A former security guard at Oranga Tamariki who has retrained as social worker says it's changed his life.
Fifty-six-year-old James Cherrington began studying nine years ago and this year he graduated with a masters in social work.
He now works as a Whānau Ora navigator at Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance and He Puna Hauora in Palmerston North.
He spoke to RNZ reporter Matai O'Connor about the difference between having a job and meaningful employment.
