Levi Armstrong (Ngati Kahungunu) should be wearing a Mongrel Mob patch on his back, but he decided that was not the life for him and has created his own destiny.
He is a motivator to his community, an academic example to all and an inspirational fitness guide to rangatahi and Å“bigger bros.
The reason is that he chose a better life and now he has an inspirational story to tell. It is a story of overcoming poverty, rejecting violence and negativity, and pursuing fitness and education as a way out of chaos.
Levi's father, who is Pakeha, was one of the founding members of the Mongrel Mob, which has its roots in Hawke's Bay. Levi is Maori through his mother and affiliates to the Ngati Kahungunu iwi.
Growing up in Hastings, Levi should have followed the path to a patch, but instead he found motivation in fitness and then education. Given the chance to further his education at the Eastern Institute of Technology, Levi began a journey that has recently seen him graduate with a Masters in Health Science with Distinction.
He is a whanau man with four children and Dana, his wife, who has also been awarded a Masters in Health Science with Distinction.
Levi has a story to tell. It is a story of hope, courage and positivity. Whatever the situation, Levi has the experience to motivate, encourage and inspire.