The Girl Born Into New Zealand Gang Life: Tove's Story

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What happens when the life you were born into is the very thing trying to destroy you?

Tove never chose gang life. She was born into it.

Raised around gangs, addiction and violence, some of Tove’s earliest memories were pumping her stepmother’s stomach after overdoses. As she got older, gang members became her friends, then her partners and addiction became the only constant in a life defined by chaos.

After a violent multi-gang shootout at her house and fearing for her safety, Tove fled New Zealand with nothing but a carry-on bag, leaving behind everything she’d ever known.

Now living in Australia and 18 months sober, she’s rebuilding her life while facing the uncertainty of possible deportation and unresolved legal matters.

In this exclusive interview, Tove speaks publicly for the very first time about growing up in gang life, generational trauma and whether escape is even possible when everything is stacked against you.

Follow Tove on Instagram: @tove_uhh

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠

Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14

⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠

1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732

⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠

Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea

Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich

Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.