When it comes to active transport, skateboarding and scootering to work are two great ways to travel. That’s how Laura Dowling does it, the new Active Transport Innovator at Healthy Families Invercargill.

Laura spent a solid seven years at Southland District Council where she was secondment in the open spaces team. After collaborating with Active Southland staff for Parks Week it sparked her interest in what Active Southland does. The desire to work in the wider Southland community, and encouraging healthy transport choices meant the Active Transport Innovator role was the obvious next step in her career. The working knowledge, transferrable skills, connections with council staff, and established networks that Laura has are making it a fairly smooth transition. And she’s enjoying working with people she calls motivated, talented, and passionate.

Because Southland is such a widespread district Laura believes it’s important for communities to come together and develop strong connections. A people person and strong communicator, there’s no sitting back as she wants all of Southland to enjoy equal opportunities. ‘I want to make sure our smaller towns are remembered when activations are planned, so no one misses out.’

Laura is from Winton and is happy to call Southland home. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, keeping active at the gym (attending early morning classes) and walking her 2 pugs, Veronica and Penelope. Oreti Sands and a quick lap around Queens Park are two of their favourite locations. Both dogs have their own wardrobes which include hoodies, themed costumes, personalised harnesses, and knits.

Bringing communities together, increasing user confidence, physical fitness, carbon reduction and being inclusive of the wider community are all clear motivators for Laura to make active transport an easier choice in Southland. ‘I believe that with some guidance and a bit of education, Southland residents can be encouraged to leave their cars at home and choose an active way to get around. Just remember your rain jacket.’

Article added: Friday 13 October 2023