A young Rangi Pou was on the cusp of adolescence when his father said it was time he become a man and fend for himself. For Pou, that meant growing up on the streets, getting involved in the world of drugs, gang life and eventually prison. The question is, how does he find his way out and what does it take to get there?

Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions involving drugs, violence and suicide and may not be suitable for all listeners.

Rangi Pou was on the cusp of adolescence when his father told him it was time to become a man. For Pou, that meant being forced onto the streets and being left to fend for himself.

"I wanted to be the leader of the Mongrel Mob," says Pou of his childhood aspirations.

As a kid, Pou watched his older brothers become involved in gang life and drugs. Back then he didn't fully understand what was going on. But life on the streets and stealing to survive, he eventually found himself immersed in drug and gang culture - something he had always looked up to.

But the reality was tougher than he expected - the streets were rough.

Pou slept in sheds and amongst rubbish. At times he was surrounded by older guys smoking meth. And when he could, he made money stealing from people's freezers and selling the frozen food to desperate single mothers in the neighbourhood.

Pou has seen a lot, and there are things he can't bring himself to talk about. At the age of 17, he found himself behind bars. Today, he jokes that if there had been KFC and women in prison, it would have been perfect, But the life he's had isn't something he would wish for anyone else - it's been one of hardship, obstacles, and loss.

But Pou managed to turn his life around. These days he is the pastor of his church in Napier, he's a family man, and a motivational speaker who is intent on giving back to his community to change the lives of others.

The question is, how does he find his way out and what does it take to get there?

Where to get help

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).

Youthline - 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

Samaritans - 0800 726 666.

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details