From Gang Member To Successful Tutor And Role Model

Waiariki Institute of Technology

26 April 2012

From Gang Member To Successful Tutor And Role Model

Don Tahere is proof it’s never too late to turn your life around.

Just before he turned 50, Don enrolled on the Certificate in Agriculture and Farm Maintenance at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Tokoroa. He had closed down his mechanics shop after the overhead got too high, and he was looking for a useful trade to learn. His biggest motivation, however, was something much closer to his heart.

“What changed me was my kids. I saw them going down the same track as me. I had to make the change and that’s why I’m doing what I do now. I’ve gotta be their big role model.”

That undesirable track was gang related. Don and wife Debbie have nine children. The last thing he wanted was to watch their children, who range in age from 6 to 23, to follow in his footsteps.

“I’m not very proud of it. I’m done with it now. Even my kids, they’re all done with it. We threw it all away to make better lives.”

After making the decision to enrol at Waiariki, things changed rather quickly for the Tahere family. In fact, Don wasn’t the only one filling out Waiariki enrolment forms.

“I’ve got this thing with my kids: when they leave school they are not allowed to go on the benefit. They have to get a job or go to school. That’s always been my rule.”

The oldest five – Roi, Jessica, Werehana, Joseph and Blaze – joined their father in agriculture training. Four of them completed the qualification. Roi is now an apprentice at SWPE (South Waikato Precision Engineering Ltd) in Tokoroa, and Jess has gone to Tauranga to earn her bartending license (she wants to run a nightclub). Werehana and Joseph have continued their study at Waiariki in construction and engineering respectively. Blaze didn’t quite finish the qualification, but is working now and hopes to return to study to become a vet.

Even mum Debbie is keen to get on board this family education mission. She’d like to study chef training but will wait until their grandchild starts school.

Don’s attitude toward education and his commitment to studies were infectious. Unwittingly, he quickly became a role model to his classmates and caught the eye of agriculture tutor Wayne Tonks. Toward the end of the year, Wayne pulled him aside and suggested he apply for a position as tutorial assistant for Waiariki, which he did, albeit with some hesitation.

“To tell you the truth,” Don says, “when Wayne told me to apply for the job, I honestly didn’t think I’d get it. I’m glad I did apply for it.”

Wayne said he could see Don’s strong work ethic and, perhaps more importantly, his ability to connect with the students. Don says he’s just being himself.

“I can really see myself in a lot of the kids around here.”

With a busy work schedule and a large family to look after, one would think Don would relish in some down time. But it seems the study bug has bitten. Don is now studying social science courses online with another provider while still assistant teaching with Waiariki.

“I’m trying to further myself. With that degree I’ll be able to help people or children at risk. I was one of those naughty kids once upon a time. I want to be able to give back to the community I took so much from.”

ENDS

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