Auckland Regional Council has appointed Foundation staff member Chris Orr to its Regional Land Transport Committee.

Providing expertise relating to access and mobility, Chris will be joining committee members from the Auckland Regional Council, the seven local Councils, Land Transport NZ and various transport, economic, social and environmental experts.

Chris, a guide dog handler and daily user of mass transit, is the Community, Education and Awareness Manager at the Foundation.  As part of his role, Chris has consulted on a number of transport projects to ensure accessibility for the blind community and other users of the transport networks.

“It’s exciting to be involved in something as important as the transport strategy for Auckland. And to be involved at a stage where accessibility – for all users – can be considered at the planning stage, rather than trying to adapt systems or buildings already established.”

The committee is soon to embark on a review of the Auckland region transport strategy to prepare the Regional Land Transport Strategy 2050 (due for completion in 2008).

Chris can be contacted on 09 355 6883 or corr