AA Directions Spring 2021

The concept of 'saving the planet' can feel daunting. But even small changes can make a big difference. We talk to people who are actively working towards a better future, whether that's by minimising waste, lowering emissions or curbing consumption. We also investigate the Clean Car Rebate, share top tips for safer driving and meet a man making coffins in his garage. Plus, find inspiration for your future travels including a road trip to Ruapehu, a well-timed escape to Queensland before the travel bubble popped and cycling adventures in the South Island.

Treading Lightly

We talk to people who are actively working to do good – for communities, for the environment, for the future...
Look out for cyclists

When you're driving, the difference between looking and seeing is critical to road safety
Q&A with Vanisa Dhiru

We talk to Vanisa Dhiru, an equity and human rights advocate, about unconscious bias
Manea Tapuwae ā Nuku: Footprints of Kupe

Head to the Hokianga to discover a place where Māori legends come to life
Behind the garage door: crafted coffins

Jo Percival meets Kevin Jones, who began making coffins 12 years ago
Crossing controllers: Meeting the kids on school patrol

We visit a Wellington school to meet pedestrian crossing patrollers
Welcome to Taradise: a short break in New Plymouth

Jo Percival spends a weekend discovering the delights of New Plymouth
Staff profile: Brian Gibbons, CEO

After 40 years at the Automobile Association, Brian Gibbons is retiring. Kiri Coughlan asks what he has learned along the way
Investigating the Clean Car Rebate

How much can you save by purchasing a cleaner car?
Waste not want not: food rescue

Jo Percival meets a group on a mission to save food from being wasted
Small Town Treasure: Waikanae

Pamela Wade visits Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast
How to charge your EV at home

Cade Wilson provides top tips for charging your EV at home
Upcycling for good: Intercept Fabric Rescue

Mary de Ruyter finds a team of conscientious creatives working for charity
Queensland: a lucky escape

Jo Percival explores Brisbane and the Gold Coast on a bubble break
Paying the price: carbon credits

What’s with carbon footprints, credits and offsets? Vanessa Trethewey explains
Sophie Devine's top spot

Sophie Devine is Captain of the White Ferns, the New Zealand women’s cricket team
Sharing is caring: Mutu app

Jo Percival looks into an app that is changing the cycle of consumption
Old vs. New: Suzuki Swift Sport

How does a 2012 Suzuki Swift compare to the latest model?
Changing our world: Future Post

Kathryn Webster meets a man turning plastic waste into something practical
Coastal Pacific: taking it easy by train

Monica Tischler enjoys the ever-changing scenery on board a train journey from Christchurch to Picton
Michael Wood: Transport Minister

Dylan Thomsen asks Transport Minister, Michael Wood what his goals are for the New Zealand transport sector
Road Trip: visiting Ruapehu in a VW campervan

Road tripping in a campervan makes for a no-fuss Kiwi holiday, writes Monica Tischler
Old into new: recycled jewellery

Vanessa Trethewey talks to a team making recycling into a thing of beauty
Top tips for safer driving

Could your driving be in need of a refresher course?