The annual Kaitiaki o Ara SADD Hui is set to return for its third year to South Canterbury, marking a special milestone as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) in New Zealand.

Jointly hosted by South Canterbury Road Safety and Kaitiaki o Ara SADD, this year’s hui will take place on Friday June 13 at Fraser Park in Timaru. The event will bring together secondary school students from across the region, offering a platform for rangatahi to connect, collaborate, and amplify their voices on key road safety issues.

South Canterbury Road Safety Coordinator Lucy Mehrtens said the event will showcase a lineup of guest speakers and interactive workshops, but the focus is on the young people and how they drive this Kaupapa.

“The hui is designed to empower young people to lead the charge for safer driving behaviours in their schools and communities,” she said.

"It’s great to have student voice on road safety issues. Their perspectives and leadership are vital in creating a safer future on our roads.”

Kaitiaki o Ara SADD Delivery & Engagement Team Leader Mark McCullum-Unwin said this hui is an opportunity for rangitahi to be part of the solution of issues they think matters most.

“For 40 years, SADD has championed youth voice in road safety, and events like this show just how powerful that voice can be.

“Peer-to-peer, youth-led education is at the heart of what we do—young people inspiring and influencing each other is one of the most effective ways to create lasting change.

“South Canterbury Road Safety and our wider community partners support creates a strong wraparound network that enables young people to lead with confidence.”

In honour of four decades of youth-led advocacy, the 2024 hui will also celebrate SADD’s legacy in Aotearoa—recognising the past while looking ahead to future innovation and leadership in road safety.