A former methamphetamine kingpin from the Bay of Plenty has turned his life around after learning Te Reo Maori behind bars.
Now, Billy Macfarlane is teaching the language to young Mongrel Mob associates in the hopes of transforming their lives the same way it changed his.
"When I got locked up, I got sentenced to 14 years in maximum security. I went into a dark place. I went into a place where I thought, 'Well, I’m going to die here now'," he said.
The lessons have been sanctioned by a local Mongrel Mob president, who was present during one of the lessons.
While critics call the move a small foot in the door, Mr Macfarlane isn't fazed.
"Our tikanga has the power to change young Maori men's lives and I say 'watch this space' because change is coming for these young fellas," he said.
Police are backing the program.
Wally Haumaha, Assistant Commissioner for New Zealand Police, said there is a "certain amount of scepticism" within the community towards criminals who turn their lives around.
"We have to take a leap of faith when people do want to change and I'm a believer that people can change," he said.
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