After more than 30 vehicle related offences Hohepa Tearakohurupaora Pairama came to Whanganui for a fresh start.
But on Tuesday Pairama appeared in the Whanganui District Court for three new charges.
He pleaded guilty to a breach of community work, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and refusing to give a blood sample.
Judge Dugald Matheson said pinching a car and failing to do a blood test was not a good look for someone starting out on a new life in Whanganui.
"You have a history of stealing and altering cars for ages and you have an appalling history for dishonesty.
"But there has been a break since 2014 until these current charges," Judge Matheson said.
Pairama was convicted and remanded to appear in court on September 18.
Judge Matheson advised Pairama to complete his community work before his sentencing.