'I did it out of love' - The inspiring big sister who raised her seven siblings, got qualified and scored herself a new job

April 10, 2018

Now she’s a stock controller, Seven Sharp meets Jesse Te Iri Haturini.

A Kiwi woman who quit her job to raise her seven brothers and sisters says she didn't do it for recognition but out of love.

Seven Sharp had the inspiring story of Jesse Te Iri Haturini who left her last job at 25 to look after the family.

The children were in care, and not doing well. 

"I was quite surprised that they couldn't really read, couldn't really count," Jesse said.

One young sister said: "It was hard 'cause we weren't all together as a family. We were just split up. And then, it was hard for Jesse to just get us all together."

Now at 31, Jesse has just started a new job as a stock controller, while also still running the home.

The family is together in a house wallpapered with achievement certificates, and Jesse is proud.

 "I didn't do it for recognition or anything, just did it out of love. And, yeah, I feel proud. People say you should be proud of yourself. I'm proud of them."

Jesse knows the value of education, having studied for 18 months to get qualifications, which bounced her to a programme called Switch Up. She saw an ad for the programme for while attending WINZ appointment. 

The programme lead to her new job at pipeline supplies company Humes, and even more respect from her siblings.

"She's like a mother to us. She helps us learn values," said Jesse's sister.

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