Ex Tongan gang member sentenced to life at 16 | Petani Faavae
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Petani shares his inspirational story of redemption. After a hard upbringing on Panama Road, he found himself escaping is harsh upbringing by joining the local street gang.
At the age of 16 he was sentenced to life in prison for murder, not long after that he was also charged with a murder behind bars.
After years behind bars he realised things needed to change and had an encounter with God. He started opening up and participating in treatment programmes.
After being granted parole after almost 14 years. he has now been out of prison for 4 years and co directs One Eighty Turn charitable trust. An organisation dedicated to mentoring at risk youth, so they do not make the same mistakes he did.
If you would like to contact Petani feel free to email: pfaavae@outlook.com
Theme music by The Plowman - Blind : • The Plowman ft. Frisko... - Розваги
If you would like to contact Petani feel free to email: pfaavae@outlook.com
Being a poly oh my golly
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
Beautiful words. God bless.
Watch the video he explains why ffs 🤔@EmilDamil-wt1yf
@EmilDamil-wt1yfdon't be nosy eah😂
Are you nipsy hussle?
@EmilDamil-wt1yffk outta here this aint court lol
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.
Privalidge lol.. he a bitch who has 2 use weaponz!!
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
my thoughts exactly at 2:40
Straight was about to comment this also 👌
Straight... Real talk..HE is so wise now.. Has stregth in his words.. Respect toko.. I feel i can learn alot from you even thou im older. You speak the words that carry weight.. I cant explain rest but real recognise real.. #PENROSE.. SUP MONE.. BASE.. ONEHUNGA. 312..
"troubled youth struggling with possible trauma". Cut the bs, it ain't trauma. These little shits running around causing havoc think its cool.
Met petani in 06-07 at YJ north he was an absolute monster and i used to tell stories about him to friends,
To see the man hes become is solid id believe everything he is saying
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.
What was Mana like
“The root of our troubles as young Polynesian men almost always starts at home” 🤣 sounds like you’re a loser blaming your parents for your failures, I guarantee your parents were the only ones putting money on your books and visiting 😂
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 ❤
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.
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!!!
🙏🏾 God bless you Toko, thank you for sharing your journey with us man! Very Encouraging! Praise God ❤️
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..
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.
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! 🙏❤️
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 ❤️💪💪🔥
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💯
That era of gangs in NZ we’re ruthless not as glamorous as today. Clear line between civilians and gangstas.
Not they were little shits !
not wrong there you had to step up all get a hiding
Wish they were around they will stop gentrification in da hood
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
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 🇹🇴
Mid 2000s was wild asf on the streets of Auckland. So many gangs forming across the city during that era.
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.
Shut up
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 🇹🇴🇼🇸💙❤️
Man is all truth, humble,can someone hug him for me.
Malo toko for your powerful testimony 🔥🤝 and blessing our young people with your Trust 🫡
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 🙏🏾
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.
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. ❤
Totally agree... it pains me to see families go without... money, the root of all ...
Such a good interview. Thank you to you both!
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.
@@jeoffrym5860 can i ask what unit you were working in? I was in unit 3 & unit 4 in 06
@@shianasworld unit 5 and 6
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
This was a really good interview man. 💯 God Bless u brother.
this doko is the man. the poem hits heavy. big respect.
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
You're not lying bro the youth violence in Auckland at the time was crazy. Most of the crimes were towards high school kids from high school kids, sad days for the Polynesians of Auckland city honestly.
"The problem of the heart, is the heart of the problem" - malo e ma'u koloa tokoua!
Every Crip that's been through the system knows or has heard of SKAM. Respect for the 180 praise God
Toks you've come a long way, Im inspired by your mentality.
God bless you tokz. I appreciate the humility and transparency of your story. I hope this lands with the younger generation.
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💯
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 man is very intelligent and had me listening to every work, bro. As a father, i ate it all up 💯
God Bless you Petani❤🙏 it takes Real strength and Courage to do what you are doing…… Thank you 🙏
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.”
