Learning to drive, gaining independence

Learning to drive, gaining independence

Ko Maunga Tapu toku maunga.

Ko Maitahi Toku awa.
Ko Aorere toku moana.
Ko Tainui Toku waka.
Ko ngati koata, ngati kuia, ngati toa rangatira oku iwi.
Ko whakatu toku marae.
Ko kakati toku whare tupuna.
Ko Tysxun Aiolupotea toku ingoa.

Kia ora. My name is Tysxun Aiolupotea and I was born and raised in Nelson. I am 19 years old and have lived here my whole life and I am of Samoan Māori descent.

I play basketball for the Nelson Giants and have hopes of becoming a full-time professional athlete. To do this, I have set a range of goals, and try my best to achieve them every day. As a young athlete, I have been blessed with having mentors who support me to achieve my goals. Through basketball, I hope to give back to the younger rangatahi and support them where I can.

Being a young male Māori in Nelson has given me the opportunity to connect with my culture. My iwi are also from this region meaning I have had the privilege to be able to connect with the land, and people.

By gaining my restricted driver licence, I can now drive my car to and from training and work without any hassle. Through Te Piki Oranga’s He Tangata programme, I was able to get the support I needed in order to gain my restricted driver's licence. I just want to say a huge thank you to Emani who mentored me into doing so.

Kia ora.

Read more about He Tangata here.