The CD entitled ‘Rimutaka Prison Blues’ written in support of the Prison Healing Works Trust, by Trudy Stead, enhanced Eru’s journey during imprisonment and upon Eru’s release, the Trust provided more support with his musical and whanau journey of enlightenment.
On the 15th September 2021, and in a conducive venue in Trentham, Eru told me his story of imprisonment and his close relationship with his granddaughter, his guitar, the link to his wellbeing, and his journey going forward.
He was one of the inmates in Rimutaka Prison that was always welcomed when he attended our Prison Ministry meetings. Eru would bring along his guitar and sometimes joined in. When he became aware that I had written about 9 songs inspired mainly through Prison Ministry, made a CD and released all the tracks on Youtube with prefix Trudy Stead followed by the title of the song, he said that he would like a copy of the CD and asked how could he acquire one. I advised that he would need to make request through his prison officer and the necessary paperwork and procedures would follow. It took about a couple of months before Eru had the ‘Rimutaka Prison Blues' CD in his possession, some frustration to be had while waiting for the ‘red tape’ procedures.
Once Eru received the Rimutaka Prison Blues CD, he set about to learn all 9 tracks; he was impressed with the backing musicians' ability, and loved the lyrics.
During the interview, I pointed out to Eru that some of the musicians understood the reason for embarking on such a ministerial musical venture and gave their time and music freely or for a nominal fee. All tracks were recorded at Matrix Studios in Wellington.
Eru’s pride and joy was letters exchanged between Eru and his granddaughter Iri. She was 12 when she began writing to Eru in Prison and sent little letters, cards and some photos. She was 24 by the time that he was released from prison. Iri and her partner made Eru a proud great grandfather recently. He has nurtured this relationship with Iri and encouraged his son, the father of Iri, to grow stronger in his. He has successfully reconnected with his whanau on the East Coast and in Christchurch.
Eru has three sisters and is from the other side of Ruatoria, but spent most of his childhoold in Tokomaru Bay. His face was tattooed by his nephew. It is called Mataora (Ta Moko). ‘Every single bit of etching means something special’ said Eru. As I listened to Eru telling his story I became acutely aware that this man had found his true meaning to life; his whanau, his love of music, and his ability to actively listen.
Since Eru’s release, he has shared his own works plus covers as a busker in the Hutt Valley and in Courtney Place; also on occasion in other towns, on his way visiting his whanau on the East Coast.
At one stage, Eru and I took my tape recorder to St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Upper Hutt. The quiet of the Church provided the spiritual and tranquil setting for Eru’s soul playing and original songs to resound with conviction.
“How do you feel that the Rimutaka Prison Blues album has helped you?” I asked.
Eru’s response: “It has enhanced my journey. I have begun goal setting. I would like to cut an album in 2022 with my own compositions” I perceive that the Trust will support Eru’s goal by helping him to seek funding, and advising Eru whenever required. Our walk alongside Eru has only just begun.
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