Savera Sidhu’s journey has never been a straight line. From finishing Year 12 and starting university early to discovering just how far karate could take her, each chapter has shaped the person she is becoming.
Karate became a defining part of Savera’s life. A 1st Dan Black Belt with more than 20 medals, she represented New Zealand at the Asia Pacific Shitoryu Karatedo Championships in Singapore, placing fifth. She was building towards a competitive future when a knee injury brought that pathway to an unexpected end. Although she had to step away from competitive karate, the resilience, discipline and determination it gave her did not stop there.
Savera channelled that energy into something new, founding Bright Start, a youth wellbeing initiative created to help young people feel supported, heard and confident. Since then, Bright Start has reached more than 350 rangatahi through workshops, created a 15 page educator toolkit and gathered more than 1,200 signatures through a petition calling for preventative mental health support in primary schools.
Her work has also led her into youth focused initiatives including the 5Rights Youth Council and Girl Rising, where she has contributed to conversations around young people, education and technology.
Now studying Psychology and Criminology at the University of Auckland, Savera is continuing to explore where her experiences, interests and ambitions can take her next.
What began as a change in direction became a new beginning. For Savera, the path forward is not about replacing what was lost, but building something meaningful from everything that came before.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the episode come together!