The Day Everything Changed
By Bruce W
I was arrested in 2001. To say it came as a shock is an understatement, but at the same time it came as a relief.
I well remember the phone call from my wife saying the police were at our home wanting to talk to me.
I knew exactly why they were there.
That was the longest ten-minute drive home of my life.
That was the start of a sometimes painful but ultimately fulfilling journey. A journey which completely transformed my life for the better.
My time following my arrest was mainly a blur of police interviews, lawyer’s meetings, court appearances, hiding from what I’d done, but at the same time telling those around me why I had been arrested and watching my wife, family and friends walk away from me.
I’d never been through anything like this.
It felt like my whole world as I knew it had ended.
This was a new low for me, little did I know that worse was to come when it was time for sentencing.
Prison time was a mix of never knowing what was happening, or when it would happen, fear, laughs, lots of tears and meeting people who would become lifetime friends.
I eventually made my way to a special treatment unit.
That was a revelation. Custodial staff who were supportive, non-judgemental, friendly.
I became aware of the Bond Trust when I was moved back from Waikeria Prison to Auckland Prison following my recall.
I was moved to be involved with the COSA (Circle of Support and Accountability) program.
I met members of the Bond Trust after being introduced to them by a fellow prisoner.
The Bond Trust agreed to help me finish building my COSA.
I was paroled on 1st April 2019 after 18 years in prison.
The Bond Trust walked beside during this time.
I've enjoyed many a coffee, expensive, but messy doughnuts and lunches (canned tuna included).
I've now been out for eight and a half years and in that time my COSA have now become good friends rather than supporters.
After about eight months out I found full time employment as a truck driver. Ultimately ending up as transport supervisor.
I moved out of my release accommodation and into my own apartment.
Met my current partner, we have been together for about five years.
In 2026 I was invited by the Bond Trust to take part in Te Ara Oranga 2.0. to give an insight on parole and the reintegration process from a person with lived experience.
Following on from this I was invited to sit on the National Advisory Group For Special Conditions, again as someone with lived experience.
I live every day knowing the consequences of my offending, the harm and trauma I caused.
Not a day goes by where I don't think of my victims with a heavy heart and wish I could undo their pain.
I can’t do anything to change what I've done, but, I can live my life being supportive for others like me, to help them see that we are more than just our offences, that we can live productive, positive and safe lives ensuring we do not create more victims.
That is now my life goal.