A Life Rebuilt

CJ Wilson (Tainui, Te Arawa and Ngāti Porou) opens up about his powerful journey of transformation, sharing how a life-changing connection with The Salvation Army helped him break free from his past and begin rebuilding a future filled with purpose, strength and hope.

I whakapapa back to Tainui on my father’s side and Ngāti Porou on my mother’s side. My older sister and I were born and raised in Rotorua. As a young child, my big sister was my best friend. We grew up around gang life, addiction and domestic violence—not only in our family, but in the wider community. We didn’t know anything different.

Most mornings, our parents were still drinking from the night before. My sister and I would make our own way to school. I kept going because I wanted to play in the First XV rugby team. We both made the Bay of Plenty reps for touch rugby, and I also played for the New Zealand rep team. That was such a proud moment, especially given the environment we came from.

My sister led me to her church where she played in the band. I would go along and learn about the Bible. I laugh now when I remember pretending to give my heart to Jesus for a chocolate ice block. At the same time, I hung out with my mates who were getting into trouble. It was hard to mix the two. I ended up finishing high school and fell into addiction.

I carried a lot of hurt from my childhood. I joined gangs and became a major drug dealer in the Bay of Plenty and Tauranga, selling methamphetamine and marijuana. This continued for many years, and I served time in prison. In 2017, I moved to Christchurch and sought help from Addington Supportive Accommodation (ASA). I really wanted to make some changes, but I slipped and left—still struggling with addiction.

Cloaked in protection

In 2022, I found myself back in court on drug charges. The judge warned me that if I was caught again, I’d be facing more than eight years in prison. I knew something had to change. I reached out to ASA again. They were hesitant to take me on, given my history, but they agreed and I was deeply grateful. I attended the Bridge education programme,

Te Awhina meetings and began going to Recovery Church in Sydenham. I also started attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. I looked forward to Whāea Tammy’s morning Bible studies at ASA.

She has been so supportive of my recovery. I worked with Purapura Whetū and He Waka Tapu (kaupapa Māori health and social service providers) and I joined City Fitness. With all this support around me it felt like I was being wrapped in a korowai—
a big cloak protecting and encouraging me.

My addiction was deep, but the moment I entered ASA, I gave up everything. It was very challenging, but I could hear what the judge had told me, and I didn’t want that life. His warning overtook any withdrawal symptoms I had.

I built some new daily routines, going to the gym in the mornings and returning for breakfast and Bible studies. I began to develop some self-belief and learned to walk in faith and hope. This August, I will be three years clean.

Foundations of hope

Whāea Gina and Whāea Christine from ASA supported me to enrol in a Level 3 Health and Wellbeing course at Ara Institute of Canterbury. I’d never earned a qualification before, but I worked hard and passed. I also received a Supreme Award from Ara for engagement in my programme and for supporting other students.

Now I’m working towards a Level 4 Certificate in Health, Wellbeing and Addictions and will graduate from this in September. The opportunity to learn has taken me on a whole new journey. I am going to start another course later this year, and next year
I am enrolling in a Bachelor of Social Work. I never ever thought I’d be studying towards a degree, but it’s never too late.

I currently have an internship at Christchurch City Corps (CCC) as part of my studies. I enjoy helping facilitate the men’s group, working in the foodbank and helping the staff wherever they need me. I didn’t know The Salvation Army offered so many services. I’ve been on the other side and it’s so good to be on this side and to understand and to be a part of the work The Salvation Army is doing.

I needed to heal and learn to love myself before I could make peace with my parents. We are now in contact again and they have made changes in their own lives too. I’ve forgiven them for what they put my sister and me through, and I now accept and understand the challenges in their upbringings. Addiction could have been a generational chain, but I am the one breaking it. I have four children who live throughout, Aotearoa New Zealand and in Australia. My eldest son follows Jesus—I’m so proud of him.

Health and nutrition have become a big passion for me. Next year I’m aiming to gain a spot in the Christchurch Natural Body Building competition. I enjoy spending time at the gym and helping others with their workouts and dietary programmes. I especially want to give back to our rangatahi (youth). I want them to know that they are not alone—there is always someone they can talk to.

I have a strong support network. I’m so grateful to The Salvation Army for opening up a whole new world for me, especially Pip Mills, Glenis Tricklebank and Glenn Dodson at ASA. Today, I’m surrounded by people who uplift me—friends I study with, Lieutenants Scott and Aimee Noakes and the team at CCC, and my big sister, who stood by me, especially in my early years.

Every morning I thank God for my recovery. Knowing Jesus has transformed my life. I’m learning to recognise his voice and feel his presence. I’m excited and ready for whatever comes next.