Before I started with Rukuhia Te Mahi, I was a single mama of two tamariki trying to find enough mahi to get by and pay for everyday life. I didn’t really know what direction to take or where to go for support. Life was stressful, but I just took it one day at a time and did what I could for my whānau.

While completing the course at Rukuhia Te Mahi, I was working part-time as a caregiver and also as a cleaner at Pak’nSave. The programme gave me guidance, support, and opportunities that helped me see a pathway forward.

Today, I have a full-time job thanks to Rukuhia Te Mahi and the placement opportunity at Te Tohu O Te Ora O Ngāti Awa. I feel grateful to be in a role where I can support other whānau who are going through difficult times. Being able to provide awhi to those in need and having whānau trust us enough to welcome us into their lives and homes is something I find incredibly rewarding.

Looking back at where I started and where I am now, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about what the future holds.

One of my greatest achievements has been securing full-time employment in a role where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others. I am proud of the personal growth I have experienced, the confidence I have built, and the resilience I have developed throughout this journey.

Completing my studies, gaining qualifications, showing up consistently, and continuing to push through challenges are milestones I am incredibly proud of. Every step has contributed to where I am today, and each achievement reminds me of how much I am capable of when I believe in myself and stay committed to my goals.

Rukuhia Te Mahi has continued to support me long after I finished the programme. They helped me enrol in my Manaaki Tāngata, Certificate in Bicultural Social Services (Level 4) and supported me with equipment and transport so I could successfully complete the course.

Their support didn’t stop there. They stood beside me throughout my studies, encouraged me when things got tough, and were a big part of my support network when preparing for job interviews. With their guidance and belief in me, I was able to achieve my qualification and secure employment.

What means the most to me is that they were always there on my hardest days. When I felt like giving up, when I cried, when I complained, and when I doubted myself, they never gave up on me. They continued to encourage me, remind me of my goals, and help me keep moving forward.

Even today, they are still there for me. Knowing I have that ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement has given me confidence in myself and in my future. Rukuhia Te Mahi has been more than a programme to me, they have been a genuine support system that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

The biggest change I’ve noticed in myself is my confidence and belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Before, I would often doubt myself and question whether I was capable, but now I know that I can overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

I still have moments where I slip into that dark place and think, “I can’t do this” or “I want to quit.” The difference now is that I have the tools and support to change my mindset. Instead of giving up, I focus on the positives and remind myself why I started this journey in the first place.

The support from my fellow kaimahi, team leader, and managers has made a huge difference. Their encouragement and belief in me have helped me build resilience and confidence in my abilities. The training opportunities provided by the organisation have also helped me grow both personally and professionally, giving me the skills and knowledge to do my job well.

This journey has not only changed me, but it has also had a positive impact on my whānau. They have seen me become more confident, determined, and focused on my goals. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about what I can achieve next.

My goal is to continue growing in my role as a Health Navigator and build my knowledge and experience so I can provide the best possible support to our whānau. I especially want to learn more about supporting children aged 0 to 5 years and their whānau, as this will help me strengthen the service I provide and increase my confidence in my mahi.

I’ve given myself at least five years to learn as much as I can, develop my skills, and gain a strong understanding of the work. I know there is always something new to learn, and I want to make the most of every opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

I also want to be someone who can support other kaimahi when they need help in their roles, just as others have supported me throughout my journey. Being able to share my knowledge, uplift others, and contribute to a strong team is something I aspire to.

For me, this journey is about continuing to learn, building my confidence, and making a positive difference for our whānau and community.

My message to anyone starting their journey is simple: keep going and keep trying. There will be days when things feel hard, when you doubt yourself, or when you feel like giving up. When that happens, talk to someone and reach out for support. One thing I’ve learned is that in this kind of mahi, you are never alone.

When I look back at where I was two years ago and compare it to where I am today, all I can say is wow. I am not the same person. I have grown in confidence, developed new skills, and achieved things I never thought were possible. I’m incredibly proud of myself and how far I’ve come.

I am also deeply grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way, especially Rukuhia Te Mahi, Te Tohu O Te Ora O Ngāti Awa, and my whānau. Their encouragement, belief, and support helped me get through the tough times and celebrate the successes.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: