Ex Tongan gang member sentenced to life at 16 | Petani Faavae 

If you would like to contact Petani feel free to email: pfaavae@outlook.com

Very intelligent, very wise, very well-spoken! Just started the video and can tell this man is a great spokesman for troubled youth struggling with possible trauma

i was there that night 😢 that was my toko that lost his life that night 😢all is forgiven petani... sadly life isnt always a fairy tales i know now your intentions weren't to hurt my toko ik god has blessed new on your path of redemption its or love toko hope you keep up the good work with the youth

I had the privilege of meeting this guy when I started at SHCF. By then, he had been released and I went along with my Team Leader to catch up with him and see how he was progressing in the community. I’ve worked with and spoken to many offenders and this guy is the only man I’ve known to present a sincere and genuine need for change. Having just met me him that day, I felt his remorse from across the table while eating fish and chips. I remember walking out in the middle of the convo because I could feel tears arising. I will say that from my one brief interaction with him, that he is one of the very few human beings, that I have met, who is the most wise and genuine soul and the best success story I know of, after incarceration. If you ever get the chance to meet him or be in his presence, you’ll know what I mean. I wish him the very best that life has to offer.

Mana was a friend of mine. When he died it bought all of the boys closer. We weren't innately violent, just all in the same boat - lost trying to fit in somewhere, looking for a place to belong. I never knew Petani I only knew what I saw in the news. It's awesome to see his reform. The man's done a 180 and turned his life right around. The root of our troubles as young polynesian men almost always start at home. It's nice to see that a lot of us now recognize this and don't want the same for our offspring. Mean interview and all the best to Petani and his family.

You took my toko's life many years ago now. Pain still raw! I have changed my ways too so its all in Gods hands now. All o can say may you find peace and dont let your heart be troubled. God bless you and your Aiga.

Brother for someone anyone to sit here and do a podcast on one take and explain not only clearly informative but extremely effective intelligent way is a talent and this speaks volumes of the type of person you are i can only see you doing great things for now on...God bless my bro ❤

One of the best true hard hitting interviews , should be shown to every 13 year old boy in nz and Aussie now with all this social media pressure and the consequences that can happen from it

this is so powerful. Thank you for giving this story a platform, Thank you Petani for sharing this story! That poem was a perfect outro. Supporting 180 all the way!!!

What a powerful interview. My brother has been in the same cycle of going in and out of prison since he was 16 years old and he also became a father at that age as well. Our family has tried to help him but he has relapsed every time. I have hope and I'm a very optimistic person, that he finds his own epiphany like Petani and chooses his change instead of seeking it through doing more drugs and involve more violence.

🙏🏾 God bless you Toko, thank you for sharing your journey with us man! Very Encouraging! Praise God ❤️

I grew up in Panama road late 80s early 90s it was the same then with gangs. God bless you brother and your family, also what you doing now with helping the youth. Much love bro! 🙏❤️

WOW! He articulated his thoughts and emotions so powerfully. Having grown up in that era and lifestyle, I can fully relate to his testimony. God continue to grant him wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you, May the eyes of his heart continue to open, continue to enlighten his understanding. Everyone watching who is seeking direction, love and acceptance will be touched by this testimony and will steer away from evil and go back to God where he has the solution to all things and exudes real love, peace, joy and happiness for us all.

Awesome stuff Doko, i grew up in Auckland till i was 18 then moved to brisbane im 39 now, i grew up around my uncles in the mongrel mob, and in auz ive met alot of ex prisoners and current patched gang members and what strikes me is how much of a kind nature deep down they all had, it always confused me that behind the tattoos and big scary exteriors how down to earth like 99% of them were. obviously like yourself sadly they made some bad life decisions, but its great to see you get too pay it back in some way mentoring the youth.. my father was Tongan and very violent im just glad i was shown love and how to express myself though my mother and other family. i still do feel emotionally hurt and i find it hard to deal with things in life, maybe if i had a different mother or i hung out with the wrong crowd i could see easily how it could have turned out different for me. Thanks Doko, i loved hearing you speak and talk about these things and how learning to express your feelings is healthy, i think theres alot of polynesian youth that will love learning from your life exp and how to healthily deal with emotions ❤️💪💪🔥

I respect that Petani raised the issue of excessive donations to "some" churches. Im not christian, but was helped raised by christians & buddhists who werent about money. It was true support, a cup of tea, a christmas present for me as a little kid. ❤

Regret for wasted time, is more wasted time.. Whether it was the worst of times or its to be the best of times, you right: living in the present is the time that counts the most.. Kia Kaha Brother..

