Paul Fong & Youth Quest

Born in 1972, Paul grew up in Kaitaia in a family of 11. At an early age he was drinking “copious amounts” of alcohol, and getting into fights. He knows what it is like to sleep on the streets. In the past he has been bottled over the head, had a gun pulled on him and had his head smashed through a window.

At 16, he was enrolled in the army because of the trouble he was getting into. Those six years in the military were the making of him.

He learnt discipline, respect, leadership skills and was educated to a level high enough to join the New Zealand Police. His first posting was to Otara in South Auckland. He went on to become a Police Protection Officer, responsible for the protection of the Prime Minister, the Governor General and various other heads of state.

Paul is now involved with a group of around 150 young people who meet every Wednesday night, where he has lectured on issues such as the drug ‘P’, the dangers of the Internet, text bullying, home invasions and general safety.

Paul will spend his World of Difference year as project director for a programme he developed called Youth Quest, run through the Trinity Charitable Trust. three-month programme incorporating team building exercises, anger management classes, self-esteem building, drug and alcohol counselling and bush survival skills. The programme will initially target at-risk youth throughout the Kapiti and Horowhenua areas.

“I have a passion to see young people get the break that I had and to make something of themselves. It’s my turn to give back to society.”

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