Tell us about yourself
I was born and lived in Rakanui, near Kawhia, in a tin house with no power and candles. I’ve been to many schools around Te Kuiti. Now I live in Hamilton. I would like to write a book and a poem to let people know what I’m talking about.
What did you hope to get from participating in the storytelling workshop?
My passion is for people to know what I’m doing and the things I’m doing in my life and my family’s life. I’ve got nieces and nephews and they call me uncle and they ask me what I’m doing and I tell them. When you asked “Do you want to make a story?”, I said “Yeah!”.
Why did you choose this particular story to tell?
Because when I was a baby, my mum bore me first but my auntie’s baby was sick... after that, the next day her baby died. What the Maori spirit can do is not very nice.
How have you changed as a result of telling and making your story?
I’m quite happy with it and proud of it. I want my family to know what I’m doing. I’ve shown it to staff and they liked it. This is the first time I’ve done something like this, told a story. It’s good for me when people understand what I’m talking about. I hope people understand what I’m saying.
How do you think this experience will impact your journey?
It took a long time for me to change my life and do something different. I’ve never done anything like that [the workshop] before. I love making stories.
