Every Lesson Leaves A Legacy: How Abby Amplified Youth Voices At The NZIDE Conference
When SADD National Leader Abby sat down to interview a local driving instructor as part of her SADD National Leadership project, she didn't expect it to lead to a keynote stage. The driving instructor recognised the powerful potential of her youth perspective.
That casual conversation landed Abby a speaking slot at the New Zealand Institute of Driver Educators (NZIDE) Annual Conference, an opportunity to address the very people tasked with shaping the nation's newest drivers.
Driving instructors work predominantly with young people, yet the authentic voice of the student is too often missing from professional industry discussions. Abby set out to change that, choosing a topic rooted in deep personal reflection: the immense influence instructors hold over a young person's confidence and lifelong habits.
"I chose to speak about the importance they have on shaping the generations on our roads, including things they might have not heard before," Abby explains. "I wanted them to understand the influence that they carry... and how easily you can shape people's ideas about themselves."
Her message was fuelled by her early experiences behind the wheel, where constant negative criticism left her feeling anxious and ready to give up on driving altogether. By sharing those raw memories, she aimed to show instructors that technical instruction is only half the job.
"I wanted to reveal the impact that driving instructors have on people who are learning something new," she says. "Every driving lesson leaves a legacy."
Stepping into a room full of seasoned professionals can intimidate any young speaker. As the event drew closer, Abby admits the nerves began to build.
"In the car to the conference was when I was the most nervous," she remembers. "Until I got there, I then felt confident and had an enjoyable time. I realized that I could bring something raw to them from my experience that no one else could."
That vulnerability resonated instantly. The audience didn't just listen—they actively sought her out. Following her presentation, attendees followed her out the door to offer praise and continue the conversation.
The response proved that when young people are given a genuine platform, their insights carry immense weight.
"The response from the audience showed that youth voices are respected, valued, and essential for driving real change on our roads," Abby reflects. "When delivering my presentation, it proved to me that youth perspectives matter—we just need more platforms like this."
The impact of Abby’s message didn't end when the conference wrapped up. Shortly after the event, she received an email from an attendee who owns a nationwide commercial truck training company, inviting her to present her talk to his entire staff team.
For Abby, it’s proof that speaking up creates momentum. She strongly encourages other SADD representatives to seize similar opportunities whenever they arise.
"It is an incredible opportunity where youth voices are genuinely respected and taken seriously," she says. "Speaking allows young leaders to amplify SADD’s mission, build immense personal confidence, and prove that our perspectives matter."
Through her courage to share a difficult personal experience, Abby reminded an entire industry of a vital truth: teaching someone to drive isn't just about passing a test—it's about building the confidence that keeps them safe for a lifetime, It’s more than just a driving lesson.