Nga mihi for sharing your story Happy to hear you're now helping our youth through yr experiences to make good choices Many blessings to you & your whānau w your mahi Kia kaha

That era of gangs in NZ we’re ruthless not as glamorous as today. Clear line between civilians and gangstas.

Met him @ parenting course in otahu back in 2020..you've come a long way & congrats for all your efforts & determination to make moves & positive change for you & your family, keep up the good work & God will continue to bless your days💯

Malo toko good work and way to turn ur life around. Hope we can continue to work and help the next generation. Ofa atu moe lotu 🙏🏾

Man I’m 33 now living in oz. Originaly from Central/West AKL and let me tell you 04-07 man how many street gangs left right centre there were dropping locations on bebo, every crew making tracks and others clicking up with eachother 😂 man what a time airbrushed cartoon tees .. 09 home of the brave.

So moved by this interview! The problem of the heart was the heart of the problem 😩🥹🥹😭😭😭😭 your story relates so much to many island families and it takes alot of courage to sit there and speak from your heart coming from a large collective 🙏🏽 the poem had me BALLLING 😭 god has definitely not forgotten you toko! God bless you and your fanau 🇹🇴

Man is all truth, humble,can someone hug him for me.

Such a good interview. Thank you to you both!

Toks you've come a long way, Im inspired by your mentality.

Panama road was where I was born and raised till I was 5 then moved to Otara thank you for your story dox alofa atu all the best for the future Uso 🇹🇴🇼🇸💙❤️

True words spoken. Especially about giving money to the church. A lot of island families believe that giving money to the church will bring everlasting joy and happiness. All it serves to do is line the pockets of those in control of the church. Samoan and Tongan all have the same church model.

Mid 2000s was wild asf on the streets of Auckland. So many gangs forming across the city during that era.

Malo toko for your powerful testimony 🔥🤝 and blessing our young people with your Trust 🫡

"The problem of the heart, is the heart of the problem" - malo e ma'u koloa tokoua!

God bless you tokz. I appreciate the humility and transparency of your story. I hope this lands with the younger generation.

This was a really good interview man. 💯 God Bless u brother.

this doko is the man. the poem hits heavy. big respect.

Hello Mr Petani Faavae God Bless you your Family and your calling ministry of Restoring lost Souls for Our Lord Jesus Christ in his soon return.God Bless you Brother in Christ.🙏🙏🙏👍👍

Worked with him when he entered YJ North in 06, it was a very hectic time in the units when he entered. A very clever young person for his age and you could see the hurt n violence in his eyes. In 06 at YJ North we had all the Auckland gangs locked up in one location and seperated by affiliation. Basically a crip unit and a blood unit so to speak. Good bless u Petani.

I met petani when I was roughly 13-14yrs old (I'm now 31), I was in unit 4 at YJ north when he was there and he left to go mens jail just before I got out, Petani was the scariest most ruthless person I'd even seen at that age he scared the shit outta me I can't lie 😂 but to see him turn his life around like this is crazy, glad to see he made it out and kept his brain intact.

A great reflection toko.. they don't teach certain values for personal growth, development and how to apply meanings on a cognitive level you know now.. or to reflect and better ourselves repetitively ! ..there's a saying.. " Memories and Imagination can powerfully influence our development " ..blessings to you and those whom you share your story with Toko. Poem was deep

Oh wow they famous photos bebo days is where I remember seeing the photos and how young crews including rytz were on bebo😂...one of my fav interviews so far and the end made 😢😢....enjoyed this one💯

Good stuff bro. Straight away I can tell you have a good head on you. God bless you bro. Sorry you held that experience bro but fortunately you learnt to unpack and you taught me something. All the best keep being brave

Every Crip that's been through the system knows or has heard of SKAM. Respect for the 180 praise God

God Bless you Petani❤🙏 it takes Real strength and Courage to do what you are doing…… Thank you 🙏

This is beautiful.. the lessons from these words are amazing ❤

We all were just lil homies back then, when youth gangs were running rampant! A story of darkness where only a few are able to find the light. Bless

Crazy years those years. Some of us were lucky we managed to stay alive and leave that bs behind. I remember doing alt ed with you and some of your boys,we were from different sides but for some reason you were cool with me. That night in Avondale and knowing you in person really was one of the reasons I am a youth worker today. Always hoped you were doing well. Imagine how happy I was to come across this episode. How good!. Hope our paths cross again brother. God Bless you.

