A glimpse into the fascinating depths of Hawke's Bay talent was revealed on Friday, with three locals telling extraordinary stories at the 2017 Reboot Your Business event at Napier Conference Centre.
Acting Hastings mayor Sandra Hazelhurst said she came from a "humble Raureka Background but was blessed with hardworking parents".
She said her introduction to business was when she opened a fruit shop aged 19 with her sister in 1986, when thousands in Hawke's Bay lost their jobs when freezing works closed.
Following a burglary they were asked to mentor the teenage burglars.
"I believe we gave them some hope, that they could change the direction of their ways."
Fifteen years later "a fine young man with a beautiful little girl" introduced himself to her at a supermarket as one of the burglars and was now a community leader.