Star Insure shines for NZ Street Smart safety programme
Motorsport legend Greg Murphy is the Street Smart Ambassador. Photos: Supplied
The young Kiwi driver safety programme, Street Smart, has formed a new partnership with Star Insure, enabling nationwide access to vital training and education.
The Street Smart programme was reinvigorated in 2024 with generous funding from the Tony Quinn Foundation and delivers practical, hands-on driver training that goes beyond the standard learner curriculum.
For Street Smart’s programme director, Hayden Dickason, the commitment by Star Insure is important for the not-for-profit charitable trust.
“Insurance is such an important consideration when owning and driving a vehicle … we are so pleased to have Star Insure join us as a partner, with a common goal of building our young drivers to be safer and aware on our roads,” said Dickason.
Greg Murphy, Star Insure CEO, Nick Baker and Street Smart’s programme director, Hayden Dickason.
For Star Insure’s Founder and Chairman, John Baker, this initiative holds deep personal significance.
"This isn't just another partnership; it's a deliberate and meaningful investment by Star Insure towards the safety and well-being of young Kiwi drivers and all road users," said Baker.
"Personally, this resonates deeply as an opportunity to give back to New Zealand in a way that creates a lasting impact.
“Street Smart's proven programme aligns perfectly with our philosophy of creating tangible pathways to upskill young drivers and nurture responsible road behaviour for future generations. We are deeply invested in its potential to save lives and build a safer New Zealand."
Echoing this deep commitment and vision for a safer future, Star Insure CEO, Nick Baker, elaborated on the practical impact of the partnership.
"This partnership is fuelled by a shared vision to actively reduce road fatalities by equipping young drivers with the crucial tools for safe navigation," said Baker.
"For us at Star Insure, this goes far beyond a traditional sponsorship; it’s about ‘doing, not just donating.’ We are committed to providing a tangible pathway that upskills young drivers, fosters responsible road behaviour, and creates a lasting legacy of safety for generations of New Zealanders. We're proud to actively contribute to a movement that has the potential to save lives across the country."
The aim of Street Smarts is to make young drivers safer drivers.
The partnership has also garnered strong support from motorsport legend, Street Smart Ambassador and Street Smart Charitable Trust Chair, Greg Murphy.
“Street Smart is all about equipping drivers with the skills and awareness to handle the many challenges they face on the road, ultimately helping reduce crash rates,” said Murphy.
Star Insure's partnership with Street Smart NZ will see them actively involved in supporting the programme's delivery across the country.
The collaboration underscores Star Insure's long-term commitment to creating safer communities and empowering the next generation of drivers.