Building Confident Leaders: How Future Ready Programmes Transformed Woxy’s Life at Work and Home
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
When Tuainekore Moeareauri—better known as Woxy—stood up to speak at a Alo Vaka panel event, few expected what came next. As the final panel speaker, Woxy surprised everyone by confidently stepping forward to share his story. It was his first time speaking publicly in front of an audience, and the room lit up with smiles—including that of former Minister Melissa Lee.
This moment wasn’t just powerful—it was proof of the real-world impact of Project Ikuna's Future-Ready programmes delivered by Zeducation.
Building Confidence, One Conversation at a Time
Woxy, a dedicated employee at Fletcher Reinforcing (part of the Fletcher Steel Group), was one of many who completed the Leadership and Money Confidence courses delivered by Zeducation and fully funded by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
But his transformation didn’t happen overnight.
In his own words during the event, Woxy shared a deeply personal story:
“Last year, my 6-year-old daughter asked me, ‘Dad, why do you leave home early and come home late?’ ....“I asked her, ‘Do you have a roof over your head? Is your tummy full? Is your back warm?’ She said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘That’s because of Daddy.’”
This exchange made him reflect not only on his responsibilities as a father—but on how he was showing up for his family.
“These courses helped me become a better leader—not just at work, but at home,” he shared. “I’m so grateful to have access to programmes that build confidence and life skills right in our workplace.”
Changing Habits, Changing Lives
One of the biggest takeaways for Woxy was from the Money Confidence programme.
“We learned how to budget better… and spend less at KFC!” he joked to laughter from the audience. But behind the humour was real growth."
Through the programme, many participants—like Woxy—developed healthier financial habits and reduced financial stress. Some even spoke of repairing their relationship with money entirely.
“I started to think more about the future—about my family, my kids, my wife, what would happen to them in the future.”
Cultural Understanding Through Conflict Resolution
Another course that stood out to Woxy was Zeducation’s Conflict Resolution training.
He reflected on how cultural differences, especially for Pacific Island workers, can create misunderstandings—particularly around things like eye contact and communication.
“We Islanders don’t always make direct eye contact. But now I’ve learned how to show I’m really listening—to my wife, my kids, and my team at work.”
The change in communication has made a big difference at home—and has helped create a stronger, more respectful workplace culture.
Legacy Beyond the Workplace
Woxy’s courage to speak up inspired others to do the same. As he described:
“Now we see more people standing up and speaking, sharing their stories. That’s the biggest change in our workplace.”
This is exactly the ripple effect that Tātaki Auckland Unlimited envisioned when supporting Future Ready training through Project Ikuna—a programme designed to upskill Auckland’s Pacific workforce for long-term success.
By investing in people like Woxy, these programmes are not just improving job performance—they’re transforming families, building stronger communities, and empowering a new generation of confident leaders.
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