An interview with Tayla and Sterling
This week Mia was chatting with Tayla and Sterling about their experience at the conference for the New Zealand Institution of Driving Instructors. This is a yearly conference where Driving Instructors from New Zealand and other professionals come together for networking and self-development. Find out more in the interview below.
Mia: “What made you join the NZIDE conference and talk in front of all the Driving Instructors?”
Tayla: “I presented at the same conference last year for my year 13 National Leader project. I discovered NZIDE through my defensive driving instructor who overheard me speaking about SADD, and said if he could help me in any way he would. At the time he was the president of NZIDE and invited me to speak at their annual conference. I thought it would be a cool opportunity for the driving instructors to hear from a student that was just going through the driver licensing journey and a part of an organisation that is trying to promote safer roads through schools and social media.”
Sterling: “This conference provided another awesome opportunity to enlighten people on the mahi that SADD does!”
Mia: “How did the preparation go?”
Tayla: “I wanted to make sure the presentation was different from last year as I knew that some of the same people would be attending again. Having done the presentation last year definitely gave me an advantage on what to expect, in hindsight I would’ve liked to have had the presentation done a bit earlier but everything turned out well in the end.”
Sterling: “I think it went well. It was great to catch up with the SADD team and Peter before the conference to discuss what it would look like and what we could expect.”
Mia: “What were some challenges you faced before and during the conference?”
Tayla: “Mainly timing, being at university I am a lot busier than when I was at college. So making sure I was allowing myself enough time for study and preparation was a good challenge. However, on the day everything ran smoothly and I was very happy with the presentation.”
Sterling: “No real barriers for me - I was a bit sick so the coughing did make it awkward at times.”
Mia: “What would you like to achieve from here on now after your presentation? Is there any follow up work in the future”
Tayla: “I would love if SADD continues to be involved in the conferences, I think it’s a great opportunity to promote what we are doing and also provides other opportunities for us to work with other organisations that are out there trying to support young drivers.”
Sterling: “I’d like to sit down and discuss my report and presentation further with people from NZIDE who are keen to get a better understanding in regards to my report.”
Mia: “Would you encourage other SADD representatives to join the NZIDE conference and why?”
Tayla: “Yes definitely, especially if you're based in Christchurch as that is where the conference is being held next year! Personally I love public speaking and am also interested in hearing about things that are going on behind the scenes, whether that’s from Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), VTNZ testing sites or other support programs for youth. It’s an awesome chance to talk to instructors that have heard of or help and support SADD groups across NZ.”
Sterling: “Yes! It is a perfect opportunity to network, and to also gain a new perspective on the same issues that we are trying to prevent.”
Mia: “What was your highlight during the conference?”
Tayla: “Other than presenting with Sterling, it was awesome representing Kaitiaki o Ara and bringing up conversation about the organisation. It was also awesome seeing some of the instructors I met last year and those I met this year- hearing how much they enjoyed the presentation and that they love what Kaitiaki o Ara is doing. “
Sterling: “There was a presentation on working with neurodivergent students and how instructors can cater their work to people from any background - it was amazing! It's not something I would have originally thought about but it was so insightful - it was a great talk!”
Mia: “What other plans do you have for the future related to SADD?”
Tayla: “I hope to be involved in SADD for years to come. I love being a part of the organisation and representing it through connections I make as well as conferences I have the privilege of attending. I have no set plans other than being the Youth Representative on our Board, but I’m keeping an open mind for what could possibly come up.”
Sterling: “Big one! I'm not too sure yet, I just know I'd love to keep the mahi going!”
Thank you Tayla and Sterling for all the awesome mahi you do and your passion for making Aotearoa roads safer.
