Introducing Sandra!
Whenever we have a new staff member come on board we always like to welcome them by getting them to feature on our blog, so that you can all get to know them a bit more too! This week we want you to meet Sandra, she is SADD’s new Upper North Island Delivery Lead. Mia, who previously did this role has become our Project Coordinator, and Sandra will be taking over the reins from her and hanging out with all our young people from Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Thames/Coromandel. So, lets get to know her!
Tēnā koe Sandra, tell us a little about yourself?
Hey everyone,
First and foremost, I am a Mum and love it! I grew up in East Auckland and now live in South Auckland with my partner and our beautiful primary aged daughter. She is our miracle baby and has taught me that life is precious, so be grateful for what you have. I am lover of horses and dogs. I owned a horse as a teenager and went on to keep him for 24 years, until he passed away at the ripe old age of 34. I love to go cycling. I’m no pro though, I have an old bike and I don’t own any lycra but I still enjoy it!
I started my working life in Duty-Free where I learnt basic Korean – ‘annyeonghaseyo’ (hello) is all I recall now! I’ve held several customer facing roles, and in my 20’s set off to Europe for a few months. Later I became an Animal Control Officer – impounding dogs, dealing with complaints, investigations and more.
My latest career which has just ended, was as a police officer for 15 years. I worked in Counties Manukau, Auckland. It was fun but challenging and I learnt a lot about people. I spent many years in the family harm team, intervening with whānau who were struggling. I finished up as a School Community Officer working with all year levels. I loved this role, as our rangatahi got to see a different side to police. The opportunities we were able to provide to them was so rewarding.
What excites you about working with SADD?
I’m excited that SADD is student-led. All so often rangatahi are used to being spoken to or told what to do. I love that this organisation gives them a voice, but that we are still here for them to seek guidance and advice from. I love being able to pass on my own experiences and tell stories (where applicable of course).
What does Road Safety mean to you?
To me it means every road user being responsible for keeping themselves and others safe. We all use the road in different ways, be it pedestrians, cyclists, drivers or passengers. It means ‘thinking’ before ‘doing’ and avoiding social pressures. I never had a phone when I learnt to drive (shows my age) but these days phones and other distractions exist. I want every road user to make it home safely at the end of the day to be with their loved ones!
You are stuck on a deserted island, what three things do you take with you?
I’m the type of person to take everything but the kitchen sink with me wherever I go, so this is hard!
1 – My family (is that one thing?)
2 – Water
3 – Chocolate, I love chocolate!
Where is your favourite place to go on holiday and why?
A family farm near Cooks Beach in Whitianga, Coromandel. I enjoy going there with family to spend time in the fresh air, mingling with animals, walks along the beach and putting devices away. It’s a great way to de-stress and get out of fast paced Auckland for a while!
We are looking forward to working with Sandra, and you will be hearing more from her over the coming months, especially if you live in the upper north island!