The Early Years
1975-1990
Sully Paea emigrated from the pacific island of Niue in the 1970's to South Auckland. It was here that he got involved in the gang environment and all that entails. It was during this time that Sully discovered that there was more to life than drugs and alcohol.
Crosspower was not to exist for some time, but the seeds of Crosspower were planted here and took root. Sully sought to reach out to the at-risk youth of Otara, in whom he saw himself at a younger age. Out of this passion came the East Tamaki Youth Centre which sought to provide skills and activities to youth who were getting into trouble. Woodworking, sewing, building, sports, were all activities undertaken to great success in the local community.
Sully Paea, having established the East Tamaki Youth Centre, decided that it was time for a change. So it was around this time that Sully Paea took his young family to Christchurch to take a break and re-focus.