Choosing a better path: Hawkes Bay youth hopeful for future
Published: June 19, 2025
A young man in the Hawkes Bay credits the help of social services, including support from Oranga Tamariki, in helping him to build a more positive future.
In 2024, 17-year-old *Josh was in a tough spot, troubled by drugs and alcohol.
His difficulties reached a point where the substance abuse plaguing him meant he lost his license, and consequently his job, and he found himself in the hands of the Police.
We became involved, by way of a Family Group Conference (FCG). For Josh, this became a vital chance to redirect himself toward better decision-making.
A turning point in Josh's life
It was at Josh’s first FGC that he was asked to make a decision about what he was willing to do to better himself.
He signalled the Outward Bound programme could be beneficial, and with the help of some of our Youth Justice staff, he was able to secure a spot.
The programme was a huge success for Josh, and served as a crucial point to help him turn his life around.
On completion of the programme, he wrote to Oranga Tamariki to express his gratitude.
He said:
I want to sincerely thank you for your support in helping me attend Outward Bound. It was an unforgettable experience that pushed me to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity—it’s something I wouldn’t have been able to do without your help.
Your generosity has made a real difference in my life.
Josh, 17-years-old
A show of real determination
Josh’s attitude and drive to better himself is something that Youth Justice Services and Residential Care Coordinator Mike O’Malley says showed great self-reflection and self-understanding.
Mike has worked for Oranga Tamariki for more than 43 years, with 20 of those as a Youth Justice Coordinator.
“I’ve been a part of more than 1000 FGCs, and Josh really stood out as a young man with potential,” said Mike.
He said it was important to recognise when a young person was able to take on a challenge, and he felt with Josh that he had the capability to turn things around.
For Josh to show up like he did is really uplifting and inspirational. It demonstrates that regardless of where you are in life, if you tackle things in small bites, you can get there.
Mike O’Malley, Youth Justice Services and Residential Care Coordinator
Looking to the future
Josh’s life path has changed dramatically since 2024. He’s taken himself away from drugs and alcohol and he’s focused on his future.
"Lots of things are happening for Josh,” said Mike, referencing the work he had put into his education, and building physical skills at the Giants Boxing Academy in Hastings, where the focus is on structure and discipline.
And he’s on a steady path to success. Once lost and unsure about his future, he is now enlisted in the army, a path he once never thought possible.
* Josh's name has been changed to protect his privacy.
