Youth Voice on Track: Deklin Speaks at Rail Safety Week Launch

On Monday 11 August, one of our Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based Regional Leaders, Deklin Frew-Parks, took the stage at the official launch of Rail Safety Week 2025—an event hosted at Parliament by TrackSAFE’s Megan Drayton.

Mark McCallum-Unwin (SADD Delivery and Engagement Team Leader), Megan Drayton (TrackSAFE) and Deklin Frew-Parks (SADD Regional Leader)

Deklin was in great company, joining a line-up of inspiring speakers including Peter Jackson, Megan Drayton, Peter Reidy, Her Worship Adrienne Wilcock, and the Rt Hon Winston Peters.

Rail Safety Week is all about reminding us that the choices we make near railways matter. The message is simple but powerful: “Stay Off, Stay Safe.” Over the past 18 years, TrackSAFE has been working tirelessly to change attitudes, save lives, and keep people safe around our 3,800km of track. Their efforts have made a real difference, with rail corridor deaths steadily declining.

For Deklin, this opportunity was a natural fit. He’s been involved in community service from a young age—especially through his mahi with Hato Hone St John—and has a real passion for road and rail safety. Speaking on behalf of Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD, Deklin shared the importance of youth voice and peer-to-peer education, outlined key rail safety facts, and celebrated the Community Rail Safety Awards.

He delivered his kōrero with skill, weaving in important messages in a way that was clear, engaging, and inspiring. We’re so proud to see youth leaders like Deklin representing our kaupapa and showing the power of young voices in creating safer communities.

"It's not every day that you get asked to speak at Parliament. I found the experience—nervousness and all—an amazing event to be part of. I enjoyed getting up and speaking to the 300+ people in the room about something I am passionate about. Being able to meet and shake hands with Winston Peters- the Minister for Rail, Peter Reidy- the CEO of KiwiRail, and a few more important VIPs at the event was a highlight. I spoke about how every year preventable accidents happen around the tracks, and how SADD is helping to make sure that peer-to-peer education about rail safety is a must. Together as a team we can make sure that #tracksarefortrains—stay off, stay safe."
— Deklin Frew-Parks

Rt Hon. Winston Peters and Deklin Frew-Parks

Deklin delivering his speech

A big thank you to Megan Drayton, TrackSAFE, and KiwiRail for all the mahi you do in this space, and for inviting Kaitiaki o Ara/SADD along to such an amazing event.

Click here to check out Deklin’s full speech.

Ngā mihi!