Andrew John Williams

Andrew John Williams

Kia ora! I’m Andrew John Williams, a proud 56-year-old with Māori and Scottish roots, hailing from the Ngāpuhi iwi through my father’s side, the first missionaries in Russell, Bay of Islands. My life’s been quite the journey! At just three weeks old, I faced a life-threatening condition with no oxygen reaching my brain. Back then, heart surgeries were no small feat—no fancy keyhole procedures. I was one of the first babies in New Zealand to undergo this operation, and while two of the five didn’t make it, I was one of the lucky three who pulled through.

Growing up wasn’t without its challenges. My mum battled breast cancer twice, undergoing double mastectomies. It was a tough time for our whānau, but we came out stronger together. As a kid, I had my fair share of mischief—stealing money from my parents’ tin box at ten years old, only to learn my lesson when they threatened a trip to the police! By 13, I was at it again, taking my sister’s car with a mate for a joyride spin. Let’s just say I timed my exit perfectly, I jumped out of the car before he crashed it, but I still had to pay for the damages.

Life’s taught me resilience, and I’m grateful for the lessons and the good times. Now, I’m on the hunt for a new chapter, looking for a job opportunity in security or customer service. Here’s to embracing the journey and what’s next!
#LifeLessons #Resilience #NewBeginnings