Gang members in New Zealand are finding hope and healing through a unique rehabilitation program offered by the Grace Foundation. The program, which brings together rival gang members, aims to help them leave lives of crime behind and embark on a transformative journey.
Many released prisoners often find themselves returning to the same people and circumstances that led to their criminal behavior, leading to a cycle of reoffending. The Grace Foundation is reaching out to those who are often considered unreachable.
The program supports over 500 released prisoners, primarily gang members or gang-affiliated, in homes and apartments across Tāmaki Makaurau. What sets the Grace Foundation apart is its inclusive approach, welcoming individuals from different gang affiliations and fostering unity and change.
One of the remarkable aspects of the program is its focus on reconnecting participants with their Māori roots and embracing the Māori worldview, known as Te Ao Māori. Many individuals seeking rehabilitation through this program come from violent and unstable backgrounds and are in search of love and a sense of belonging.
Hone Tukariri and his wife Hazel are examples of individuals who have benefited from the program. Hone grew up in a gang and found solace in it, while Hazel experienced poverty and her father’s involvement in drug dealing. Their upbringings lacked stability and a nurturing environment.
Dave Letele Snr, a former gang member himself, established the Grace Foundation with his late daughter Vicky 18 years ago. The foundation offers an alternative path to redemption, accommodation, and hope.
Hone and Hazel, as well as other participants like Shane Kanara and Mel Williams, have found support and transformation through the Grace Foundation. The program’s improved Te Ao Māori program, guided by Te Reretai Hauiti, aims to reconnect participants with their Māori heritage and strengthen their understanding of identity. Participants also have the opportunity to visit Panguru, a remote rural community, and experience traditional Māori culture.
The Grace Foundation’s holistic approach, combined with the supportive environment, has led to success stories. Some participants have contemplated leaving their gang affiliations, finding fulfillment and purpose in their new way of life. Families like the Tukariris aim to break the cycle of generational gang involvement, with their eldest daughter graduating with a law degree and playing a crucial role in keeping the family together.
The program’s focus on embracing Māori values and culture has proven to be transformative, restoring individuals’ prestige and providing them with the necessary support. The Grace Foundation is making a significant impact on the lives of gang members, showing that redemption and change are possible for those who may have been deemed beyond saving.
