From Manslaughter to Māori Farmer of the Year: The Incredible Story Of Ben Purua

Ben Purua grew up surrounded by violence, addiction, gangs and trauma.

Then when he was fifteen, he was sentenced to five and a half years in jail for being an accomplice to a manslaughter of an elderly man.

It was while incarcerated at Waikeria prison in the central north Island that he got introduced to farming. A career that has changed his life and put him on a road to redemption.

Last year he was named Maori farmer of the year and was also a finalist for the Kiwi Bank New Zealander of the year. He is also a powerful force for good- helping others walk away from the life he once lived.

He is also a Tik-Toker with 82,000 followers- give him a follow at FarmUpNZ

This is a brutally honest conversation that some might find alarming. Some of the ground we cover includes:

+ His early years growing up around gangs.

+ His introduction to drugs while still at primary school

+ The night in 2011 which cost an elderly man his life

+ Reflections on his time in jail.

+ Rebuilding himself

+ His relationship with the brother of his victim.

+ The people who gave him a second chance.

+ What it's like to be judged forever by the public and so much more.

Ben speaks with unfiltered honesty about his past, not to glorify it, but to offer hope: proof that no matter how broken you are, it’s never too late to change.

This conversation is emotional. It’s uncomfortable at times. But it’s also uplifting, redemptive, and deeply human.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:54 Gang Influence and Upbringing 12:02 Introduction to Substance Use 18:05 Life-Changing Incident and Arrest 20:53 Life in Juvenile Detention & Transition to Prison 30:01 Rehabilitation and Farming Journey 55:52 The Journey of Release and Reflection 1:10:53 Forgiveness and Redemption 01:25:44 Building a New Life and Future 01:39:10 Advice for Those at Rock Bottom