Endorsements

It is all well and good having facilitator’s tell the young men that they can change the course of their lives but it is far more meaningful coming from someone that has been where the young men have been. I have seen the young men’s faces light up in surprise when they connect with Reon’s story. It is often the first time that they have seen a heard/seen a genuine success story of someone who has spent time in prison, been in a gang and been addicted to substances. As facilitator’s it often feels as if having Reon come in and talk to the young men is giving them ‘proof’ that all the concepts we have been talking about can work for them.

With regards to programme concepts, Reon’s story brings them to life. In aligning the human needs/good lives model with Reon’s story it gives the boys a point of reference and emotional connection that develops their understanding of why they do what they do and how they might go about doing it differently. Reon’s success in sport, after being addicted to substances, gives the young men hope that they too can recover and excel in something that they are passionate about if they put their mind to it.

(Corrections Facilitator in the Community and the Prison)

Kia ora Dan,

I wanted to give my thoughts about the importance of Reon’s involvement in the Mauri Toa Rangatahi programme. Reons ability to engage in a meaningful, realistic and genuine way is demonstrated by his ability to build rapport and connect on a level some of us cannot through his story and journey to change. Many of the young men on the programme can relate to the struggles, trauma, stigma, dysfunction and behaviours Reon so openly discloses. His life story is something that speaks of hope and determination which many of the youth see as something that’s achievable where they can see some glimmer of their potential. 

Reon’s journey of change is something that took time having attended numerous programmes and not completing them, turning down the many people that tried to help but reinforcing that change is only possible when you are ready to make that commitment and open to receiving the help of others. It speaks of a system not willing to give up on a young person and seeing the lack of completion as a failure but more of a young person not being ready. Many youth on the programme found this a valuable part of the Mauri Toa Rangatahi programme, often reflecting at the end of the programme that something that stuck with them is Reon’s journey from an entrenched life of crime to being a top NZ cyclist. Reon is a role model a mentor and a person they can trust. I hope it is an aspect of the programme that continues.

Nga Mihi.

(Former Corrections Facilitator now a cultural Advisor for Corrections programmes)

Tena koe Dan,

I would like to give you my reflection on the value of Reon Nolan’s contribution to the Mauri Toa Rangatahi programme both in terms of the effect this has on the participants themselves but also on the Corrections facilitators and myself.

I have been to a number of Mihi Whakatau processes, Mihi Whakamutunga processes and have had the opportunity to observe Reon’s work ‘in the moment’ when he is interacting with young offenders and staff members. Reon’s korero never comes across as having been pre-prepared or fitting a model of ‘best practise’. His words come from the heart and this is evident to all that hear Reon speak. Often Reon’s conversational flow is interrupted by the passion in which he believes that he has a role to play in assisting young men to make the best of their lives. Reon’s first-hand experience of overcoming a horrific childhood and young adulthood has moments of success but he also reflects on the times he has lapsed and how this didn’t make him a person without hope. Reon also talks about the importance of the young men needing to speak support and accept the support when it is on offer. Reon’s words resonate with the young men as many of the experiences that Reon has had the young men in the group are experiencing, if not exactly the same issues, issues that have common ground with where Reon has journeyed. Reon is also able to reflect to the young men that they can take or leave his offer of support but he is there for them unconditionally.

In terms of the Corrections staff, Reon’s first contribution is to demonstrate to the staff that someone who was a prolific offender has come out the other side and therefore their role as a facilitator has purpose. While Reon supports the participants unconditionally he also demonstrates a willingness to get alongside the facilitator’s and present some work that supports the kaupapa of the Mauri Toa Rangatahi programme. In my role of the manager of the Mauri Toa Rangatahi programme, I identify Reon as a valuable additional support that supports the idea of supporting offenders in a holistic manner. I appreciate Reon’s ability to operate outside the boundaries of a statutory organisation and his ability to give me feedback as to how the Mauri Toa Rangatahi programme can be added to with the purpose of improving the service to youth offenders.

(Principal Facilitator for Mauri Toa Rangatahi- in other words manager of programmes in the community)