From Papakura to possibility – Noah’s dream of owning his own PAK’nSAVE store
When 11-year-old Papakura schoolboy Noah was asked what he wanted to be when he grows up, his answer stood out.
He wants to own a PAK’nSAVE. Not work in one. To own one.
Earlier this year, Variety – The Children’s Charity surveyed 200 children living in hardship across Aotearoa.
Among the aspiring doctors, engineers and athletes, Noah’s answer was one that the charity hadn’t heard before.
It was big, ambitious and different.
A Year 8 boarding student at Dilworth School, Noah is known for his love of maths, sport, reading and creativity. In his spare time, he enjoys drawing anime, playing piano, solving puzzles, and spending time in the outdoors with his family. Noah and his two sisters, Azrielle, who studies in Wellington, Scarlett, 9, and brother Heaven, 7, are among 7,500 children nationwide sponsored by Variety.
Despite facing early health challenges, including surgery as an infant that left him with limited vision in one eye, Noah approaches life with resilience and positivity.
“He’s got a big heart…really caring, kind…just someone you enjoy being around,” says his father, Sione, who has also faced health issues of his own including several rounds of heart surgery after getting rheumatic fever as a child.
With support from Variety, Noah has been able to access opportunities that have helped him do well, such as attending school camp, participating in sport, and starting the school year with the supplies he needs.
“It really helps our family have a satisfying life,” Noah said in a letter to his sponsor. “We appreciate all the support.”
Recently, Noah had the chance to step into his dream during a special visit to PAK’nSAVE Papakura.
There, he met the store owner Peter Lynch, went behind the scenes of a busy supermarket, and even spent time serving customers at the checkout.
Noah gets some hands-on experience in the PAK'nSAVE Papakura bakery department
Noah gets some top tips on how to operate a checkout with PAK’nSAVE team member Tanja Milosavljevi
The experience brought his ambitions to life, offering a look into what his future could hold.
“I’m a big believer in the most import thing is attitude – and he’s got a great attitude, Peter says.
“He sounds quite a driven young man, and I think whatever he decides to do, he’ll be successful.”
The visit culminated in a job offer for Noah when he turns 16.
“I think for now, what you’ve got to do is focus on your schoolwork, and when you turn 16, you come back and see us, and we’ll get you started on a part-time job, and we’ll go from there.”
At the end of the visit, PAK’nSAVE Papakura store owner Peter Lynch tells Noah he can return for a part-time role when he turns 16.
Noah’s story is a reminder that communities do more than support daily needs; they create the conditions for ambition, resilience, and growth. When people and organisations come together, they show young lives what is possible - sometimes in ways far beyond what anyone could have expected.