38:04 Amen bro. Great testimony. Keep fighting the good fight brother. God bless

RYTS the reason otahu became otablu for real. I remember Takawai complex at a time was literally a drive thru drug spot where there was like 5 drug shops running at the same time. Otahuhu never really gets mentioned but that place produces a lot of heavy hitters in the game.276.

41:28 Poem By Petani Faavae I took a leap of faith cos prison ain’t my destiny I study my reflection as I question my identity Will I have the courage confronting what’s inside Or will I isolate in silence cos it’s easier to hide I can’t escape the judgement, so I’m constantly rejected But I can’t give up on freedom if my family’s still neglected, if my prison ain’t in jail, have freedom ain’t release The walls of my emotions incarcerate my peace I learnt about my triggers, my childhood full of shame Searching for significance, cos I never felt the same I cannot blame my father for my current status quo Cos this father couldn’t teach him what his father didn’t know Today I am forgiven, a choice I chose to make I refuse to keep on living, defined by my mistakes I’m grateful and I’m confident, since I swore my oath To be a better person and contribute to growth Adversity builds character But for me it’s just begun I’m doing this for freedom, and the future of my son ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I think of a number of men in my life walking these same steps you write about in this poem. Isolation. Bonds of fear of rejection if emotions are expressed; Shame; Silence. A lot to take in. Awed. Thank you for sharing your heart and this powerful poem through this podcast. “The problem of the heart is the heart of the problem.”

What a poem …deep

I met SKAM in 2015. Good toko. Played against him in the league games when he played for the academy. Had all the geez playing Misi tuali Lokal kalea and many more. Good brother very humble. Told us after every league game that us being able to play league inside is how we got one up on the system. God bless u faavae.

This is the best one I've seen yet far yeah he was a real violent guy but has made massive change in his life

Good on you bro, you have come a long way!! Keep up the good work

Gotta go to otahuhu next for your hood tours

Beautiful never too late to live and learn and impart that journey to our Rangatahi,Aiga Nga mihi Kia koe me to mahi....Many people don't realise how sad and lonely things can get❤

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story toko. may GOD be the judge. god bless ofaatu toko... from UAE ABUDABI

All blessing to the lord with ur journey my dox very blessing interview and to the host much props ofa atu🙏

Everything he spoke on from quiet beginnings at Home, church ( the Polyz know ALL too well that Churches are abused as financial Businesses and pray on the weaknesses of the Kind )and all the way to school then The Streets. Crazy how many Poly Men have walked( some still walking ) that negative path and didnt need to but at times and maybe even in the threat of peer pressure and pride of ones "Hood" or "Set" - just had to. I find it crazy that this man was a Murderer then aquitted of a 2nd Murder, esp after you hear him speak. Dude articulates his words pretty damn well and you see the hurt when he speaks about those 2 incidents. Wish this guy nothing but positive success in his future endeavours alongside his Family. - rip to those two caught up in the past mayhem. Shoutout to the whole PanCompton neighbourhood and its OGs 🫡💯

Powerful Testimony brother... remember seeing you when you's returned back to the landing down stairs. So inspired to see the Lord do a work in your life. continue to shine brother in Christ.

Thank you for sharing your story bro. Stay blessed.

God is good! What an awesome testimony brother! Praise God 🙏🏽🙌🏾❤

Dam brother powerful story..Wat a blessing to hear u speak brother ❤

Damn went to prison for murder then caught another murder case inside. The real deal, God bless you for your changes

well spoken brother! keep at it as you have been bro, the narrow road is the road the follow

Czup my cuz nothing but ofas we all Happy for you making it home and living Righteous, UA’TOLU FO’LIFE my Tokoua!!!

Appreciate you & your work toko 💯

thanks toko/uso 4 sharing your story, a testimony 2 da love of GOD I pray 4 strength n vision to guide U with the rest of your endeavors love n prayers Petani

Ofa lahi atu tokoua Petani. Keep up the good work... liogi moe ua nimo ke liogi tumau ma Cuhz, kia monuina Paka

2003-2008 era had all the streets gangs around AKL running a muck. RYTs,JCBs,TNS Otablu original 36!!. CCBz,KTS,JDS,HD,LHS,CCBs from mangere,,JOCS onehunga,, DMS,JDK central,,GM,YAD west AKL,,KH,YES east AKL,,to many solid cliccs to name.

