If you’ve been wondering whether Conference 2026 is for you — this is all the info you need.

WHO is it for?

Conference is for any secondary school-aged young person who:

Is an aspiring leader (even if you’re still figuring out what that looks like)
Wants to create positive change in your school and community
Cares about your mates and the culture you’re part of
Is part of a Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD group, or wants to know more about getting involved.

You don’t need to be head student. You don’t need years of experience. You just need to be willing to step up and get involved.

WHAT is Conference?

Conference is a three-day, residential, leadership camp.

It’s practical, interactive, and designed to help you build skills you can actually use back at school. Over the three days, you’ll take part in:

Hands-on leadership activities
Real conversations about youth road safety and peer culture
Creative challenges that turn ideas into action
Collaborative activities with students from across Aotearoa

You won’t just sit and listen. You’ll plan, create, problem-solve, and practice leading in a supportive environment.

By the end of the three days, you’ll walk away with clearer direction, stronger skills, and practical ideas ready to implement.

WHY should you come?

Because leadership doesn’t just happen — it’s built.

Conference gives you:

Confidence to speak up and take initiative
Tools to run effective activities and campaigns
Skills in communication, teamwork, and facilitation
A wider network of like-minded students
Momentum for the year ahead

Many students say Conference is the turning point in their SADD year — the moment things start to feel achievable instead of overwhelming. Plus it’s loads of fun and a great way to make new friends.

It’s about stepping up when it matters, standing out for the right reasons, and helping create a culture where people look out for each other.

WHERE and WHEN is it happening?

Conference 2026 will be held in:

📍 Dunedin
7–9 April 2026

📍 Cambridge
14–16 April 2026

Two locations. Same purpose. Same high-energy experience.

HOW can you take part?

Registrations are open now.

Head to the SADD website and register online. If cost is a barrier, funding support options are available to help make attendance possible.

Spots fill quickly each year — so if you’re ready to grow your leadership, connect with students from across the country, and return to your school ready to take action, now’s the time.

Conference 2026 is your opportunity to step up! We can’t wait to see you there.