Today they have their own home with a bedroom each and life is looking up. Moana has started her first ever job, has got her driver’s license and her children are thriving at the Barnardos Early Learning Centre not far from home.

But a couple of months ago, things were different. They had moved to Auckland with Moana’s nan who needed specialist medical treatment. Moana was very close to her grandmother and was relieved to get away from the gang culture in her home town.

It was a new start and Nan was going to get better, but her condition suddenly deteriorated and she passed away.

Moana was devastated. On her own, she couldn’t afford the rent on the house they lived in, so they moved in with an Aunty. But Aunty already had seven people living in her three bedroom house. Kingston and Harmony had to sleep on the couch. Then they were kicked out and the young family found themselves on the street.

It looked like things couldn’t get much worse, but help was on the way.

Moana heard about the life-saving Te Korowai Mokopuna service, available through Barnardos Early Learning Centres in South Auckland. After a brief stint in emergency housing, Kaimanaki Whānau worker Susy organised a state house for them, and filled it with donated furniture from the local marae.

“Moana is really motivated to make the best possible life for her children, and just needs guidance as she is still young. She’s signed up to the child brain development course because she wants to be a great mum. She’s a very good, healthy cook which she learnt from Nan. She’s a very intelligent woman that can go far.” Susy explains.

Moana is well on her way thanks to this support. Five weeks into a six week employment course with WINZ, she got her first job and has career plans to be a beauty therapist. Keen to learn more about how to keep Kingston and Harmony safe and healthy, Moana also attends a Barnardos parenting programme.

Kingston and Harmony are also doing well at the Barnardos Early Learning centre they are attending. New routines, greater security and consistency in his home life mean that Kingston is making up lost ground on his speech and language and his behaviour is much improved.

Potential reignited