Check out the Long Story Short. Awesome individuals sharing their experiences in care and learn how they take on life.

Please be aware these stories cover subjects that are personal and sensitive. They may bring up some thoughts and feelings for you. This is normal and it’s okay to ask for help.

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Tupua

The unique thing about culture is that it’s not limited to a certain place… Culture is in you so you can change from home to home but you know where you belong.

Renee

I needed to be the difference. Rather than just talk about it I needed to be part of that change. It sparked something in me.

Manuel

When I went back to my family it was kind of like I died and came back again… it’s like you’re a new part of the family. I’m just trying my best to fit in with everybody.

Sam

So I decided to analyse myself and realise what my trigger points were and how to actually be aware of everything and how to deal with everything. And that’s made it a lot better.

Mana

Once I was twelve I was Whāngai into their family, which is the equivalent to Maori adoption. With Whāngai you do keep all of the whakapapa, you do keep all of the ancestry and the history. So none of that stuff is lost.

Zak

Find something in your life. Find a person or a goal or an objective.. Something that gives your life meaning.

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Jesse

Keep your mind open to different opportunities and take those opportunities before it’s too late. Don’t let one thing stop you from doing everything else.

Eden

My Personal Advisor’s helping me get there. She’s been teaching me how to deal with things, how to get onto a different path, how to heal.

Roydon

Whatever you want to do when you get older, pick something you love, something you admire, something that inspires you.

Nabil

You’re just in a good space (at church). I feel like I don’t need to be different. I can just be myself.

Shine

They had to say to me “Shine, you can just do your own thing. You don’t have to worry, we’re here now.”

Tahirah

Have a goal… It’s really helpful for me at least. Just having it there. It’s a really strong thing.