Honest talk.

Sharing examples of the life-changing work we do is very special and a real privilege for us.

Recently, reintegration manager Anaru Baynes spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Papanui about the Navigate Initiative and the positive impact it has had on the men who have been part of the programme, as well as the social change it has created in our community.

He explained aspects of New Zealand’s problematic recidivism rate of 57 per 100 ending up back behind bars within two years and how the initiative run behind prison walls by our dedicated reintegration staff and volunteers were striving to change that.

Anaru shared the inspiring story of one of our Tū Ora, a Navigate Initiative graduate, who has left his previous life behind and turned himself around.

In a video shown on the day, Tama said he was only 18 when he was sentenced to seven years’ jail after the planned robbery of a tinny house, which turned out to be a family home, went wrong.

His offending started well before that when as a boy he was forced to steal in order to feed himself as he was too scared to go home after school.

That was as a result of the actions of his strict, alcoholic father who physically abused his wife and five children.

Tama, who grew up in South Auckland, said he was forced to fight to survive in prison among rapists and murderers. After two more stints in prison he’d had enough and wanted to change. He connected with Pathway, who he said didn’t care about his past, only his future.

That gave him the incentive, plan and determination to make positive change and not let himself or Pathway down.

Long story short, he has achieved just that after being released in 2019. Tama is now in full time employment, providing for his young family and has an inspirational outlook on life.

Pathway Trustee and club member Lois Flanagan said Anaru’s presentation really resonated with those in attendance, and many expressed a desire to help where they can.

It is outcomes like Tama’s and this kind of appreciation for what we do that gives us the belief in what we do and how we do it. We are there when people who have been written off need it most and always will be. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Papanui for hosting Anaru.