Leadership, Friendship and Big Ideas: Inside Our National Leadership Hui

From 13–15 July, SADD's Year 13 National Leaders came together in Wellington for their final in-person hui before completing the programme at the end of the year.

This hui is always a bittersweet one. While it's exciting to have everyone back together, sharing ideas and reconnecting, it's also a reminder that this incredible group is nearing the end of their National Leader journey. As always, they made the most of every moment, bringing huge amounts of energy, creativity and dedication throughout the three days.

One of the biggest highlights was welcoming our new Year 12 National Leaders into the programme. Our Year 13 leaders did an amazing job making them feel included, sharing their experiences and helping them feel part of the SADD whānau from day one.

The group also had the opportunity to present to some of SADD's valued community partners, speaking about the road safety issues that matter most to young people and the difference youth-led initiatives can make. They then showcased the progress of their individual projects, receiving valuable feedback to help shape their ideas before launching them later this term.

The SADD team was incredibly impressed by the passion, leadership and innovation on display throughout the hui. We can't wait to see these projects come to life over Term 3 and the positive impact they'll have in communities across Aotearoa.

Check out what some of our National Leaders had to say about the experience below!

Indyanna:

Duck island ice cream is the best

Jaeger: 

The flower has already blossomed but it’ll bloom again. 

This National Leadership Programme Hui has been an amazing experience, the friendships and things we get to experience are things that will stick with me for life. What I won’t miss is going to sleep at 2am each night. It’s mandatory. 

Charlotte:

Loves it! So much fun had a blast spending the past few days with my amazing co-national leaders 💕💕💕 

Corban:

This NLP event has been an extremely worthwhile event, I’ve learned a lot about being more professional, getting work done on time, and networking. It’s been a lot of fun full of hilarious moments with my NLP matcha loving family and I would recommend this to literally everyone. Thank you SADD. 

Lauren:

Thank you NLP! Applying for NLP in 2025 was possibly the best decision I made. From planning and creating my project, to meeting some of my now favourite people, SADD has really shaped my last years of school in the best way. Yr13 Wellington hui was the best way to end off my NLP journey. I loved both the professional settings, like the community partner networking, to the social events, like bowing and willis lane. Being a national leader and coming to this final hui has definitely been a highlight for me !! 

Sean:

I am incredibly blessed to be a national leader and it wasn’t just due to the title, but also the many opportunities to connect with partners, my fellow national leaders who I consider friends for life, and the free food (jokes!). My favourite time was learning how to be an advocate for youth, failing at bowling, and sharing many laughs with my besties for life. I wholeheartedly recommend anyone from anywhere to apply and be the next generation of change. 

Rebecca:

The National Leadership team has given me opportunities of a lifetime and friends that will last a lifetime. This experience has been one of the most fulfilling of my life and honesty I couldn’t recommend it enough. Thank you to the saddies for being so amazing and I love you all xx

Bella:

Honestly, where do I begin? I am beyond grateful for this awesome opportunity!

This whole NLP experience was a 10/10, would absolutely recommend to anyone! I am walking away with a heart so full. I’ve made lifelong friends who I know will be in my life for years to come, we shared so many incredible moments together, and the food was seriously amazing!

I also want to say a massive, heartfelt thank you to Lauren. She is hands down the best, did so much work making this leadership experience happen, and guided me through the whole thing so seamlessl

Thank you to everyone who put their time and energy into organising this. I'm leaving with unforgettable memories, new skills, and a beautiful community of friends. ❤️ 

Kenisha:

A highlight from the SADD National Leadership Programme hui was presenting my project, Know Before You Drive: The Young Driver Legal Survival Guide. It was exciting to share the idea and hear everyone's thoughts, feedback and encouragement for my project. I also enjoyed hearing everyone's projects and seeing the different ways we are all working towards improving road safety. Presenting my project gave me confidence in my work and reminded me how important it is to make legal and road safety information accessible and relevant for young people. 

Abbygail:

The NLP hui was amazing and thoughtfully planned out like always!! Being able to meet staff and other leaders within the country is so beneficial. These events have been highlights in my year, joining like minded people with a goal to achieve a positive impact is really powerful and creates such a positive environment. Had an absolutely amazing time!! I met lifelong friends through this programme who uplift me  and better me as a person. 

Jayda:

When I say I have a SADD event people ask me why it’s sad… but really it’s the complete opposite! Seeing the SADD fam after nearly a year was definitely the best part of NLP hui and spending time with everyone made it SO MUCH FUN. On the second night we met a Mexican guy called Andreas who let us wear his sombrero hats which was pretty funny, and then he told us to rate his restaurant (I didn’t even buy anything but gave him the five star cause we love Andreas).