Tammy opens up about condemning gangs and getting assaulted because of it
Image obtained from South Pacific Pictures
As a teenager Tammy Davis almost fell into the gang life.
"When I was about 16-17, I left school, decided to go live with my cousins and stuff, out there in the Kaingaroa Forest."
"I thought that I was going to be the man, ride a Harley Davidson, that was going to be my occupation, maybe grow some weed out there in the bush."
He counts his blessings now, that his life took a different turn.
However, a view years ago, Tammy was interviewed about his thoughts on gangs.
I basically said it's the worst thing that could ever happen to you as a young Maori man.
"I've seen what it does, and I've seen a lot of my family and stuff get taken into that world. I really wanted to let people know... if you have the chance to have a different career choice, don't go down that path."
Shortly after the article was published, Tammy was in a small town bar, when we was attacked by a couple gang members for his outspoken words.
"If they were intimidated by little old me, getting out there and saying how I feel, then so be it."
"It sucked... But I was happy at the fact that me, just being myself and going up against it, I can make a change."
What it told me was one person can make a difference.