Ngatokimatawhaorua
Ngatokimatawhaorua drank to deal with the stresses of life as a single parent. After a long journey of recovery, she works to regain full custody of her son.
This recording contains descriptions of alcohol use from an early age. It includes teenage drinking, drinking before and after giving birth, the loss of a child, and the process of regaining responsibility over a child.
It may bring back traumatic memories for some listeners. Please seek help if you need it at any point.
Chapter 1
Quote
"... my nana always made sure we had a kai, we had a shower, somewhere comfortable to sleep."End Quote
Chapter 2
Quote
"I just couldn’t handle being a single parent. My only way to deal with it was to drink, that was the only remedy."End Quote
Chapter 3
Quote
"'Why wouldn’t she give up for me? Why couldn’t she do this for me?' My son shouldn’t be left answer-less, he deserves those answers; he deserves a parent."End Quote
Chapter 4
Quote
"I had to sacrifice going out with my friends. I had to stop going on social media for quite a lot, 'cause I was on social media every day; like, where are my friends at? What are my friends doing? But then, I just, nah, I got a purpose..."End Quote
Chapter 5
Quote
"My baby deserves the world […] I did it for my family, and that’s what it comes down to."End Quote