January/February Edition

Kia ora SADD whānau,

We’re a couple of weeks into Term 1 already, and we hope the year has started well in your kura and communities. As everyone settles back into routines for 2026, it’s a great time to refocus on the positive impact we can make together. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and the role of students, educators, and community partners working alongside one another is what makes the SADD network so powerful.

We’ve got an exciting term ahead. Our Term 1 workshops are kicking off this week, offering practical tools, fresh ideas, and opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about empowering young people to lead road safety in their schools. We’re also gearing up for our annual conference season, which is always a highlight of the year - an inspiring space to strengthen leadership, share ideas, and build momentum for the months ahead.

In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll find key dates, workshop details, and everything you need to know about Conference. Whether you’re supporting student leaders, planning activities, or mapping out your 2026 goals, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Check out all the details below, and as always, take care and stay safe on the roads. 🚗

Monthly Theme: Distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest risk factors on our roads, and they’re often the most underestimated. When we think about distraction, phones usually come to mind first. But distractions can also include loud passengers, changing music, eating, daydreaming, or anything else that takes our eyes, hands, or mind off the road.

There are three main types of distraction:

• Visual – taking your eyes off the road

• Manual – taking your hands off the wheel

• Cognitive – taking your mind off driving

Even a few seconds of inattention can have serious consequences. At 100km/h, looking at your phone for just two seconds means travelling the length of a rugby field without properly watching the road.

As SADD groups, this is a powerful topic to explore in your schools. You might run a quick awareness activity, share facts in assembly notices, create a social media campaign, or challenge your peers to commit to distraction-free driving. Small reminders can make a big difference. Keep an eye on our socials throughout February as we share info and ideas on this theme.

Let’s work together to keep our roads safer by staying focused, alert, and fully present every time we’re behind the wheel or riding as a passenger.

Delivery leads are hitting the road for term 1!

Our delivery team are buzzing to get out and about this term, connecting with schools and SADD groups right across the motu. We’re looking forward to meeting with young people and having meaningful kōrero about how they can get involved with SADD to raise awareness and advocate for youth road safety in Aotearoa.

Our Term 1 workshops are a great opportunity for students to meet their local SADD Delivery Lead, connect with likeminded rangatahi from other schools in their area, and learn more about how SADD can support their ideas and initiatives.

Students can secure their spot at a Term 1 workshop by visiting http://sadd.org.nz/events and registering through the online form, or by getting in touch directly with the relevant staff member.

We’re keen to connect with as many young people as possible, so if you can’t find a date, time, or location that works for you, please reach out. You can find the SADD team member for your region on our website at http://sadd.org.nz/contact-us .

Finally, make sure you’re following SADD on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to stay up to date with what’s happening — we regularly share helpful resources, updates, and inspiration from SADD groups around the country.

Register now for Conference!

Excitement is building - our 2026 SADD Conferences are just around the corner! These events are the highlight of the year for student leaders, bringing together passionate people from across the country to connect, learn, and be inspired.

📍 Dunedin
7–9 April 2026

📍 Cambridge
14–16 April 2026

At Conference, you’ll have the chance to:

• Build leadership skills through interactive workshops and activities

• Learn about road safety and how you can lead the change

• Meet new friends and make lifelong connections

• Bring new energy and inspiration back to your school or community

Registrations are open now! Head to www.sadd.org.nz/conference to secure your spot. We’re also accepting applications for funding support for those who might need a little help getting there.

Whether you’re a seasoned SADD leader or new to the movement, Conference is the perfect opportunity to grow, connect, and make 2026 your most impactful year yet. We can’t wait to see you there!

Introducing Zara to the Māori advisory rōpū

He mihi nui ki a Zara Greaney. Nau mai, haere mai ki te rōpū!

We’re excited to welcome Zara to the Kaitiaki o Ara / SADD leadership team. With a passion for kapa haka and all things sport, she brings strong leadership and new energy to the role. We can’t wait to see what unfolds for MAR this year!

Iwi: Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
School: Havelock North High School
Year Level: Year 12

“This rōpū is by Māori and for Māori. To protect our people from becoming another statistic and give them a longer life. Road safety is vital, too many rangatahi I know and hear about are losing their lives too soon to something that is preventable. People need to be educated, a te ao Māori response can go a long way for Māori.”

Do you know some rangatahi who would love the opportunity to make a difference for Māori on our roads while growing their leadership skills? Applications for the Māori Advisory Rōpū are now open!

Check out our events page of our website for all the key dates to pop in your 2026 calendars! There are loads of Term 1 workshops locked in that are featured on this page so check it out to see when we are coming to a location near you!

If you can’t find an event in your town then just let us know - we might have something planned or we could set up an extra event in order to connect with you!

We have an extra-long list of generous people to thank for donations over the last two months!

LD from Warkworth, SR, MB, LB, LG, HR & RF from Auckland, JA from Ramarama, ZS from Waipukurau, TC & KL from Wellington, YJ & MM from Nelson, HA from Prebbleton, EC from Christchurch and TT from Australia

We also have a special thanks to Forest View High School, who held a mufti day in Term 3 to raise funds and awareness for road safety! If you or your school are interested in having a mufti day, please get in touch. We love hearing from you.

A massive thanks to all who think of us or donate to SADD/Kaitiaki o Ara!

Kerry Campbell (Upper North Island) email or call 022 319 6101
Melanie Wallace (Central North Island) email or call 027 239 6610
Bobbi Hutchinson (Lower North Island) email or call 021 761 649
Mark McCallum-Unwin (Christchurch Area) email or call 027 451 1253
Lauren Robinson (South Island) email or call 021 624 198