What do you hope to achieve this year?

Joe | Te Tai Poutini

This year, Joe is focusing on balancing his dedication to helping others by reconnecting with his whānau and prioritising his own wellbeing.

“I get stuck in a bit of a loop, always concentrating on other people. I’m constantly helping others – training them, supporting them – but it gets to a point where you become so focused on that, you forget about yourself.

There aren’t many good role models in our community here on the West Coast, and there aren’t many people to bounce off. So, it’s really about finding those people, connecting with them, and rubbing shoulders with like-minded individuals.

I’m really excited about this year and what it’s going to bring. We have to step up another level now because we have students coming in. If you’re going to feed the students, you need to keep feeding yourself – mentally, physically, and emotionally – so you can continue to help, direct, and guide them.

I’m also focusing on reconnecting with my whānau. It feels like I’ve been prioritising everyone else and, in doing so, have unintentionally put my family on the back burner. This year, I want to spend more time with our mokopuna and our children, making them a bigger part of my everyday life.”