How SADD Opens Doors: Turning Leadership Into Future Opportunities
Being part of Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD is about way more than just road safety. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of, developing real-world skills, and finding pathways that can take you wherever you want to go next.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s next after school, how to build your confidence, or how you could gain key skills to put on your CV, SADD is a great place to start. The experiences you gain - from leading projects and running events to working as a team and speaking up - all help you grow into the kind of leader, communicator, and problem-solver that employers, universities, and scholarship panels are looking for.
SADD is a launchpad for opportunity. Over 40 years, it has empowered thousands of young people across Aotearoa to step up, speak out, and create change. Students who start with a single workshop or event often find themselves taking on bigger challenges - from joining the National Leadership Programme to connecting their involvement with other youth programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. Every experience helps you build skills, confidence, and connections that last well beyond school.
From a Sticker to a National Leader
For Sophie Preston, her SADD journey began three years ago when a sticker at school caught her attention. What started as a simple interest quickly became something much more. She became the chairperson of her school’s SADD group at Kristin School and is now one of the SADD National Leaders for 2024/25.
As part of her involvement, Sophie used SADD to complete the service section of her Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, meeting requirements for both her Silver and Gold levels. She logged her hours through school meetings and community projects, and even completed her Gold Residential Project at the SADD Conference and NLP Hui - an experience that made her award journey both fun and meaningful.
Her time with SADD has helped her grow as a leader, gain confidence, and find her voice - all while making a positive difference for others.
Building Confidence and Skills That Stick
Deklin Frew-Parks knows how much youth programmes can shape your future. As a Sergeant in Hato Hone St John Youth and a Regional Leader for SADD, Deklin has combined two passions - responding in emergencies and preventing them through education and awareness.
Both roles have helped him develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills while building confidence to lead workshops and support his peers. His SADD involvement also contributed to achieving the Grand Prior’s Award, one of St John’s highest youth honours.
Deklin believes being part of more than one youth programme only creates more opportunities to grow and connect - and his journey is proof of how SADD can complement and enhance any path you take.
Real Skills, Real Impact
Every student joins SADD for their own reasons — maybe it’s an interest in road safety, a desire to make change, or just curiosity. But no matter how it starts, everyone walks away with something valuable.
Through SADD, you’ll build transferable skills that go far beyond the classroom:
Leadership – learning how to guide a group, organise events, and inspire others.
Communication – from public speaking to teamwork and sharing ideas.
Initiative and problem-solving – creating projects that tackle real issues.
Resilience and confidence – growing through experience and reflection.
These are exactly the qualities that employers, universities, and scholarship panels look for - and they belong on your CV.
SADD alumni often say their experiences have helped them stand out in job applications and interviews. Former National Leader and Youth Representative Tayla Hill, now studying Environmental Engineering at Waikato University, says her SADD involvement gave her valuable insight into how communities work and strengthened her confidence in leadership and collaboration - skills she uses every day.
A Pathway to Purpose
SADD is more than a programme - it’s a launchpad for your future. The experiences you gain help you explore career paths, develop a sense of purpose, and connect with people who can open doors to new opportunities.
Many students have gone on to careers in health, education, policy, community development, and emergency services, where the skills they built through SADD continue to shine. The ability to lead, communicate, and think critically are all key to making a difference - and SADD gives you real experience doing just that.
So whether you’re earning your Duke of Ed, running a campaign, or representing your school at a SADD event, you’re building the kind of experience that shapes your future. Every hour, every idea, and every conversation counts.
Your SADD journey might start small - but it could lead you anywhere.
Need a hand connecting the dots?
Our team is here to help you recognise and communicate the skills you’ve gained through SADD - and how they can help you in your next steps. Whether you’re updating your CV, working towards your Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, or exploring career or study pathways, we can support you in showing the incredible value of everything you’ve achieved through SADD. Check out our helpful Pathways and Opportunities webpage or reach out to our team to learn more.