill Rd and Fergusson Drive, and we are currently conducting a technical assessment on the current speed limits for SH2.
“The technical assessment takes into account the history of crashes, average vehicle speeds, the volume of vehicles on the road and the development of the surrounding areas, and helps us determine whether changing speed limits is the best thing to do. can do to improve road safety, where the new speed limits can begin or end, and if other safety improvements are needed. “
Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy said the road was a “real safety problem.”
“If you talk to someone at Riverstone, they will tell you that they see almost accidents every day.”
