Karl Tusini-Rex, a dedicated community leader, has mentored the Adullam Boys Club in Ōtara for years, empowering young people through guidance and support. Photo: Facebook Humans of South Auckland OFFICIAL
A youth mentoring programme in Ōtara is helping to transform lives, boost community connections and inspire participants to take on leadership roles.
The Adullam Boys Club appealed to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board for continued funding support, during the board meeting this week.
Heta Pulu, another club alumnus, is completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland and works as an assistant at Tupu Youth Library.
He recalled how he joined Boys Club when he was still in primary and learnt from the older boys in the club.
"The things that hurt deep for me were the little things. Dad wasn't always around.
"And through Boys Club, I learned how to tie a tie. I learned how to shave. I learned how to eat with my elbows off the table using a knife and fork. And those things really stuck [with] me."
Heta's experiences have inspired him to give back and become a mentor so he can impact people's lives.
"I truly believe if it wasn't for Boys Club, I wouldn't have become the man I am today. Boys Club gets a lot of things right."
Heta Pulu, a former Boys Club member, gives back by guiding young boys, embodying the club's legacy and hoping to impact them the way Karl has impacted his life. Photo: Tupu Youth Library / Facebook
Karl Tusini-Rex, community leader and presiding board member at Tangaroa College, says the programme initially helped young people in four Ōtara areas - East Tamaki, Sandbrook, Pearl Baker, and Dawson Road- but has since expanded to the entire community.
As a mentor and leader of the club for many years, Tusini-Rex emphasises its long-standing impact.
Each term focuses on specific themes: mentoring, leadership development, industry engagement, and practical applications through community events.
The club operates for four terms each year, with meetings held at Tupu Youth Library in Ōtara on Fridays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Typically, 10 to 15 boys attend, but the number grows to around 30 when they work with other youth groups.
Beyond the library walls, the programme expands participants' perspectives through excursions, leadership activities, and community service.
Tusini-Rex recalls a memorable visit to North Head.
"One of the young people was like, how long has this bridge been here? I've never been there with a bridge before."
Some of the young people have never left Ōtara before, he says.
Operating on an annual budget of $8000 to $9000, the programme also connects participants to social services and helps address challenges they may face at home or in their lives.
Saili Ah-Mann, a 22-year-old former club participant, is now mentoring younger boys while studying a business degree at AUT.
Saili Ah-Mann, pictured with Karl Tusini-Rex, says he's been a member of the Adullam Boys Club since he was 14. Photo: Mary Afemata
"I've been coming since I was 14 years old. It's helped me navigate my way around life, got into leadership positions at school, became deputy head boy."
The programme has provided stability for Ah-Mann, especially as he faces personal challenges, including losing his hearing.
"That's probably the biggest thing in my life right now, and trying to navigate that. I don't know why I lost it, but I know that there was a purpose."
Ah-Mann says the Boys Club offered vital skills and trips to Devonport and North Heads.
"Man, those are once in a lifetime. I remember everything that I've gone through to Boys Club."
Local board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said Karl and himself were influenced by the late Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.
"And so to see that you're continuing that in our local level, that's awesome. And just the testimonies of our two young brothers here speaks volumes to that of the good work that you're doing."
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.