SADD Stories: Brooke McGhie on SADD, Leadership, and Road Safety

Recently, Mark interviewed National Leader Brooke McGhie to learn more about her journey with SADD and her passion for road safety. As Head Girl of Orewa College and a committed footballer, Brooke is someone who brings energy and leadership to everything she does—whether she’s on the field, in the classroom, or speaking up for safer roads. In this Q&A, Brooke shares what being a National Leader means to her, her experience at the Road Safety Week launch, and why she believes more young people should get involved in this important kaupapa.

Hi Brooke! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi my name is Brooke McGhie and I am a national leader for SADD, as well as being Head Girl for my Kura Orewa College. If I’m not reading or at school, I will likely be on the football field playing and training. 

How long have you been a part of SADD and what is your role within SADD?

I joined SADD in year 10 where I silently joined the meetings and let the seniors take charge. When I became a senior, I knew I could be the change that my community needed so I became more vocal in my school’s SADD group and in year 12 I applied to become a national leader and I got the privilege to be a part of SADD at a national level. Throughout year 12 and 13 I’ve been actively doing my National Leader duties and have been loving it. 

What does road safety mean to you?

To me, road safety is more than just rules or regulations, it’s about protecting lives and empowering young people to make choices that reflect care for themselves and their communities. Through SADD, I’ve learned that when we choose to be active participants in the conversation, we can build a culture where safe decisions become second nature, not just for ourselves, but for everyone on the road.

What did you/your group get up to for Road Safety Week?

We made a post for our social media page where we gathered as a group, discussed events for this term, made posters to put up around our school. Our social media post talked about the importance of Road Safety Week, which connected to heaps of people to our school. 

Why do you think people should get involved in Road Safety Week?

Because it is such an important and active issue in our everyday lives. People have to commute to work, schools and to get everyday needs. These people are just living don’t deserve to be impacted by the dangers of road users. If more people get involved, the more awareness we can spread. Seeing the impacts of dangerous driving and why we have to be road safe can lead to people making safer decisions. 

How did you come across the opportunity to attend the Road Safety Week launch?

As a National Leader for SADD, I’m fortunate to be regularly connected with events and opportunities that align with our mission. When the invitation to attend the Road Safety Week launch was shared through the SADD network, I knew straight away that I wanted to be involved.

What was it like attending and what was your role at the launch?

I thought that it was so cool to network and meet a group of adults with the same mission: to combat road safety issues. It was very informative and seeing the drive from the companies like BECA and Waka Kotahi made me more passionate about promoting road safety. 

What was your favorite part about attending?

I really enjoyed the interactive games such as the driving simulator and wearing the drunk goggles however my favorite part of the launch was being able to be the youth’s voice for SADD and explain the importance of SADD. Being able to represent SADD on a national stage and contribute to such an important kaupapa made me feel proud, inspired, and more motivated than ever to keep advocating for change in my own community.

Were you nervous about going?

I was really nervous because there was going to be a bunch of adults attending the launch and being a highschool student I thought they would not take me seriously But I reminded myself why I was there: to be a voice for young people and to contribute to something bigger than myself. And everyone there was so comforting and lovely. 

What would you say to someone who was thinking about getting involved in SADD/youth road safety advocacy?

I would say, just do it! It is such a good way to get involved in your community!  SADD gives you the tools, support, and platform to turn your ideas into action, and to be part of a nationwide movement that’s genuinely saving lives. You don’t need to have all the answers, just a willingness to learn, lead, and be brave enough to believe you can make a difference.

Big shoutout to Brooke for sharing her journey and passion with us in this blog interview! Her energy and commitment to road safety is seriously inspiring. Brooke also recently had the opportunity to feature in a ThreeNews feature about distracted driving! Check that out here.