February 2018: Zeb Irvine, 15, today speaks of the goals he wants to achieve and what career he is working towards – a complete turnaround from three months ago.
After leaving school, he was referred to Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa paeārahi, Sarndra Mear who worked with him through his plan.
We went to see her because I couldn’t get back into school and the track I was going down wasn’t good,” Zeb (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu) says.
“She was really easy to talk to and get along with, wasn’t judgemental.”
“Now I’ve been able to set goals and am doing better. I’ve gotten onto an automotive course and eventually I want to be a diesel fitter. I’ve just been shown options that I didn’t think I could do.”
His father Clinton Irvine says it’s been amazing seeing the positive change in his son.
“It was almost a lifesaver. We got to a point where we thought there was no other option out there for him.”
He was too young for this, too young for that and thought all the doors were shut. But now there’s a glimmer. It’s lit a spark of enthusiasm and he’s already achieved the goals he has set. He’s stopped smoking, he’s going to the gym, he’s getting fitter. He can now see the pathway he wants to be on,” Clinton says.
“It’s been awesome. We thought we lost him but he’s gone from a kid who goes out all the time to now being engaged in family activities. He says, ‘Hi Mum, how’s your day?
“We’ve seen that cloud lift and his life now is full of direction, hope and future.”
Why Te Arawa Whānau Ora Works
Te Arawa Whānau Ora has been successful because it ensures whānau are able to determine their own goals and are given positive support to achieve them. Te Arawa Whānau Ora will work with groups, whānau and individuals to support them to become successful.
Te Arawa Whānau Ora works because it puts whānau in the driver’s seat, they define their own goals and make their own decisions. Te Arawa Whānau Ora has helped thousands of whānau members over the last several years. If you would like to know more please contact us.
