Reevaluating My Childhood: The Life of a 'Poor Māori Boy'

How My Identity Was Wrapped Up in Being a “Poor Māori Boy”

Growing Up Thinking We Had “Nothing”

“We grew up not having much.”

That’s what I used to say. But looking back now, I realise we actually had plenty.

What even is “a lot,” anyway?

We had clean running water. Hot showers. A roof over our heads. Never missed a meal. Never got evicted. Didn’t have to work weekends. We played sports, travelled for tournaments, went to parties. By all accounts, we had a bloody good upbringing.

We weren’t rich. Mum was a teacher, Dad was a truck driver. Hard-working, salt-of-the-earth, blue-collar grafters raising five kids together (nine total for Dad, but that’s another story). They gave us everything we needed.

So where did this “we had nothing” story even come from? Looking back, it feels ungrateful—and honestly, a bit shameful.

The Café Story

Here’s one that sticks with me.

My wife (then girlfriend) and I were sitting in a bougie café in Takapuna. Nice spot, but I felt completely out of place.

My head was spinning with thoughts like:

• “People are judging me.”

• “They know I’m poor.”

• “I don’t belong here.”

Absolute nonsense. Looking back, no one gave a sh*t. People are too busy with their own lives to notice me. We’re all the main characters in our own story.

But in that moment, those old beliefs made me feel small.

From West & East Auckland to the Shore

Maybe it came from growing up in West and East Auckland—places not exactly known for being “flash.”

Then I joined the Navy and moved to the North Shore. Overnight, I was surrounded by wealth. From lower socio-economic to one of the richest suburbs in the country. That contrast got in my head.

I thought all I was, was a “poor Māori boy” who grew up with F-all. That became my identity. And yeah, that was dumb.

The Problem With Limiting Beliefs

Here’s the point:

Limiting beliefs are sneaky. Sometimes you don’t even realise you’ve got them.

Things like:

• “I’m bad with money.”

• “I’ll always be poor.”

• “I don’t belong here.”

Whatever the story is, you’ve got to stop and ask: Why do I believe this?

Because here’s the truth: you’ll never be wealthy (or fit, or confident, or whatever your goal is) if you don’t first believe it’s possible.

Rewriting the Story

These days, I choose a different belief: I’m the MF man.

Whether it’s true or not isn’t the point. The point is that when I believe it, I act like it. And that changes everything—from money to fitness to relationships.

Your beliefs either build your life or box you in.

A Question for You

So here’s my challenge:

• What stories are you telling yourself?

• Where did they come from?

• Are they even true?

Wake up to your potential. Challenge the BS beliefs. Write new ones.

Let’s get it.

✌️ Peace