Ben Parua 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 a powerful force for good- helping others walk away from the life he once lived.

And 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.

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