For this latest episode of Hamish's Heroes, we're stepping outside the square, challenging a young man to find the hero inside and to never slip back to a time of rock bottom.
Kurtis Michie is a young Gisborne farmer, for whom stress, booze and by his own admission, a defeatist attitude combined to the point he lashed out and assaulted his partner. Inside a jail cell, he made a phone call that would help set him on a path of redemption. And there was help from an unlikely quarter.
Make no mistake, the journey is far from over for Kurtis, but he's on the right track and now has the opportunity to be an inspiration to so many and to, in time, become a true hero. Especially to those who've stood by him.
From my heart, I hope Kurtis makes it. My head knows the challenges he faces.
Watch the full chat between Hamish McKay and Kurtis Michie above as they discuss the highs and lows of rural life.
Catch a new episode of Hamish's Hero's every Monday at rexonline.co.nz.
