Mahana Stories

My grandparents are really special to
me. I’ve always been able to talk to
them about anything and they gave
me somewhere I could learn and
grow, especially when things weren’t
great at home.
When uni closed and I had to come
home for lockdown I found that hard
and I lost my way a bit. Luckily my
grandparents are pretty tech-savvy
so we could stay in touch but I did
miss being able to visit them. As soon
as I was able to, I moved over to stay
with them. They got me back on
track.
I just think grandparents think
differently than parents on how to
support us as young people.
.They give a different.
.perspective that helps.
.me.understand.the world.
.and.myself.a little better.
They give me a level of connection to
my whakapapa: where I’m from and
who I am, and that makes me feel
more confident in myself.
Nikau
When I stay with them I’m able to
support them with more physical
tasks around the house. At the same
time they’re always teaching me
practical skills - from gardening to
cooking and managing my money
and studies. We take care of each
other and I love that I have the
chance to give them something
back.
I wish more people would set aside
time each day, week and month to
spend with their grandparents. It
doesn’t even need to be their own
grandparents, just being with the
elderly, having a laugh and
conversation as much as supporting
and caring for them.