Sarah Painter
Hi I’m Sarah Painter. I’m the one who came up with the crazy idea of having Carpool Day! I’m seriously passionate about the environment and always have been. Every day I’m on the look-out for ways to be greener and ways to make it easier for others to do so too. I really believe that every little thing we do to help the environment makes a difference – including carpooling on Carpool Day.
I spend my days as an environmental educator – a vocation I came to from a background in teaching science, instructing rock-climbing and working with second-chance learners. When I’m not working I love hanging out with my partner Ian, gardening, dancing salsa, climbing, and cuddling my cats.
Carpool Day wouldn’t have got going if it weren’t for my amazing friends who keep inspiring me over and over again with their commitment, talents, ideas and enthusiasm.
I’d like to invite you to pledge and join me in making New Zealand’s first ever Carpool Day the success I know it’s going to be.
Sandy McGivern
Hi, I'm Sandy McGivern, and while I've been Sarah's friend for some years, the reason I decided to get behind Carpool Day is because I was really taken with the practicality of her idea. Like many people, I've toyed with thoughts that things really should be different, but not gotten any further than that. I love the fact that Sarah's gotten the ball rolling herself, and I'm really enthusiastic about making Carpool Day a successful event. I particularly love the "Have A Go" aspect of Carpool Day. Maybe you'll find it works for you, maybe you won't, but you'll definitely know for sure. All it takes is to give it a go!
Who am I? A Science teacher who loves the environment, particularly the idea of making good use of the resources you use. A lover of all things French, having just come back from 7 months teaching English in the North of France. A keen amateur photographer and rock climber (rarely at the same time!) and a crazy Kiwi who loves New Zealand with a passion and thinks she lives in one of the best cities in the world!
Arwen Vant
Hi, I'm Arwen Vant. I'm handling the public relations and communications for Carpool Day 2009. I juggle working as a freelance PR, being a mum, plus as many outdoor pursuits as a toddler can be accomodated into. I do love a good story, and Carpool Day is a great one. Why don't you join us and make your pledge to get involved in this story?
Ian Lightbody
I'm Ian, and I'm in charge of the web design for the Carpool Day project. I work in the city and carpool to work everyday. Over the years I have met lots of really interesting people that have become good friends simply from offering them a lift with us in the morning. It's a really great way to meet people and share a quick journey to work!
Promoting carpooling is a worthy cause and I hope that some of the people that currently sit trapped in congested traffic down Onewa Rd in the mornings will give carpooling a go!
Roger Woodroofe
I think carpooling makes sense. I'm passionate about the sport of orienteering - and I go to orienteering events all over Auckland and around the country. I've found carpooling saves money for everyone in the car and its more enjoyable than going there alone. I'm supporting Sarah and her carpool day as I'd like to carpool to events more often. Carpooling has let me enjoy the views on some long drives. It allows me to catch up with fellow club members, and I've learnt some training tips along the way too!
Jane Clark
Hi, my name’s Jane. I work fulltime as an academic librarian and also volunteer on my institution’s Environment Committee, which has initiated recycling and composting schemes on our campus, and tree plantings. My commute to and from work takes me across Auckland each day so I know what the traffic can be like! I’ve been helping out on the Carpool Day organising team because I think it’s a great idea to promote carpooling as part of Auckland’s transport solutions – so give it a try and see if you like it.
Christine Barrett
Hi I am Christine Barrett, I am a mum to one, a wife and a nurse who enjoys carpooling for work and anywhere else that works in with friends and family. I especially enjoy using the T2 or T3 lanes and zipping passed all the other traffic when carpooling. It doesn't take much to please me.