The courage to make good decisions and making the most of his opportunities helped Marcus Akuhata-Brown on a global journey that saw him rub shoulders with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Barack Obama.

And with such an inspiring life story, it was no wonder he was chosen as a guest speaker by Southern REAP to tour across Southland this week.

A qualified teacher from Te Araroa on the North Island, Mr Akuhata-Brown has travelled the world helping disadvantaged youth as well as spreading positive messages to young people that they are able to achieve anything they put their mind to.

He said it took a life-changing speech from a new teacher when he was in year 10 to set him on the path he has found himself on.

"The message was that he had gone to the same school as me and had worked hard and made a good life for himself as a teacher, if he could do it we all could do it. That changed everything for me and I made a decision to make a good choice and help myself."

Schools Manager for Southern REAP Kate McRae said Mr Akuhata-Brown had helped stimulate, entertain and inspire students with his powerful message and creative delivery style, 

"He tells of how glass lids of low expectation and achievement were lifted off his life and how, through positive encouragement, intuitive goal setting as well as having the courage to break out of comfort zones, led to a life of excitement, adventure and purpose."

Mr Akuhata-Brown visited schools in Winton, Tuatapere, Wyndham and Riverton on his tour and also took part in a community evening on Gore last night (Wednesday).