Shared Goals, Greater Impact
At Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD, we believe that collaboration is key to building safer communities and empowering young people to thrive. By pooling resources, expertise, and knowledge, individuals and organisations can achieve shared goals and create a stronger, more unified impact. In the realm of road safety education, this collaborative spirit is essential to fostering a culture of responsibility and care on our roads.
The Challenge: Keeping Young Road Users Safe
Traffic incidents remain a leading cause of harm for young people aged 15–24 in Aotearoa. This age group is particularly vulnerable due to their ongoing physical and mental development, coupled with limited driving experience. Young people need guidance and support to build the knowledge and confidence required to make safe decisions on the road.
At Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD, our mission is to empower rangatahi to prevent loss on our roads. We focus on educating and inspiring young road users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike—to make good decisions and develop personal strategies for road safety. By fostering a peer-to-peer influence model, we help youth lead the way in creating safer communities and shaping attitudes and behaviors that save lives.
The Power of Collaboration
Collaboration sits at the heart of our work. In 2021, we launched the Youth Road Safety Forum (YRSF) to bring together organisations delivering road safety education to young people aged 13–19. We recognized that while many fantastic initiatives were already happening, opportunities for greater impact were often missed due to a lack of communication and coordination between different organisations.
The YRSF bridges this gap by fostering a space where partners can:
Share information about road safety activities, events, and resources.
Reduce duplication of efforts while maximizing the reach and effectiveness of their work.
Design and deliver consistent, evidence-based road safety education for youth.
Collaborate on innovative resources and strategies to promote a culture of road safety.
This partnership-based approach strengthens the collective impact of road safety initiatives, aligning efforts to achieve our shared vision: safer roads for all.
Where it began - the initial planning session of the YRSF
Outcomes That Matter
Since its inception, the YRSF has delivered tangible benefits for both its members and the communities they serve:
Shared Expertise: Organisations within the forum support one another’s work, enhancing the reach and quality of road safety education.
Clear Pathways for Youth: Young people gain access to comprehensive services and resources to help them become confident, responsible road users.
National Alignment: By promoting good practice and consistent messaging, the forum contributes to achieving national road safety goals.
Elevating the Youth Voice
Youth leadership has always been central to our kaupapa. In 2025, we’ll be strengthening youth representation on the forum. This will ensure that rangatahi not only benefit from road safety education but also shape its direction. Their insights and experiences will guide our collective efforts, making road safety education more relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
The road to safer communities is a shared journey. By working together, we can build a road safety culture that saves lives and supports young people to thrive. Watch this space for updates on how youth can get involved in the YRSF in 2025—your voice matters, and your contributions can make a lasting difference.
Together, let’s empower rangatahi to lead the charge toward a future where everyone arrives safely.