Puk Kireka is a 31-year-old gangster and a former ice addict from Napier, New Zealand, who has spoken out about his troubles with finding a job and starting a new life due to his distinctive facial tattoo that reads ‘NOTORIOUS.
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According to the recovering drug addict, people often mark him as a “mobster” before getting to know him or even speak to him.
As the father-of-three admitted, he was into meth but hasn’t used drugs ever since 2015. In an attempt to get a second chance at life, Kireka has been trying to find a job only to be turned down over and over again due to his tattoo.
“I was into meth before my last stint in jail. But I kicked the habit while in prison and I’ve been drug-free for the last four years… I know it will be hard to get a job with my tats,” the 31-year-old said in an interview with Hawke’s Bay Today.
Puk’s tattoo, which reads ‘notorious,’ is a large red and black facial tattoo that covers everything from his chin up to his eyes and resembles a face mask. As for the word ‘notorious,’ it stands for the Mongrel Mob gang slogan.
“Basically I just wanted to get healthy… look good and feel good,” Puk added, explaining that he had lost 31 kilograms after he decided to start going to the gym and turn his life around.
“Meeting Levi helped turn my life around. I’ve proved to be an inspiration for other mobsters throughout the country.”
In hopes of landing a job in the sports industry, Puk intends to complete a sport and recreation course and secure a diploma.
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