Liam’s Journey:
One Move, New Beginnings
Liam Ratana-Lloyd (nō Te Ati Haunui-ā-Pāpārangi) hails from up the Whanganui River, Parikino, an upbringing grounded in whakapapa, whenua and whānau. When Liam finished up Year 13 at Te Kura
o Kokohuia in 2023, it was a big deal – not just for him, but for his whānau.
In his whānau, finishing school hasn’t always been something that happens. So even though it might seem like a small thing to some, for Liam, it was huge. It showed his determination to start carving out his own path.
While at kura, Liam worked at the local recycling centre on a casual contract, getting his first taste of earning pūtea for himself. That job gave him a sense of purpose and responsibility, and he continued working there even after graduating. But then when the job came to an end, life pushed
him to make a big decision.
In July 2024, he packed up and moved from Whanganui to New Plymouth. He would leave his friends, have no employment connections, and no guaranteed plan. He moved in with his sister, seeking something different: more opportunities, a new environment, and a fresh start.
It was a massive step outside his comfort zone, but it became the turning point. Not long after settling in, Liam joined the Hoki Mai ki Why Ora programme a kaupapa run by Why Ora with support from the Ministry of Social Development.
The programme is designed to support rangatahi who are disconnected from school, employment, or training to help them find sustainable employment.
Since then, Liam’s done nothing but grow. He’s added to his CV, attended wānanga, and stepped up as a volunteer helping out at our Why Ora Pūtaiao Expo (science exposure for Year 9 and 10 taiohi) and volunteering at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga.
These experiences were not only practical but deeply meaningful, allowing him to connect more with Te Ao Māori and develop confidence in who he is and who he’s becoming.
In a short time, Liam’s ticked off some huge milestones.
“I got my restricted license, bought my first car, landed full-time work at Taranaki Pine, and now I’m hoping to move into a trade and gain a qualification.
I feel heaps more confident in my future and I’m grateful for the support.“
– Liam
Most recently, Liam has been successful in gaining a building cadetship through He Toronga
Pakihi ki Taranaki with Lawrence Builders Ltd. A huge step in turning his aspirations into reality. Liam’s haerenga is about stepping into who he really is. It has had a real impact not just on him, but
on his whānau too.
He’s showing that change is possible. That small steps can lead to massive growth when you’ve got the right support, and the belief that you’re capable of more.
