Moana and Saxon’s mother, Teuila, has also run out of places to turn. Unable to work because she’s too sick and continually forced to move her family due to constant rent hikes, Teuila is burdened with additional worry for the future of her two children. 

At just 10 years old, Moana has attended three different primary schools in the past two years alone. “I’m the new girl all the time,” she says, “sometimes I feel invisible.” 

Due to circumstances out of their control, the family of three barely scrapes by. At only 13, Saxon does his best to support his mother and sister. He stacks shelves at a friend’s shop after school before heading home after dark to juggle housework, his mum’s care and homework. Meanwhile, Moana misses school to care for her mum on days that she is particularly sick. “If I had a wish from a genie, I would make Mum’s cancer go away,” she says, “I’m scared that Mum might have to go away or go into hospital again, and we won’t have anyone to look after us.” 

Teuila is thankful that she has the best kids on the planet who never complain, but she wishes things were better. “They deserve proper clothing, bedding and shoes,” she says, “we are really suffering right now. I know I need help; I just wish I didn’t.”