Get to know Nikita from the Otago AA District Council.
This week we chatted to Nikita from the Otago AA District Council. She is based in Dunedin and has come along to some of our workshops before, and she also came along to our Dunedin conference as one of our facilitators. So, we thought it was time to introduce her to some more of you!
Tell us a bit about yourself Nikita...
I’m 20 years old and currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Otago University. In my spare time I enjoy performing country music and rallying.
So you are a part of the Otago AA district council, what exactly is this, and what sorts of things does the council do?
We are an advocacy council aligned with the Automotive Association. We advocate for all things to do with roading and motor safety.
How did you get involved with the council?
I grew up in motor racing and from that have gained a passion for roading safety. I was approached by the chairman to serve as a youth voice on the council. I spent just over a year as a cadet and then was elected as a counselor early 2020.
Now, you are fairly young to be involved in an AA District Council, how do you find being the youngest involved, and what advice might you have for other young people that want to be involved in similar types of things?
You’ve really just got to go for it. I found it a little daunting at first but I have taken so much away. My advice would be to take all the opportunities that become available. You might be surprised at what you can achieve and be a part of. Age is just a number and essentially this is our future so we need to be a part of the decisions being made.
Recently you came along to our SADD conference in Dunedin and it was so awesome to have you along to support the young people and help out our SADD staff team, how did you find it?
The SADD Conference was amazing. It was awesome to see how tuned in all of the students were. Thinking about the current issues that don’t just affect the people within their schools and friends but their surrounding communities also. They were such a passionate bunch and it was great to see the results and presentations at the end of the third day.
Okay…so imagine you are stuck on a desert island, what three things do you take with you?
Water, a hammock and my guitar probably!
Do you have any parting advice or take-away messages for young people involved in SADD that are reading this?
Just because you leave high school, doesn’t mean advocacy has to stop. Your voice is still appreciated and still needs to be heard. Don’t be afraid to take that next step to fight for what you believe in. This is our future and it’s yours too!
There are so many ways to contribute and continue making a difference in the road safety space in the years after you leave high school. If you ever get an opportunity to sit on a board or around a table for some kind of community group, we encourage you to take it up. Remember you have a voice, and our SADD team and community partners like Nikita are here to help you!