Leading the Way: Thea’s Journey with SADD NZ
For Thea Betts, being part of Kaitiaki o Ara SADD has been a transformative experience. As a National Leader in 2023/2024, she has developed her leadership skills, contributed to national road safety campaigns, and connected with passionate students across New Zealand.
Her journey with SADD has not only helped shape her as a leader but has also reinforced her passion for making a tangible difference. Now, she’s sharing her insights on the different opportunities and experiences on offer with SADD to inspire others to step up, get involved, and create a safer future for all road users. Read on to discover her journey!
Conference
Students Against Dangerous Driving’s (SADD) annual conference is a key event designed to engage high school students in road safety discussions across New Zealand. Held over three days in Dunedin, Auckland, and Wellington, the conference brings together hundreds of passionate students committed to changing behaviours and attitudes toward road safety.
This event provides an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with like-minded peers, enhance their leadership skills, and learn how to run an effective and sustainable Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD program in their schools.
Website
One of the most useful resources available to SADD students is the SADD NZ website. A standout feature is the Activities & Resource Hub, designed to help students brainstorm ideas and plan activities for their school SADD groups. The hub categorises resources into different types of activities, including creative arts projects, interactive games, challenges, and problem-solving exercises, allowing students to tailor activities to their specific school or community needs.
The website also offers downloadable resources such as advisory notices, posters, and other materials to raise awareness about road safety issues. For students interested in driver education, SADD provides a Driver Education Package, which includes online learning tools, quizzes, and activities to support students through their licensing journey.
Another valuable feature is the website’s blog, which shares up-to-date information and resources. A notable resource is the interactive video The After Party, which allows viewers to make choices in various driving scenarios and see the consequences of their decisions. These tools help students effectively plan and implement impactful road safety initiatives in their schools and communities.
National Leadership Program (NLP)
As a student participating in the SADD NZ National Leadership Programme (NLP), I have found it to be an incredibly rewarding and valuable experience. The program has opened up opportunities for me to develop leadership skills and make a real impact on road safety across New Zealand. One of the most exciting aspects of being a National Leader is the chance to work on projects that create meaningful change.
It is empowering to know that our voices are heard and that we play a role in shaping the future of SADD. We contribute ideas and media for new campaigns, resources, and initiatives that reach young people nationwide. The networking opportunities have also been incredible. Working with like-minded youth from across New Zealand has helped me build lasting connections that will extend beyond my time in the program. These relationships have enriched my personal growth and strengthened my collaboration and communication skills.
One of the highlights of the NLP is attending training workshops during the school holidays. These sessions are intense but incredibly informative, equipping us with the knowledge and skills to be effective advocates for road safety. As National Leaders, we also have the important responsibility of representing young people at a national level. Advocating for youth who are committed to preventing road tragedies is both challenging and deeply rewarding. This role has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a leader and public speaker.
Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of being a National Leader is knowing that our efforts are making a real difference. By contributing to SADD’s mission to promote road safety among New Zealand’s youth, we are potentially saving lives and creating a safer future for all road users.
I feel beyond honoured to have been involved with SADD NZ over the last couple of years! This experience has greatly enhanced my networking and coordination skills, and I have grown so much as a person within the National Leader role. I would truly encourage anyone to get involved and help make a tangible difference on New Zealand roads.
Thea Betts – NLP 2023-24