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Fiva Latu

 
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After 12 years in a gang, Fiva Latu decided it was time to try something different. He signed up for a beginner's computer course, but embarking on a new path wasn't easy.

"I was afraid they would think I was stupid, because I left school so early and hadn’t done anything like this for so long. But something inside me said you can do it, you’re never going to know unless you try."

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Alexander Ritchie helps ensure NZ bands can be enjoyed by future generations

Heard of Look Blue Go Purple? What about the Tumbleweeds? As a library assistant at the Hocken Collections, Alexander's job is to hunt down and preserve the work of South Island musicians – no matter how obscure.

"I was trying to think of work that would be ethical, and benefit the community. Working at the Hocken allows me to do that by supporting research and helping people access their heritage."

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Robin Watt, Forensic Anthropologist

Traditionally, what we do is look at human bones. We look for the sex of the bones, the age of the bones, how old the person was when they died.

 
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Fiona Clayton, Senior Exhibitions Adviser

One of the qualities you need in this work is the ability to connect and engage with community - because we help bring their exhibitions to life.

 
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Tony Iro, Sport Coach

"Regardless of how hard you’re working or whether your players are improving to a good enough level, you’re still going to be judged on 80 minutes of football every weekend. Realistically, we're in the business of winning."

 
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Lena Pederson, Train Controller

You need to be able to stay calm – we all get a little bit stressed in here sometimes, but you’ve just got to deal with it.