Dream Graduate

When Davontae Bristowe entered the I Have a Dream programme in 2016, he was a shy 12‑year‑old still finding his place in the world. Since then, the programme’s long‑term model has supported him to grow into a confident leader, advocate and performer, and he is now the first in his whānau to graduate from university.

As one of the first Dreamers in Whangārei, he discovered his confidence and identity over time, embracing opportunities from art and kapa haka to hospitality skills. By age 14, he credited the programme with helping him find his voice.

“I have found that I have become more confident in my own skin and my journey with I Have a Dream has helped me achieve that,” says Davontae.

With the support of his Navigator, Moana Matautia‑Tepania, Davontae explored his passions, kept up with schoolwork through weekly homework sessions, and applied for scholarships. In 2018 he was named Dreamer of the Year at Tikipunga High School.

A pivotal moment came in 2019 during an I Have a Dream trip to the Otago Rail Trail, supported by donor Nick White’s Luxury Rail Company. Before the trip, Davontae had never travelled south of Taupō. The experience ignited a dream of studying at the University of Otago, a dream he has now achieved.

In 2021, Davontae graduated as Head Boy of Tikipunga High School and encouraged other rangatahi to join I Have a Dream and take the chance he did.

“Even if you just try and get a taste of what it is like, it would be great to have an idea of what I Have a Dream can do for you — it has changed my life.”

Davontae began his Bachelor of Performing Arts and Māori Studies degree at the University of Otago in 2022, supported by a Māori Entrance Scholarship and a Jack Swindell Estate Scholarship.

He immersed himself in kapa haka, completed eight papers in his first year, and navigated the challenges of homesickness and new beginnings.

Alongside his studies, Davontae has held significant leadership roles at the University of Otago. He served as Communications Officer for Te Rōpū Māori, and as mātāmua (whānau leader) for Ka Rikarika o Tāne, a mentorship programme run by Te Huka Mātauraka (the Māori Centre). In this role, he oversaw a whānau of students, ensuring they felt connected and supported academically, emotionally, and socially.

Davontae has also always been a strong advocate for rangatahi Māori and LGBTQIA+ youth, having previously been involved with Whangārei Proud. He sat on a rangatahi advisory group under Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) and SYHPANZ (Society of Youth Health Professionals Aotearoa New Zealand), working to make health services more accessible for young people.

In 2024, he began serving as a Trustee of the I Have a Dream Charitable Trust, helping ensure the voices and needs of rangatahi were central to the organisation’s decisions. “I wanted to make sure that what the Board and Dream Team does truly fits with the needs of our rangatahi and kura,” he says.

After graduating in May, Davontae started a full time job in Dunedin and is looking ahead to a career in community support, where he hopes to use his skills, experience and lived journey to strengthen outcomes for others.