From 15 Armed Robberies to Changing Lives: The Jay Pukepuke Story

Jay Pukepuke went from a rugby league player with huge potential- he was a Warriors age-grade star and on track for a career in the NRL.

Then he went off the rails and committed 15 armed robberies which saw him incarcerated for six years across some of New Zealand’s toughest prisons.

Since then he has become a father, a mentor, an author, and the co-founder of an organisation called “Bros for Change.”

Inside this episode, Jay opens up about:

The adrenaline addiction that drove him into crime

Hearing another inmate being beaten to death in a neighbouring cell

The shame he still carries for the victims

The moment he finally realised he had to change and so much more

His book Inner Warrior captures this journey on the page, but hearing him speak it is something else entirely. Jay is funny, confronting, and incredibly honest about the man he used to be… and the man he’s become.

If you like redemption arcs, this one is as authentic as they come.

***

Who should be on the podcast next? Message Dom
Instagram: @domharveynz
Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed the podcast and would like for your business to sponsor an episode, please email [email protected]

***

Chapters

00:00 The Comfort of Home and Vulnerability of Sharing

02:51 The Inner Warrior: A Journey of Self-Discovery

05:45 Bros for Change: Making a Difference in the Community

08:49 Childhood Memories: A Transient Life

12:01 Cultural Identity: Embracing Māori Heritage

15:00 The Rise and Fall in Rugby League

17:56 The Descent into Crime: A Path of Rebellion

21:09 Consequences of Choices: The Road to Prison

24:02 Life Behind Bars: The Reality of Incarceration

29:55 Lessons Learned: Growth Through Adversity

51:05 Prison Life and Camaraderie

54:02 Misconceptions About Prison

56:49 Rehabilitation and Personal Growth

01:00:51 The Struggle of Reintegration

01:07:02 Finding Purpose Through Rugby League

01:11:17 Navigating Family and Past

01:17:19 Redemption and Public Perception

01:20:43 Future Aspirations and Legacy