Showing up in the Upper North
Over this term, SADD groups across the Upper North have been busy running Show Up campaign events, and what an incredible effort it has been! These events were all about encouraging safe choices, sparking conversations, and strengthening connections between rangatahi and their communities.
Whangārei: A Week of Showing Up
Whangārei was buzzing with energy during a full week of Show Up events, as three schools — Whangārei Girls’ High School, Te Kāmo High School, and Tauraroa Area School — each brought their own flair to the campaign. With the incredible backing of Whangārei District Council and Northland Police SCOs, students not only had a variety of engaging activities to enjoy but also the chance to connect directly with local leaders who care about their safety.
At Whangārei Girls’ High School, the day felt like a festival of learning and fun. Students tested their focus with fatal vision goggles, tackled obstacle courses, and challenged their friends in games like cornhole and quizzes. Between activities, students stopped by to reflect on What Would You Miss? — a reminder that road safety is about protecting the people and moments that matter most. With guidance and encouragement from Council staff and Police SCOs, the activities came alive, giving students a chance to see road safety from both a youth and community perspective. To add to the excitement, the group ran a lively bake sale fundraiser, proving that a sweet treat can also carry a serious message.
Over at Te Kāmo High School, the atmosphere was just as vibrant. Alongside the main activities, the SADD group took things one step further by visiting classrooms across the school. Supported by the Council and Police SCOs, they delivered short presentations and created space for students to ask questions and have one-on-one conversations with the Police. This collaboration made the sessions especially powerful, blending peer-to-peer leadership with professional insight. It was a fantastic way to make the learning more personal and impactful.
Meanwhile, Tauraroa Area School embraced the Show Up spirit with enthusiasm from start to finish. With the Council and Police SCOs backing them, the students jumped wholeheartedly into the activities, cheering each other on through obstacle courses, laughing through the impairment goggles challenges, and sparking important discussions along the way. The presence of community partners added weight to the fun, showing students that everyone — from their peers to their local leaders — has a role to play in safer journeys.
By the end of the week, it was easy to see the impact. Each school had shown up in their own way, and together, with the support of Council and Police, they created a wave of awareness and momentum across Whangārei.
Auckland: Schools Leading the Way
The momentum didn’t stop there. Down in Auckland, three schools brought their creativity and community spirit to the Show Up campaign.
At Rangitoto College, the SADD group pulled off a massive expo-style event with huge support from their community. Police (led by Tania Wansink and her patrol car), Fire and Emergency NZ (with a fire truck and gear), and Auckland Transport (AT) all brought interactive activities — from impairment goggles and cup stacking to cornhole challenges. Neighbourhood Support shared their Safer Plates initiative, while the students added their own flavour with a bake sale fundraiser. The event had it all: fun, learning, and fundraising rolled into one.
At Orewa College, the approach was more reflective but just as powerful. Senior Constable Paul Hayward from the Police Serious Crash Unit spoke to students about what happens when responding to and investigating serious crashes. His stories gave students a real insight into the realities of crash scenes. The session was raw, eye-opening, and deeply engaging — sparking questions and conversations that students will carry with them long after the event.
At Kristin School, the focus was on practical skills and community impact. Students organised a tyre-changing tutorial and even turned it into a video to share more widely across their school. They didn’t stop there — a car wash fundraiser gave them a chance to take the SADD message beyond their campus, raising awareness and funds while connecting with the wider community.
Kristin SADD Tyre Tutorial Video
Why It Matters
Across the Upper North, each event looked a little different, but the heart of the campaign stayed the same: showing up for each other, making safe choices, and spreading the message that road safety matters.
Whether it was through obstacle courses, fundraisers, presentations, or tutorials, every activity carried a reminder that our choices on the road affect more than just ourselves — they affect our whānau, friends, and wider community.
That’s what showing up is all about.