The South Head Vagabond

Writing by Rob Harley

Rob Harley, sitting on his blue Harley Davidson motorbike

Hi – Kia ora Tatou

This time I am sharing some intriguing insights into two people whose lives really had an impact on me: A Kiwi guy called Ron O’Grady who did an an amazing job fighting child sex trafficking in Asia – establishing a movement which reached right around the world.

I will also tell you about a disabled 15-year-old girl in Indonesia I met 22 years ago, who changed my perspective on gratitude. In the “Thinking Out Loud” section I recall an experience I had in a hospital bed where I got a serious reality check on how we treat less fortunate souls. In “Stories to make you think” comes a very moving story about a 26-year-old Kiwi aid volunteer I saw making a huge difference in a war-torn country, and this week’s podcast. “Tales from the Hospital Corridors” is a unique insight into the life of a doctor who treats the very sickest babies delivered into her care.

You’ll see I am about to release my latest book ‘The Courage of Women‘. I have to say the stories are compelling, Details of when this book is being properly launched are in the ‘What’s Coming Up’ section.

Latest stories

Aaron Ward

Here’s a story about Aaron Ward – a remarkable young man I met 24 years ago, working wonders in the lives of broken children in a shattered country.

Thinking more kindly

4 October 2024

I have discovered a concept called manaakitanga. It means kindness. It means walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.

The girl who stole my heart

“Tell the crippled children where you come from, to do two things. To find something each day that makes them grateful, and if you ever have anything spare, give it away to someone who needs it.”

The Wonderful Ron O’Grady

4 October 2024

This amazing Kiwi gentleman was instrumental in starting an organisation called ECPAT, “End Child Prostitution and Trafficking.”

Hagar Cambodia

11 September 2024

A doco from the archives, featuring two New Zealanders working with Hagar Cambodia on the recovery of trafficked and abused women and children.

You deserve this

9 September 2024

I don’t usually make a practice of ‘stealing’ stuff, but this one really got to me.

Other resources

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