Harley’s Fund for Good Story

Harley is a determined and creative young man with a big heart and a bigger dream: to start his own welding business from home.

From a young age, Harley has followed in his father’s footsteps. He learned to weld in the family shed and quickly developed a passion for it. Harley has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, ODD, and dyslexia, and experiences high anxiety that requires full-time supervision. Despite these challenges, his drive to help others and be his own boss has always been clear.

With support from his mum, Sarah, Harley applied to Manawanui’s Fund for Good to turn his dream into reality. The goal was to create a safe and supported welding business from home where he could develop new skills and connect with his community.

Thanks to the funding, Harley received essential safety equipment, a welder, and a generator. He’s already using his new gear and is currently building a trailer to help transport his tools. He plans to offer welding services for trailers, cars, and household items. He’s also excited about creating handmade items from steel to sell at local markets.

This project is helping Harley gain confidence, learn responsibility, and develop people skills in a way that works for him. His whānau are helping with advertising, and a friend is supporting him with a new website.

Harley’s story is a great example of what Fund for Good is all about: creating opportunity, independence, and hope for the future.