Robbie’s Story
Embracing My Superpower: Robbie’s Journey with Project K
“Making friends was never easy for me,” Robbie recalls.
Born in Morrinsville and spending his early years in the Wairarapa before settling in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay, childhood was anything but simple. Growing up on the autism spectrum, Robbie often felt like an outsider. Struggling to connect, experiencing bullying from peers, and searching for a place where he truly belonged.
In Year 10, Robbie was selected for the Foundation’s Project K programme, an experience he proudly says shaped him into the person he is today. Through the programme, Robbie discovered a strength within himself that he never knew existed. “I learned invaluable skills such as goal setting and personal development, equipping me with the tools and confidence to overcome obstacles and achieve my aspirations,” he shares. It wasn’t just a programme for Robbie, it was a turning point in his life, a chapter that sparked a change and set him on a path to becoming the person he had always dreamed of being.
When Robbie first started Project K, he was filled with a mix of nerves and curiosity. He wasn’t sure what to expect or how he would fit in, especially since making connections with others had always been a challenge for him. As the days went on, those initial nerves slowly started to fade. What began as uncertainty soon gave way to a growing sense of excitement and possibility. “The programme created a supportive and encouraging environment where I felt safe to be myself,” Robbie says.
For the first time, he realised he wasn’t alone, surrounded by people who understood, he started to feel like he was part of something bigger, a group of individuals who genuinely wanted to see each other succeed. “It was humbling,” he says, “it was empowering to know that the programme was designed to help people like me thrive.” Project K provided Robbie with a safe space to develop his social skills and build meaningful connections with his peers. For Robbie, the experience was nothing short of transformative.
One of Robbie’s most memorable moments during Project K was the Wilderness Adventure. “I remember one challenge vividly. It was a long hike through rough terrain, and I had to push myself physically and mentally to keep going,” he recalls. But what truly stood out to him wasn’t just the physical strain, it was navigating the social dynamics with his peers. In a setting where teamwork and communication were key, Robbie found himself not only overcoming the challenge on the trail but also learning how to connect with others in a new way.
“As someone on the autism spectrum, I’ve always struggled with social interaction,” Robbie shares. “Being part of a group 24/7 was overwhelming at times. Simple things like starting conversations, understanding social cues, or feeling comfortable in group settings were difficult,” During the hike, he found himself unsure of how to engage with the others, and he often felt like he didn’t belong.
However, what started as a challenge soon became a breakthrough. With the support of his mentors and the encouragement of his peers, Robbie began to open up. He realised he didn’t need to pretend to be someone else, he could just be himself. “That experience taught me not only the value of teamwork but also that it’s okay to take small steps in building relationships,” he reflects. “It was a powerful reminder that growth happens outside of your comfort zone”.
One of the most impactful components of Project K for Robbie was having his mentor, Paul, by his side. Paul’s emphasis on resilience and perseverance, along with teaching Robbie that setbacks weren’t failures, but opportunities to learn and grow, left a lasting impression on him. What makes their connection even more meaningful is that Robbie is still in touch with Paul and his family today. “Knowing that these relationships have lasted long after the programme ended is a testament to the lasting impact it had on me,” says Robbie.
A few years later, in 2013, Robbie received the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Sir Edmund Hillary Achievement Award, an experience that was both humbling and emotional. Being recognised with an award tied to such an iconic figure in New Zealand’s history was a surreal feeling for him. This reinforced Robbie’s belief that anything is possible with determination and support, no matter what challenges you face. Through his incredible journey, Robbie gained a new perspective on himself and his abilities. “I came to see my autism not as a limitation but as a superpower—an essential part of who I am and what makes me unique”.
Currently, Robbie is deeply involved in photography, using his passion for capturing the world around him to raise awareness about environmental issues and wildlife conservation. The influence of the Foundation has made him confident to dream big, take risks, and pursue a meaningful path.
Robbie has stayed connected with the Foundation through events and initiatives. Whether through attending alumni gatherings, participating in fundraising efforts, or staying in touch with Paul, his mentor, and Sally Webb, the Programme Coordinator at the time. Robbie has made sure to maintain those relationships. He also volunteers for clean-up events and environmental campaigns, hoping to inspire others to take action in their communities.
“I believe that the lessons I learned through Project K about the importance of giving back, working together, and making a positive difference have guided my efforts to stay engaged and contribute in meaningful ways. The Foundation’s teachings have influenced my desire to create change, not just for myself, but for the greater good, and I’ll continue to find ways to honour that commitment moving forward”.
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