Tohi | Mt Roskill, Auckland 

“Have to be brave every day. Still being brave now. In a way this struggle that we live in is a headache in itself. See, that’s just us being brave alone.

The struggles of living in this poverty life. That’s not something that we want to live in, but it’s something that we’ve been offered. It’s a struggle. So, I see us as being brave every single day.

I grew up in South Auckland in Ōtara. I got mixed up in the gangs when I was over there. So, I sort of had an idea on the experience. It’s probably why I look like a good guy. I’ve done some bad things in my life, nothing to be proud of, but it was part of being brave. Being in jail, and not being able to support my kids, and loved ones and make them feel safe – that could only be done out here. That was the turning point, realising that you can’t really do much while you’re inside four walls. Just get my kids back on track and live life to the fullest. Positive. Positive living. The struggle is real. The struggle is real, but it’s the effort you put in that shows your real colours at the other side of the tunnel. It’s not what you’re doing now. It’s where you’re going. Keep trying. Never say never.

Gang life, it’s not what it’s all made up to be. They make it sound cool on TV and stuff, with the media and stuff. They play it out like it’s something awesome, but it’s not. I know. I’ve experienced it. I’ve been through it, and it’s not. Maybe if you’re built to withstand that kind of life, then yeah, it’s all for you, but if you’re not, then I suggest don’t even bother touching it.”