Our team’s 2024 highlights

As 2024 comes to a close, we wanted to share some input from the people who help make Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD NZ what it is—our dedicated team. From memorable highlights to what we're grateful for this Christmas, and even our key road safety tips, this blog gives you a peek into the people behind our organisation.

Whether it’s looking back on big wins or looking ahead to exciting opportunities, our team remains passionate about empowering youth to create safer roads for everyone. And with summer just around the corner, we’re sharing some important reminders to help everyone stay safe this holiday season.

2024 Highlights: A Year to Remember

Sandra, Community Road Safety Lead:
"Working with my Alternative Education ākonga. I have run road user behaviour sessions twice per term and at the end of the year we had a fun day outdoors with NZ Police and the Community Transport Team from Auckland Transport. I was then invited to attend one of the providers' end of year graduation. It was amazing to see how far many of these young people have come, to see them celebrate their successes amongst supportive communities.”

Kerry, Upper North Programme Delivery Lead:
"Participating in the Northland Hatea Heroes Loop Walk, where all the road safety organisations in Northland came together. Seeing the community, schools, and road safety champions unite for such a fun and meaningful event was incredibly inspiring.”

Mark, Delivery and Engagement Team Leader:
"Conferences! Whilst they always require a bit of hard work, they are so rewarding! We had heaps of fun this year and did some really cool stuff as well as a new activity called "skill quest". It's always such a buzz, being around incredible young people who want to make a difference.”

Sophie, Team Administrator:
"A personal highlight for me was buying my own house! Professionally, attending our Team Hui and the NLP in Wellington. Starting this job was also a big highlight!”

Bobbi, Lower North Programme Delivery Lead:
"The Wellington Moped and Motorcycle Safety workshops - this was a fantastic showcase of how multiple organisations can collaborate to make a positive change. Conferences and NLP hui are always my favourites too! So much fun.”

Vic, Operations Manager:
"Welcoming new members to the SADD team and witnessing the growth and development within each team member has been a huge highlight.  We are a team who does so well to connect together despite working remotely from each other most of the time and it is such a privilege to witness how everyone supports and boosts up each other"

Donna, General Manager:
"My highlight is not one thing, it is the culmination of all the planning, preparation, training, and collective efforts of the SADD team, students, partners that goes into creating workshops, activities, social content, messaging, campaigns to empower our rangatahi/youth to reduce road trauma in their communities.”

Lauren Robinson, South Island Delivery Lead:
"Starting this PDL role and learning about all the amazing, important work that SADD is involved in.”

What are we grateful for this holiday season?

What are we most looking forward to in 2025?

Sandra:
"I’m looking forward to expanding CRSP into Waikato and the Central North Island with our new staff member."

Kerry:
"2025 is packed with opportunities—I can’t wait to work on creative projects and connect more with rangatahi and partners."

Mark:
"I’m excited about my new role and all the opportunities it brings. I can’t wait to see what next year’s SADD groups achieve!"

Sophie:
"Professionally, I’m excited for my first SADD Conference. Personally, I’m hoping for a quieter year to focus on goals."

Lauren:
"I’m excited for Term One Workshops and connecting with students across Te Waipounamu (South Island)."

Bobbi:
"I can’t wait to see the Māori advisory rōpū grow, conference in a new location, and personally- Waka Ama Nationals and my band opening for Troy Kingi!"

Vic:
"I’m excited to celebrate SADD’s 40th anniversary—what an epic milestone! And experience the fun of conference and events."

Donna:
"I look forward to continuing the fantastic mahi that we do, working with my amazing team, enjoying each day as a gift to celebrate and helping our communities to make our roads safer to get around our beautiful country"

Our key messages for people on the road this summer

Wrapping Up 2024

From all of us at Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD NZ, thank you for being part of our journey this year. Whether you joined us at events, followed our campaigns, or shared our messages, you’ve played a role in making our roads safer.

Drive safe, enjoy your summer, and let’s make 2025 another year of positive change.

See you next year!