Conwaye – A True Community Champion

Across Australia and New Zealand, we see inspiring stories of everyday heroes. But every now and then, one person’s impact makes us stop and realise the true meaning of giving back.

That’s exactly what happened in Tuakau, south of Auckland, when we heard about Conwaye – known to his boys simply as Matua.

Meet Conwaye

To a group of 14-year-old college rugby boys, he’s more than a coach. He’s a mentor, a role model, and whānau. Week after week, without fail, Conwaye gives his time, energy, and aroha to some of the community’s most vulnerable and at-risk youth.

He doesn’t just run training sessions. He drives around to pick the boys up – sometimes even out of bed – to make sure no one misses out. He feeds them, finds them boots, and most importantly, makes them feel valued. With every run and every game, he builds their confidence, teaches discipline, and shows them what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Building Futures

This year, thanks to his dedication, five of his boys made the Counties Manukau Māori Youth Sevens team – the first time Tuakau College has ever achieved this milestone.

And it doesn’t stop there. Conwaye takes the boys to all their training and games, organises after-school and holiday sessions, and keeps them active in the off-season with touch football and softball. He also coaches the Onewhero under-14s, giving the same time and care to even more young players.

Matua isn’t just shaping rugby players – he’s shaping young men. He’s keeping them off the streets, giving them purpose, and showing them that someone believes in their potential. The boys know he always has their back, and that kind of trust is life-changing.

One Car. Real Impact.

What makes this even more remarkable is that Conwaye and his partner have been doing it all with just one vehicle, stretching every resource they have to make sure no boy misses out.

Through Cars for Good, we’ve donated a 2019 Haval to Conwaye – a vehicle with the space he needs to carry the boys’ gear, and the reliability to get them where they need to be.

The boys will be buzzing, saying Matua is going to look “so flash in his new wheels.” But more than that, this car means Conwaye can keep doing what he does best – lifting up young men, keeping them connected, and showing them their potential.

A Lasting Legacy

Conwaye’s story is one of selflessness and aroha. He truly is changing lives – one boy, one training, one act of kindness at a time.

Cars for Good is about backing everyday heroes in our communities. Conwaye is more than a coach. He’s a community champion – and now, with a car to match, his impact will go even further.