Father Stories
We asked Kiwi men, including a few you'll recognise, and boys to share the life lessons from their fathers that have positively shaped their lives.
What’s the most important thing your father taught you?
Glenn
My dad always told me, in one way or another, “You can do it. Just go for it. If someone else did it, you can do too.”
Andrew
my father left me so i couldnt tell you what my father taught me.
Katie Hensman
My had has always told be the only constant in life is change. Its something that has helped me get through a lot of challenges in my life and is also one of the most accurate things I’ve ever heard.
Leanne
That I am valuable and that I have worth. He always treated me that way. He made time for me. He also taught me to take risks and try again if I failed.
Graham Tantau
My step dad taught me fishing hunting and how to respect women as I got to see him treat my mother like a queen there is much more to being a dad/role model then blood.
Peter Hallett
“Never a borrower but a lender be”. That was drummed into me from an early age, along with “want not, need not”.
Carolyn Mathieson
My dad always told us kids, “You have to work hard to play hard.” What he meant was that in order to enjoy the fun things in life, you need to be sure you work hard on the foundation of life. Family, respect, work hard and reward yourself later – as an incentive, not an entitlement.
Harry wang
Never see my dad from when I am 3 years old. So I feel that’s very bad and sad!
MORE STORIES
Steve
My dad taught me to save a little bit each week for something down the track. He gave me a good appreciation of the value of money and to always have some in reserve. It gave me the opportunity to travel and put a deposit on a house, which I’m now very grateful for!
Jazz
Never let your FATHER down!
Taraia Vercoe
My Dad taught me about good work ethics, Fishing, Hunting and just providing for our family. At the age of 14 we lost him to cancer. But those same skills remain strong through my brothers and I and we teach them to our kids. As a solo dad I truely understand and appreciate the importance of those precious moments I had with my father. without those simple life skills I have no idea how I’d survive as the solo Dad
Deepak Daniel
My Dad taught us Discipline and Patience. He showed us how to be happy, content and simple
Kaushik Som
My dad went through some significant ebbs and troughs in his life. But he rode them with equal positivity and acceptance. He is a simple man but it’s in his simplicity that I learned that whatever you do, you do it mindfully, and you do it well as if at that point in time it is your life’s work. It’s a great lesson for me and helps me navigate today’s world with a sense of fulfilment even though I might be doing a mundane task but something that needs to be done.
Dave
My father taught me the importance of patience. To do something right the first time needs patience to get it right. take your time and not to worry about what could go wrong. Deal with the moment and work through whatever is in front of you.
Anaru
People don’t care how much you know; until they know how much you care. When do you give up on someone?
Dale
My dad taught me – well actually I learnt from my Dad, to respect my Mum, which of course in time became respect women. To stay calm despite what the world may be doing to you and most of all keep a sence of humour, it melts many a stormy moment.