Mean my brother intelligence and wisdom at its finest👑

Damn, i was in that lifestyle too till i got stabbed up and almost died, then i saw the light, that lifestyle is such a waste of time n energy, family is all that matters in the end

We all had that gangster mentality growing up in south aux but when you grow up as a man and meet Jesus you knew deep down in your heart, he was there the whole time but we all choose disobedience,pride,ego,money,women,fame,sex,lust,drugs,alcohol and its a big generational curse on our family tree 😢😢 now i know God im at peace because the life i was living was evil, God is Good and he is the father to the fatherless and the prince of peace,relationship before religion,pray everyday and read the bible,read his word ❤❤ ACTS 20 24

I worked with petani when he was still at springhill. 5 years ago just before covid. He was the one of many prisoners who came through to work and worked with us. How he is now was how i remember talking to him. Very aware of himself and his situation hes in. Past present and future. Very intellectual and humble. He was one of the few workers from springhill that i enjoyed talking to, because he was able to be more than just an ear or a sound board. This is how i remember him. Im so happy for the bro to korero about life before, inside and outside of prison and to hear his story again. Shot petani.

JCB, Rytz,Tns put otablu on da map remember in 2007 getting nzherald showing the youth gangs murders was dangerous at the time from 2003-2007 was the rise of the youth gang violence. But respect to the ogs from the 90s that paved the way the lbc, ocs, ccbz, kts, tf, tks, KS, tongan mafia. The 2000s had horsepak, jkts, CT cres, mts, R.A, jocs, dms, jdk, wind rush boys, fms, BTW, jc3, yar,kh,,frs, jds,yds, Eastside boys from G.i many crews to name

Nice work brother god bless you. I grew up in same church and can relate to the $ parents give to the church. It becomes a competition and becomes ungodly which they dont see.

Many of us Polynesian kids can relate. Awesome bro 👍🏽🙏🏽

😭😭😭💛💛💛 Glory to GOD for this precious young man! Keep shining Sir 💛

Praise this ministry and bless this man and his family and community. Jesus is the way,the truth and the life.

Praise God bro!!Beautiful testimony turning your pain into purpose absolutely right on the heart it's a heart condition and Our Heavenly Father never condemns people do,God is using you to advance the Kingdom brother,"Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you".Mean as to know your setting the captives free always fighting the good fight of faith All glory to God,Abundance and massive blessings to you and your beautiful whanau brother.

I was angry for years . After seeing your story , I understand . Love the life your living . 😢

trauma from bad parenting abuse can make animals out of people. Bless the dude finding the Lord and beautiful family.

Thank you answer alot of questions sad but blessed now

He gave his life to Christ Jesus and hasn't turned back. May God continue to guide your path. God Bless.

Thank you toko ❤

Loved this podcast

Thank you for sharing your story toks and for continuing the good work in helping the troubled youth. It takes true strength and courage to take accountability for one's actions. The clarity and the remorse in your past actions is evident and I thank and applaud you for learning from your past and striving for a better future. As well as giving us an insight. Malo aupito

big ups toko for sticking out the storm and coming out the other end a better man stay fefeka toko

Good work brother thanks for sharing your so intelligent

he knows he has done wrong and clearly remorseful. what i can say the tongan people are beautiful by nature and close to God . i’m sure he will be a good role model .

powerful testimony

Raw & real 💯💪💪 God bless you uso, keep on keeping on!!

Have spent the last 3 years of this hell hole researching how we got here. Youth and minorities were targeted with music to their detriment. Tupac and many others will attest to this. Research your birth certificate system and how the state benefited from your incarceration. Religion is a construct, your true connection to Source/God/The Creator is from within. Incredible story, immensely proud of you and your walk. Love&Light to you and to all you encounter along your path. Namaste 💗

Glory To GOD! Bless God for you bro, Praise The Lord Jesus. He is my redeemer too.

We only learn from our mistakes from the past so that we may be able to help the younger generation steer away to a brighter future! Good to here you share your testimon! I can relate to this! Our pasts don’t define our future! Keep saving souls my brother! GOD IS GOOD!

Mean video, thanks for sharing your story toko. This will be beneficial to many who seek betterment.

Thanks for speaking out bruva

Powerful story our youth need 180 more than ever in these days

Big ups from Welli brother. Onwards and upwards. Stay good bless

Miss the good days in panama sipping country wine chilling with the homies but homies right we was to Ruthless. Much ofas dokz forever my homie .. ...

Ofa atu Petani only God can judge wish you all the best toko

Praise God, what an incrediable testimony. God bless you boys, may God use you to continue to transform lives.

Inspiring story, powerful poem too 💙