Sonny's Journey to Giving Back

When Sonny came to DCM for an interview, he didn’t think he’d get the job. "I thought no one would want to hire a Māori guy who's had a rough life and can't even speak properly,” he says. But Sonny was hired as a Kaiāwhina (a support worker with lived experience), and he says he hasn’t looked back since. 

“Being a Kaiāwhina, for me, was about supporting our Kaimahi (at DCM, these are staff that directly support whānau) in any way I could. I also think having Kaiāwhina here is a really big part of connecting with our whānau,” Sonny explains. Now, as a Kaimahi, Sonny has taken on more responsibility, and it’s a role he’s proud of. “It inspires me to be a positive reflection of DCM, both to our whānau and to the other people in the community that we come across.” 

Sonny’s lived experience is at the heart of his mahi (work). “I lived through a lot of what our whānau are experiencing. I’ve been on that side of the fence, and that’s why I find it quite easy to engage with them. The life experience I have is important here.” 

Sonny is also proud that his journey might inspire others. “I love seeing whānau here that knew me before, when things were tough. They see me now, settled and working, and are happy for me. I think it gives them hope to see someone like them doing well."

Despite this, Sonny stays humble about his role. “I don’t like attention or recognition. That’s not why I’m here. Sometimes, I don’t feel like I deserve to be told that I'm doing a good job. I am here to do this mahi to make up for all the things in my life that I am not proud of. Giving back by working here feels good, like it’s my time to do the right thing.” 

Reflecting on the opportunity DCM gave him, Sonny says, “Lived experience isn't a requirement to work here, but it is valued and is represented throughout, from our Kaiāwhina to some of our senior staff and leadership team. I think DCM is willing to give people a shot, whereas other places would make judgements based on a person’s past and not hire them. They don't judge; but see lived experience as something worthwhile.” 

Sonny also highlights the importance of DCM’s services, from Toro Atu (outreach) to Te Hāpai. “Our outreach team is so important for Wellington. We have so many whānau out there that just can’t be reached any other way. But we go out there every day and try to connect with as many people as we can. Our Te Hāpai space gets people off the street, and they can have coffee and kai and connection with the staff here.” 

Sometimes, it’s the small things that matter most. “Something as simple as seeing one of our whānau and saying hello might feel little to us, but it could be something big to them. It could be the only positive contact they have in a day,” Sonny says. 

For Sonny, this mahi has changed his outlook on life. “Now, I see a brighter future for me, just by working here, believe it or not,” he says.