When you meet Troy Robertson, you’re immediately struck by his energy for life and unwavering commitment to personal growth. Troy shares a story that is both deeply personal and universally inspiring—a journey shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a passion for making a difference.
From a young age, Troy faced challenges that many of us take for granted. Living with a disability, he learned early on the value of communication, problem-solving, and perseverance. These qualities became the foundation of his success, especially after joining Taimahi Trust—a place that not only recognised his potential but empowered him to thrive.
Troy’s path to independence began with a bold move: leaving his childhood home and relocating to Whangārei to pursue an opportunity with Taimahi Trust. What started as a volunteer role quickly evolved into a meaningful career, where he now works 35 hours a week, mentors others, and contributes to the organisation’s kaupapa of transferable and social skills.
His story is not just about employment—it’s about transformation. From supporting fellow team members like Anton, to representing New Zealand in Boccia, Troy exemplifies what it means to “grab the bull by the horns” and live with purpose.
Troy’s story offers a glimpse into his life, of someone who continues to break barriers and redefine what’s possible. We’re honoured to share Troy’s journey with you.
The six pou of Mata Ārahi Manomano drive the questions we have used to profile Māori & Pacific role models, like Orion, in the Service sector.
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Representing the levels and forms of aroha that can be found throughout our lives across our many communities. We acknowledge the wide range of obstacles and the journey it takes to overcoming everything that stands in our way to expressing aroha within.
My name is Troy Robertson I am the Operations Administrator for Taimahi Trust.
Strengths have been something that I have developed from a very young age. With my disability, I relied on those around me to do simple tasks that others may take for granted.
I have become very adaptable to the situations I may be in. Can I access the area? What can I do to make the area user-friendly?
Having had this train of thought all my life means that I use my strengths of communication, delegation, determination, patience, perseverance, and problem-solving.
Agreeableness has always been my kryptonite; I am willing to help those who are in need, and I easily agree to help, regardless of my workload or what I already have on my schedule.
Seeking guidance from our kaitiaki Hiwa-i-te-rangi, we take a journey through our different aspirations, goals and dreams. This tohu acknowledges hard work, wisdom, the reach of ones goals and the desire that comes from this mahi.
I never grew up with those aspirations because I believed that no employer would employ someone with a significant disability.
That did not stop me, as a teenager, from going to university and studying to keep my brain active.
What I studied did not give me the aspiration to pursue a career in that subject, but it did help me to gain an understanding of people.
When I was given the opportunity by Taimahi Trust, I made sure to take it and work in such a unique organisation. Since being at Taimahi Trust, I have been able to use the knowledge from my studies in my position.
When I commenced my position at Taimahi Trust, I could see how to use my core strengths.
Over time at Taimahi Trust, my colleagues have been able to assist me in further enriching my strengths, as well as finding ways to ensure that we can effectively accomplish our tasks using the strengths that I already have, as well as the strengths I have developed—choosing the right company, working in an environment that encourages you to be the best you, having the opportunity to learn, refine, and develop my skills, and being encouraged to have a good work/home balance.
With adventure comes challenges as well as obstacles to overcome. We stand proud as we overcome these obstacles. This tohu draws inspiration from the Niho Taniwha and Aramoana patterns. We acknowledge reaching our destination and preparing ourselves for the many new adventures ahead.
My career has been a non-stop ride—one that I’m enjoying!
Before Taimahi Trust employed me, I would watch people getting jobs and notice how laid-back they were.
When Taimahi Trust employed me, I was determined to be the best I could be. I observed those I worked with and made sure I kept up with the standard around me, and whenever I could, I improved my own standard of work ethic.
Through the gaining of skills, I have been able to give back and help one of the volunteers, Anton, who has been working in the administration side now for two years.
When Anton first arrived at Taimahi, he struggled to listen and follow instructions. It was not unusual for Anton to walk away from morning meetings, and he had very little contact with other staff and customers.
Being able to work closely with Anton and using scaffolding to teach him administration tasks—and how important administration is to run Taimahi Trust—I have watched Anton become an independent individual, with the ability to complete tasks on his own, as well as work on the shop floor, communicate with staff, and assist customers with the purchase of products and help with inquiries. Anton is more open to challenges and how he can add his part into making Taimahi Trust what it is today.
These patterns represent bravery and being strong in the face of adversity. We strive to be persistent and positively challenge anything that threatens to alter, restrict, and put a barrier in the way of our desired pathway.
Just after my 23rd birthday, I realised that it was time for me to move out of my childhood home. I understood that in order to achieve my goals and experience life, I needed to become more independent.
Taimahi Trust in Whangārei offered me a potential position to start as a volunteer and then become a paid employee. I took up this opportunity—I left Waikato and moved to Whangārei—and the rest has become my journey and story, shaping where I place myself today within the communities I participate in and belong to.
What drew me to work at Taimahi Trust was the kaupapa, because I know how difficult it is for a disabled person to find employment.
It has now been two years at Taimahi Trust, and it is an opportunity I will be forever grateful for. I love the challenge and diversity of my position and the people I work with.
Here we are drawing inspiration from the Pūhoro pattern. The pūhoro is used here to represent the strength, speed and agility needed to move forward and accomplish ones goals.
Along with agreeableness, I have a weakness for not knowing when to slow down and remember that my self-care is also important.
Rachel and the Taimahi team have been working with me, and it is still a work in progress—learning when to communicate that I need help with my workload or to discuss an issue that I am unsure how to handle.
Most importantly, Rachel has taught me and shown me how to gain a healthy work/life balance, as this was a challenge for me in the past, and I often took work home.
By learning more about delegating, prioritising, and scheduling my timetable through a calendar, I can have my days worked out to the minute, which helps me to keep on track.
I believe in the saying, “Grab the bull by the horns.” When I think about the actions that go with that saying, I believe it is important not to be afraid, to believe in what you want, be willing to try different things, have a passion for your interests, and—most importantly—do what is best for you.
Success, best mentioned in the whakatauki “Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū!” Feel the fear and do it anyway!
My biggest challenge was obtaining my independence; accepting the position with Taimahi Trust started my journey toward personal and job autonomy.
My initial win was that Taimahi Trust had faith in me and offered me the position in the first place. Since commencing the job at Taimahi Trust, I have upskilled my knowledge, and as a result, Taimahi Trust has entrusted me with a supervisorial role, among other essential responsibilities.
Taimahi Trust’s kaupapa of transferable and social skills has enriched my life skills and taught me a great deal about myself and those around me.
My position at Taimahi Trust has helped me grow as a person; I am now working 35 hours a week.
Taimahi Trust has also supported me in my journey of representing New Zealand in Boccia. They assisted with the time off I needed and helped with fundraising for travel to competitions.