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❤
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.
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.
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 🫡💯
This is beautiful.. the lessons from these words are amazing ❤
Damn went to prison for murder then caught another murder case inside. The real deal, God bless you for your changes
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.
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
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
@@DefKiller90 100 percent! Kept the hood safe from outsiders
God is good! What an awesome testimony brother! Praise God 🙏🏽🙌🏾❤
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.
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
Ofa lahi atu tokoua Petani. Keep up the good work... liogi moe ua nimo ke liogi tumau ma Cuhz, kia monuina
Paka
38:04 Amen bro. Great testimony. Keep fighting the good fight brother. God bless
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
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.
For real.
RYTs TNS Crip Fam 💙
@@Mako-V36 started the number sets. JCBS played a big part in Otablu as well. Free NECS1
IYKYK
Was that down the road from KFC? Busy place indeed, confused me too, lol
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
What a interview awesome stuff man
What a poem …deep
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
All blessing to the lord with ur journey my dox very blessing interview and to the host much props ofa atu🙏
Appreciate you & your work toko 💯
Many of us Polynesian kids can relate. Awesome bro 👍🏽🙏🏽
Dam brother powerful story..Wat a blessing to hear u speak brother ❤
Good on you bro, you have come a long way!! Keep up the good work
powerful testimony
Mean my brother intelligence and wisdom at its finest👑
😭😭😭💛💛💛 Glory to GOD for this precious young man! Keep shining Sir 💛
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.
Praise this ministry and bless this man and his family and community. Jesus is the way,the truth and the life.
Thank you for sharing your story bro.
Stay blessed.
Czup my cuz nothing but ofas we all Happy for you making it home and living Righteous, UA’TOLU FO’LIFE my Tokoua!!!
Tuku ho kaaimumua 😂
@@top5deadoralive746 u can Kai my mui 🤣
Cripzup
He gave his life to Christ Jesus and hasn't turned back. May God continue to guide your path. God Bless.
Ofa atu Petani only God can judge wish you all the best toko
well spoken brother! keep at it as you have been bro, the narrow road is the road the follow
Thank you toko ❤
Powerful story our youth need 180 more than ever in these days
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
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!
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.
big ups toko for sticking out the storm and coming out the other end a better man stay fefeka toko
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story toko. may GOD be the judge. god bless ofaatu toko... from UAE ABUDABI
Reminds me of my close friend back home chch nz. Grew up together in the 90’s and had my back against others like an older brother. Recently went back to visit and was told he’s been behind bars from a shootout with the cops. Sometimes I think about him often
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 .. ...
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 💗
May Jesus reveal Himself to you as THE LORD OF LORDS and as The SON Of GOD, God bless you, friend.. I strongly recommend leaving that stuff alone.
@@AWGZM Yip have researched him too... The truth will set us free... helps us understand how we got here and how we can build a better future for our young ones... lets bring the dark into the Light and not hide under a rock. Our perception of the world, is what is keeping us enslaved... No more 'slave planet' thanks
Praise God, what an incrediable testimony. God bless you boys, may God use you to continue to transform lives.
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 .
Raw & real 💯💪💪 God bless you uso, keep on keeping on!!
powerful 💯🙏🏽
alot can learn n take note..can hear the pain through his talk,RESPECT 🙏🏽
still remember that night..GOD works in many ways, healing n opening up is what us islanders lack..always the be tough buzz.. good 2 hear the good work u do with youth etc..alot can learn off you USO..
GB 💯🙏🏽
RIPMANA
RIPARDZ
Thank you answer alot of questions sad but blessed now
Glory To GOD! Bless God for you bro, Praise The Lord Jesus. He is my redeemer too.
Gotta go to otahuhu next for your hood tours
Definately
Mean video, thanks for sharing your story toko. This will be beneficial to many who seek betterment.
Inspiring brother🙌