After losing his wife to breast cancer, Dave’s* life spiralled out of control. A long-time gang member, he cut ties with the gang but found himself still in a world of drugs and violence.

Dave ended up in Spring Hill Corrections Facility before joining the Tai Aroha Residential Programme in 2021. Tai Aroha is a 16-week violence prevention programme for men, offering a therapeutic community that incorporates tikanga and kaupapa Māori.

Dave excelled at Tai Aroha. He was committed to getting his life on track and was seen as a leader by the other men on the programme.

At this time, Regional Volunteer Coordinator Kelly contacted the team at Tai Aroha to see if they were interested in having volunteers deliver te reo lessons to the men. Dave took up this opportunity and commenced lessons with tutors Paul and Rachel.

It was through this that Kelly got talking with Reintegration Coordinator Wayne about what support is offered to the men when they leave Tai Aroha.

“One of the things Wayne spoke about was how he aims to get the men into employment, but this can be tricky at times,” says Kelly.

This led Kelly to reach out to J&R Contracting Waikato Manager Leo and asked if he would be interested in working with Wayne to give some of the Tai Aroha men work experience.

“I took Dave to meet Leo and he offered him a casual contract. I talk to Dave three or four times a week to see how he’s going. I think the supportive people he works with, has had a hugely positive impact on him,” says Wayne.

After only a month, Leo was so impressed with Dave’s commitment that he offered him a full-time permanent job.

“At J&R we have values – safety, honesty, attitude, care and quality. After a month I saw Dave has those values, and he role models them to the other guys as well. He is a big asset to J&R,” says Leo.

Dave has been working at the directional drilling company since October 2022, and he is loving his job. He is often the first one on site each morning, ensuring everything is in tip-top shape for the day ahead.

“First thing in the morning, I check out all the vehicles. I check all the trailers first and make sure nothing is loose and they’re safe to go on the road. If anything needs fixing, I’ll fix it,” says Dave.

“It’s quite a big responsibility, and I’ve been given a lot of trust. That makes me feel like I’m on the right track and doing the right thing.”

Dave also runs the storerooms, keeping track of all stock and equipment. “If anyone needs equipment like plate compactors, wackers, concrete saws, anything like that, they have to come and see me.”

With the help of Kim from the NZ Howard League, Dave got his full driver’s licence, and in the same week he obtained his forklift, wheels, tracks and rollers endorsements. He will sit his Class 2 and possibly Class 4 licences later this year.

Things have fallen into place for Dave; he’s completed his sentence, is close with his family, and has his own apartment. He’s also the proud owner of a Nissan Skyline he purchased with money he saved while at Tai Aroha.

“Things are going really well at the moment,” says Dave. “I don’t miss my life in the Mob. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received along the way.”

Earlier this year, a morning tea was held at J&R Contracting to celebrate the collaboration and, most of all, Dave’s success.

J&R Contracting managers, Tai Aroha Reintegration Coordinator Wayne, Te Reo Tutors Paul and Rachel, Kim from the NZ Howard League, Probation Officer Rangi and Regional Volunteer Coordinator Kelly were all in attendance.

“The day was about celebrating Dave and how he has achieved so much with the support of everyone who was in the room,” says Kelly.

* Not his actual name