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!

Savera Sidhu&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;m really looking forward to seeing the episode come together!

Gen Z Stars, hosted by Sonal Sharma, is a podcast created to shine a spotlight on the incredible young people making their mark across New Zealand.

From sports and music to arts, culture, education, entrepreneurship and other fields of expertise, the podcast gives Gen Z talent an opportunity to share their journey, achievements, challenges and dreams.

There are so many talented young people living in New Zealand whose stories are inspiring, motivating and worth celebrating. Yet, many of these young achievers rarely receive attention because their journeys don’t always make it into mainstream news.

That’s where Gen Z Stars comes in.

Through this podcast, Tarana will connect with young New Zealanders who are doing remarkable things — giving them a platform to tell their own stories, share their experiences and inspire others from their generation.

Hosted by Sonal Sharma, each episode will go beyond the achievements to discover the person behind the talent — their passion, determination, struggles, successes and what motivates them to keep chasing their goals.

Whether they are rising stars in sport, creative artists, performers, young entrepreneurs, academic achievers or simply young people making a positive difference in their communities, Gen Z Stars is about celebrating their voices and showing that extraordinary talent can be found everywhere.

Because every young person has a story — and Tarana wants to help share those stories with New Zealand.

 Gen Z Stars with Sonal Sharma — celebrating the next generation of talent, one inspiring story at a time.

Gen Z Stars, hosted by&nbsp;Sonal Sharma, is a podcast created to shine a spotlight on the incredible young people making their mark across New Zealand.
From&nbsp;sports and music to arts, culture, education, entrepreneurship and other fields of expertise, the podcast gives Gen Z talent an opportunity to share their journey, achievements, challenges and dreams.
There are so many talented young people living in New Zealand whose stories are inspiring, motivating and worth celebrating. Yet, many of these young achievers rarely receive attention because their journeys don&rsquo;t always make it into mainstream news.
That&rsquo;s where&nbsp;Gen Z Stars&nbsp;comes in.
Through this podcast,&nbsp;Tarana&nbsp;will connect with young New Zealanders who are doing remarkable things &mdash; giving them a platform to tell their own stories, share their experiences and inspire others from their generation.
Hosted by Sonal Sharma, each episode will go beyond the achievements to discover the&nbsp;person behind the talent&nbsp;&mdash; their passion, determination, struggles, successes and what motivates them to keep chasing their goals.
Whether they are rising stars in sport, creative artists, performers, young entrepreneurs, academic achievers or simply young people making a positive difference in their communities,&nbsp;Gen Z Stars&nbsp;is about celebrating their voices and showing that extraordinary talent can be found everywhere.
Because every young person has a story &mdash; and&nbsp;Tarana wants to help share those stories with New Zealand.
&nbsp;Gen Z Stars with Sonal Sharma &mdash; celebrating the next generation of talent, one inspiring story at a time.