With the support of our community at Te Pā Pori, Te Ariki has turned his life around.
Te Ariki tell us his story, including how important our Tory Street transitional housing site, Te Pā Pori, has been for him and his whānau.
“I had quite a rough upbringing. My family was in a gang, and at age nine, when I should have been playing at the park like other kids, I was already getting involved in a gang lifestyle. When other kids were getting pats on the back, I was being turned into a weapon. In my mind I wasn’t loved, so I had nothing to lose.”
As I grew up, gang life became normal, I got heavily into meth addiction, and I had a very angry side. Jail became my second home, and when I wasn’t there I was pretty much homeless and surfing couches. That’s a lonely experience, and it’s hard to start believing in yourself.”
Last year my partner, Constance, and I had our baby girl, Jasmine. I went to rehab to change my life while they were staying with Constance’s parents. After I got sober, it was a struggle to find accommodation for myself. Then I found The Mission, and Te Pā Pori. They had open arms for me from the get-go. Being welcomed like that is a good feeling for anyone who’s been having it rough.”
They have a lot of good opportunities here at Te Pā Pori – programmes like counselling, financial mentoring, and the men’s group. Pretty quickly I started being a mentor for the younger guys, because lots of us were brought up in a similar way. It was cool to be able to lead some of our morning ‘Whakaaro’ sessions too. One of my topics was about respecting this place and taking accountability for your actions. You’ve got to be willing to do the work and get the help you need. I liked helping others start to believe in themselves, although hearing people saying positive things about me did take some getting used to!”
Being able to have Constance and Jasmine spend time with me here meant a lot to us, and they felt like they belonged too. That just shows how much love is here. And whenever I’ve had setbacks, everyone’s shown me that I’m not alone anymore, which has always helped get me back on track.’
With the Mission’s support, last month I moved into my own house – just me for now. They still help our family out through shops at the Social Supermarket, and I get counselling at Te Pā Pori as I figure out my new routine and become more independent. I am what I am used to, so it is a struggle for me to make all the right decisions every day. But so long as I surround myself with positive people I’m able to manage my anger and addictions. Most importantly, Constance has seen the change in me, and my purpose in life is being a good dad.”
A massive thanks to everyone for accepting me into Te Pā Pori, for making good things happen for me, and showing love to me and my family. I speak on behalf of all of us in saying that people who are supporting the Mission have good hearts, and we are grateful. I don’t know how else I can thank you – except for offering to mow your lawns, or give you some paua, because I can definitely arrange that!”
