Willie Apiata on his values, PTSD and carrying the mantle of being New Zealand’s only surviving Victoria Cross recipient

Willie Apiata values the simple things. His family, his friends, and his horses. As a veteran of New Zealand’s SAS, a decorated soldier and a recipient of our highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, he has fought in some of the most dangerous places in the world.  Willie opens up about what drove a country boy to join such an elite fighting squad and travel the world, risking his own life. Willie touches on how he got through some of the tough times, showing the power of integrity and sticking to your values. 

 

Willie is open, honest and warm. He is a deep thinker with the ability to break complex ideas down into basic forms. Willie has lived a remarkable life with strong values at his core, and this perspective helps to illuminate what is required to deal with the unique challenges an elite soldier must face.

 

This episode may be one of the most engaging and touching podcasts you will hear in a long time. Willie talks candidly about his own struggles;  including with his own PTSD, being a public figure and how his VC affected his private life, and how his love for animals and his family have helped him to deal with a challenging transition back to civilian life.

 

*Talk to someone**

 

If you find anything in this podcast upsetting, or if you want to talk about how it’s affected you, then please do reach out to someone. The following organisations are amazing at what they do and how they help people.

 

Post Transition - www.posttransition.co.nz 

 

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

 

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

 

Healthline – 0800 611 116

 

Samaritans – 0800 726 666