Dad gives up gangs to take on education

Mr Tahere enrolled in an agricultural and farm maintenance certificate at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Tokoroa. Photo / Supplied

Former gang member and father of nine Don Tahere has turned his life towards education as an example to his children.

Raised and living in Tokoroa, Mr Tahere decided enough was enough after a long affiliation with crime and gang life.

"What changed me was my kids. I saw them going down the same track as me.

"I grew up in a gang background because of my father. If I didn't do something, they would have made the same old circle."

He said he closed his mechanic business and enrolled in an agricultural and farm maintenance certificate at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Tokoroa.

"I had to make the change ... I've got to be their big role model."

Mr Tahere is now an assistant teacher for the agricultural certificate after impressing his tutor, Wayne Tonks, last year.

His five eldest children enrolled with him last year, marking a big change for the whole family.

"I'm done with [gang life] now. Even my kids, they're all done with it. We threw it all away to make better lives.

"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."

Four of the five children completed the qualification with their father and are now either employed or have gone on to higher education.

Mr Tahere's son, Blaze, did not quite finish the qualification but is working now and hopes to return to study to become a vet.

Mr Tahere himself is now studying a social sciences qualification with Te Wananga o Aotearoa, while tutoring at Waiariki, to learn more about working with at-risk children.

"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."

Mr Tahere said he would like to continue on as a tutor, which he is enjoying.

"You are never too old to change."