MEET THE TEAM
NEW ZEALAND VULNERABLE ROAD USER TRUST
The New Zealand Vulnerable Road User Trust is driven by a shared commitment to safer roads for everyone — especially those most at risk. Behind the Trust is a passionate team whose lived experience, professional expertise, and dedication to change fuel its mission to make New Zealand’s roads safer and more inclusive for equestrians and all vulnerable road users.
Each of our team members brings a unique perspective shaped by personal experience and community involvement. Together, they form the backbone of the Trust’s advocacy, awareness, and education work.
MEET THE TEAM
JULIA MCLEAN – FOUNDER
Julia’s leadership is shaped by resilience and purpose. After surviving a serious road incident while riding, she’s dedicated her life to ensuring no one else has to face the same trauma. Her story of recovery and advocacy has inspired others and continues to drive the Trust’s mission for safer roads and greater awareness.
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Julia is deeply committed to making New Zealand’s roads safer for vulnerable road users, especially horse riders. Her passion stems from personal experience — after surviving a serious road incident, she understands the physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges of recovery, and the importance of prevention.
On October 18, 2008, Julia was riding her new horse to a local beach when he spooked and bolted, causing her to fall and suffer a serious head injury. Six days later, she awoke from an induced coma, discovering she had also been six weeks pregnant. Her helmet saved her life. Recovery was slow and isolating, but she implemented a structured rehabilitation plan with medical guidance, rebuilding her memory, strength, and confidence.
Since then, Julia has led significant community and civic initiatives. She project-managed her home rebuild after the 2010/2011 Canterbury Earthquakes, initiated and sourced funding for a 24/7 BMX track in her community, and served as a local government councillor, chairing the district’s road safety committee. In 2022, she returned to horse riding, reconnecting with the equestrian community and learning of the challenges riders face in road safety and public consultation. Her experience fuels her role as Founder of the Trust, advocating for the Pass Wide and Slow message and meaningful legislative change.
DELIA MCLEAN – YOUTH VOICE
A confident young advocate for equestrian safety, Delia has already presented to Parliament and regional transport leaders, championing recognition for horse riders and carriage drivers as vulnerable road users. Her passion for horses and commitment to positive change represent the future of safer road use in New Zealand.
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Delia is a passionate advocate for horse rider safety on the road. She has presented to both political leaders and regional transport committees, promoting recognition for horse riders and carriage drivers as vulnerable road users. Her contributions have been well received, demonstrating the value of youth voices in national road safety discussions.
Riding is central to Delia’s life. She has participated in barrel racing, showjumping, eventing, trail riding, dressage, mounted games, and Pony Club. Her grey pony Taylor, who featured in much of her road safety work, has been replaced by her thoroughbred Ted, known as “Mr Photogenic.” Together, they are training for the South Island CTR Championship, covering distances up to 60 km.
Delia’s advocacy is simple but critical: when drivers see a horse and rider or carriage on the road, they should slow down, give at least 2 metres of space, and heed hand signals. This approach keeps everyone — riders, animals, and drivers — safe and reinforces the shared responsibility that underpins road safety.
LYNDA WAGHORN – TRUSTEE
Lynda is the doer of the NZ Vulnerable Road User Trust – someone who quietly gets things done. A mother of two teenagers, she has spent decades around horses and regularly rides with her daughter, giving her firsthand understanding of how crucial it is to be seen and to feel safe.
With a background in business, agriculture, fundraising, and government, Lynda brings practical experience and a strong community focus to the Trust’s mahi. She has worked alongside Chairperson Julia McLean on many community issues, contributing to initiatives such as the Vulnerable Road User Petition and Submission to Government, as well as local advocacy efforts in Canterbury.
For Lynda, joining the Trust just feels right - it’s a natural fit for her values and her drive to make a difference for all vulnerable road users.
CASEY LUNN – TRUSTEE
Casey combines creativity with practical action. A former jockey and skilled seamstress, she leads product development for high-visibility safety gear, helping riders and their horses be seen and stay safe. Her vision is a future where visibility is second nature - and every rider feels protected on the road.
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Casey is the creative problem solver of the Trust, focused on practical safety solutions for riders and their horses. A former jockey with decades of horse-riding experience, she understands animals and horse gear intimately. She has also witnessed the consequences of poor visibility on the road, which motivates her work in high-visibility safety gear.
Her seamstress skills have enabled the Trust to offer products like the Quarter Attachment, developed in collaboration with its creator, Jan Parson. Casey has conducted extensive R&D to make this gear functional, safe, and affordable, ensuring it fits correctly on the saddle and horse. She hopes that one day high-visibility gear will become standard for vulnerable road users - complementing driver responsibility with proactive protection for riders and their animals.
ALLAN TAUNT – TRUSTEE
Allan values strong and well-connected communities. In his words: "These are communities where we look out for one another, where we appreciate and understand each other's needs, and where we actively and continually make improvements for everyone". He believes communication is the cornerstone, ranging from everyday interactions with the variety of people in our community, through to sharing insight with politicians and other decision-makers.
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Walking and cycling regularly, Allan has witnessed many incidents on the roads. He knows things can go very bad very quickly. He also knows people generally don't set out to endanger others, but mistakes, inexperience, or other factors happen. As a member of Cycle Action Network, and executive member of Spokes Canterbury, Allan has contributed to many transport safety discussions. People need genuine transport choice irrespective of age or ability - this is where communication is so important. Where challenges exist, we must listen to concerns and then connect with politicians and other decision-makers to help initiate improvements.
We have many friends and whānau that travel by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, mobility scooter, may walk, or use similar active transport. Should an incident occur on the roads, these road users are at risk. Having seen the incredible mahi from Julia McLean and Team, and the formation of the Vulnerable Road User Charitable Trust, Allan welcomed the opportunity to join and share the message: "Pass Wide and Slow. Be Seen. Be Safe."
