At 18 years of age, Paul was a drug-addicted high school-drop out beginning a lengthy prison sentence for killing his drug dealer. Fast forward to today, and Paul’s awe-inspiring journey of self-led action has seen him transform into Dr Paul Wood a successful speaker, author and expert in helping people create a better life for themselves and others.
Paul is an inspiring and energising public speaker and he generously supports a number of charities, including RAW, with speaking engagements aimed at helping audiences to develop a growth mindset, be effective and resilient at navigating change, and ultimately, realise their full potential.
Introducing Billy…
A former New Zealand and Australasian light welterweight boxing champion, Billy has spent a lifetime involved in sport and physical fitness. He has achieved international success through goal setting and determination and has turned common sense into an art form on the world stage as a celebrated public speaker for more than 30 years.
Billy was awarded ‘Kiwbank New Zealander of The Year Local Hero’ in 2011 for his outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of the nation, is an honorary Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary International) and patron of Royal NZ Police College Recruit Wing 269. Billy is also the author of two books.
RAW Youth Ambassador
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Pirongia te mounia
ko Waikato te awa
ko Ngati Maniapoto te iwi
ko Ngati Mahuta te hapu
Ko Maketu te Marae
ko Emma Ormsby toku ingoa
Introducing Emma…
I am from the Waikato however I moved up to Tamaki when I was three and have lived in the same house with my mum, stepdad, and two older brothers for the past fifteen years. I am only at the beginning of my Maoritanga journey as my mum is pakeha and I attended a school on the north shore which is 97% white or Asian. I will be studying Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Maori studies + film and television next year which I am super excited about as I hope to develop my skills as an artist and discover more of my Maori identity.
I know it’s a cliche but helping others is something I have come to realise gives me purpose and joy. I was introduced to RAW when I was chosen to be a service prefect at my school and my Boss/ninjutsu/self-defence/gym instructor (he is a lot of things) who works within corrections told me about RAW. I did some of my own research and quickly realised this was something I wanted to be involved with. In my final year of high school with the help of friends and a great school community, I managed to raise $10,000 which was by far the most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done. Words can honestly not describe how excited I am to keep working with this charity and the RAW women who I have already developed a crazy amount of aroha for.