“Was an incredible night listening to such powerful people!”

” It made me realise that we are capable of escaping our past’s and seek help.”

” The event was amazing! Very inspiring and it was nice to know that there is still good that can happen.”

“Was an incredible night listening to such powerful people!” 

“Real talk leaves you feeling hopeful and inspired as fuck.”

“It inspires me that no matter what journey you’re on there is always light at the end of the tunnel and you can help those around you by telling your story.”

“Attending this event is one of the best things you will ever do.”

“It reinforces the importance of being a positive influence and role model for all rangatahi.”

“Everyone has their own story and everyone faces struggles and adversity – it’s what you choose to do with it that matters. Also offering greater support to young people and others around me who may need a hand now and then – or a shoulder, whatever is needed.”

“An amazing experience for all Aotearoa for an eye opener on experiences and situation people face in life and how to deal with or support others going through something similar.”

“I felt refreshed! And felt like I could face challenges, get over hurdles in my life, make and take opportunities, mana wāhine vibes, its made me question who I am, look deeper into my story. Made me appreciate my culture.”

“The stories shared were moving, heartbreaking & at the same time, empowering.”

“This event has added more perspective in my life that no matter what, you can do anything you set your heart on.”

“I am more grateful for my upbringing and open-minded to what others have been through.”

“It took me on a journey. I related to the speakers and they ignited in me a fire to do and be better. To nurture my inner child and find balance in my world. The kaupapa was relevant and beautifully expressed te ao Māori.”

“I just wanna go and see and do it all again.”

“It’s the most valuable event I’ve ever attended.”

“A kai for your wairua in ways you never knew you needed.”

“How personal everything was, felt like everything was connecting. Absolutely beautiful.”

“Normalising te Kōrero, the wairua of the whole experience, and Manaakitanga ❤❤❤”

“Soooo many other reasons why all stood out for me. We all have trauma ❤💗❤💗❤, thank you all for creating safe spaces and showing us why that’s important.”

“I am in the process of becoming, my pathway ahead is alot clearer, not an easy walk in the park but a F*cking worthy one, Thank you all.”

“I couldnt fault this event, reka hoki ana te Kai, kua puta a pito.”

“I brought my younger cousin and it created a bond between us where she knows no matter what she can reach out.”

“Hurt People Hurt People, e ai ki te Kōrero, He Taonga Te Aroha.”

“I believe each story added value to my journey, as its about having different kete of knowledge. I gained alot from them all.”

“Empowered, wiser and understanding how to grow through my own trauma. It does not define me.”

“How to escape the dark path, how to help others escape their dark path.”

“Gave me a push to acknowledge I should start my own healing journey. Being able to bring my daughter so my daughter can hear of people’s experiences that these topics are real and happen and that my daughter can come and speak to her parents anytime if anything like that happens.”

“Privileged to be allowed to hear peoples personal experience in their lifes journey.”

“I loved the night and the way everything went.  I didn’t want the night to end and wanted to hear more about every individual on stage.”

“It was an amazing night and would definitely go again. Wish I could watch it again just to take everything else in from the incredible stories. And the love and support you showed each other on stage was incredible.”

“I loved everything, it truely resonated with me and everything I believe in as well , on top of me living it my partner who attended as well lived it too !! How good right !! He thanked me for inviting him along and really took in the info put in front of us as I did too ❤️”

“It’s made me truly believe that it doesn’t matter where you come from, or what you have been through, but we’re your heading ! Also that I should be my authentic self it’s ok for people to not like me and others to love me . I also think it’s very true that people should always try and give back or help others.”

“F*cking amazing and eye opening.”

“It’s taught me how to support others.”

“Real Talk is exactly that – REAL TALK, open and raw honesty.”

“I could relate to the experience and as a single mum I left feeling motivated to kick start my life.”

“Each and every speaker had a different experience and kōrero to share. Loved them all.”

“This event will add value and inspire everyone who gets to experience it. Loved it.”

“I hope everyone that gets a chance to go will feel the same way I did.”

“Was nice to know we aren’t alone.”

“Energising – insightful – uplifting.”

“Hearing all the mind blowing stories, the atmosphere and the lovely people I met. It was such a good night 💜”

“Just being able to speak up about things and not be scared, knowing you will be heard.”

“Absolutely mind blowing experience.”

“At first it was to see a certain panel person, but once I realised what it was, it was very empowering for me, giving me more knowledge of what our children are going through these days.”

“Helps young ones know that it doesn’t matter where you come from where you are today shit happens, but its about how you handle it and how you move forward.”

“Real people, real issues, real struggles and real survivors.”

“So many kōreo shared, there’s something everyone can relate to.”

“It’s so special to hear other stories and know that we are not alone.”

“I feel like we were all acknowledged. We all felt the aroha in the room.”

“Community feel amongst the crowd and the speakers.”

“As a social worker, it continues to uplift my soul in the fight for social justice through these individuals tackling the structural issues riddled within Aotearoa.”

“A night of necessary discomfort that allowed reality to shine and open doors to a healing journey that others are on.”

“The range of speakers and the absolute honest truth being delievered, within a Māori context.”

“Made me appreciate my journey. And I now have empathy for the girl I was.”

“Empathetic yet empowering of Rangatahi and their journey as they navigate a tough country to grow up in.”

“The atmosphere was incredible as well as the immense sense of safety and security.”

“Very powerful stories to hear, it has given me inspiration to stand further in my authenticity.”

“Real Talk was a transformative event with a lot of awareness cultivated about many social issues that need to be addressed!”