Strong Voices

By Robert Smith

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My name is Robert Smith. I am Tainui and I live in Leamington, Cambridge. This story is about my job at the Hautapu Rugby Club.

I started last year when Hautapu Rugby Club President David Simes asked me if I was interested in doing the fields and the yard. I said of course I am. He showed me around and what to do. He asked if I wanted to start the job on Monday, and I said I would.

I do a really big job. I set the pads up and the flags and the ropes for the rugby game, and I take all the bins out. I really love it. I talk to the people I get on well with. I am not shy. I love sports. I love watching the Chiefs and Warriors games. I am a supporter. It gives me a connection with rugby, because I love rugby, rugby league, and touch rugby.

I meet Club Manager Gemma Gore and David at work. They are my bosses. I ask my boss what I need to do. Emma writes a list of jobs. I finish when I have done all the jobs. It could take until lunchtime or 1 o’clock.

The other guy’s name is Buzz. He helps me. We talk about the rugby and the weekend. We have fun together. He uses his car to help me with my job.

My goal has always been to have a job and earn my own money. I get paid for this job. It is good money too. I do my paper run for Cambridge News as well. I get paid for that too. I am saving money to go to Australia with my cousin. I am looking forward to going to the zoo and the dinosaur museum.

I am also on the Waikato King Country leadership group at IDEA Services and help lead Te Roopu O Hauraki ki Poutae kapa haka group in the Waikato King Country area.

Here is my tā moko. That is all my cousins, aunties and uncles, Dad and Mum, Peter and Tony, Anna and Penny.

My advice to other people is to ask the staff for some help if they want to get a job. That has helped me get the job. Work and Income can help too.

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Above: Robert Smith shows his tā moko.