An Adoption Story: Ian’s Long Kept Family Secret and Surprise Heritage

*S2 EP2 (2024 Series) An Adoption Story:*
Ian was born in Waihi, New Zealand, and adopted as an infant. He didn’t discover his adoption until he was 48 years old, at which point he slowly started to find those connections with his birth mother. With the help of his daughter Yolande, Ian then uncovered his previously unknown Māori heritage.

This is his story.

Māori words and their meanings in Ian's story:
Whakapapa = Genealogy
Marae = Ancestral meeting grounds
Iwi = Tribe
Te Arawa waka = Double hulled canoe which came here from Hawaiki
Hawaiki = Our ancestral homeland in Polynesia
Te Arawa = The name of our tribe
At the end Matua Anaru says "Tēnā koe", which is a formal greeting loosely translated as "Hello"

*My Story*
Welcome! Here on my channel, I share my personal journey as a Russian-New Zealand adoptee—adopted at two from Arkhangelsk, Russia—I also share my series An Adoption Story, a special series of mine, which shares the journeys of adoptees from around the world.

Learn about my life as an adoptee, my upbringing in New Zealand, and the significance of embracing my roots—not only with those connections in Russia but also from Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

*An Adoption Story*
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*I'm Adopted*

I’m passionate about connecting with adoptees and sharing stories that matter.

Follow along as I reflect on family, identity, and connection.

[EthanManson-zx]

I am one of his grandsons, I am so proud of him for finding his birth parents ❤️ 🎉

[MM-uvkb]

Thank goodness Ian's mother didn't keep him. Being brought up by a mother whose child didn't ' fit in with her plans ' would have been a lonely and loveless childhood. Such a blessing to have been raised in a family that gave him love and security.

[flamingogirl]

This brought so much joy to my heart. I too was adopted, but my parents always said I was their chosen child from the time I was old enough to understand. They had my original birth certificate with my birth name on it. It was given to me when I turned 18. I wanted to know more but didn't do anything about it until I was given a DNA test at 60 years old. I found my huge biological family from both sides. My bio Mother had passed away and my Father knew nothing about me. But agreed to meet me. As soon as Poppa and his wife saw me they knew without a doubt I was his. I met my half siblings and was floored when my sister Cindy came walking in. We could be identical twins! 7 plus years later I get a call every day from my 93 year old Poppa checking on his girl ❤

[Evan-e-cent]

Congratulations to Ian and his new-found family. It is a nice heartwarming story of discovery. Leigh is my sister and she played a big role in the story. The discovery of a Maori connection has been really special for Yolande who has always had an interest in traditional medical knowledge.

[naomisgram]

My daughter was adopted and came to us at 3 days old! We made sure that she knew as soon as she could understand, that she was adopted. I think it is terribly unfair to the child to deceive them. Of course she was curious about her biological family, so when she was 18, she met her birth mother. Luckily the agency through which we adopted her had kept in touch with us is well as her, so no searching was needed. Her birth mother was 16 and knew that at their age marrying the birth father would not work out, so she made the difficult decision to adopt. What a blessing it is to have her in my life, plus I have 4 grandchildren!

[marykelleher]

Ian, you were very blessed to have such a beautiful wife and amazingly supportive daughter ❤️ greetings from Ireland ☘️☘️☘️☘️

[dfoxtrot]

To me Leigh is the light of this story. Her easy, constant smile and warmth, support and love for Ian is steadfast. I'm so happy they met. The bio mother is cold; shame on her for not embracing such a kind man.

[sasharemez]

I always thought I was adopted, because I was treated as a scapegoat. Turns out I wasn’t adopted, I just didn’t fit into my parents plans either, they kept me, but I had a long path to healing from rejection.
I am well and happy now, and I am not bitter towards my parents or anyone else who has hurt me.
I been able to forgive, and let go and enjoy my life and to practice loving others because love overcomes all wrongs.

[francer]

That was a beautiful story his daughter did a beautiful job with the whakapapa
Ki ora whanau❤❤❤

[trinidad]

When Ian and the Māori gentleman touched their foreheads, I felt as though Ian were receiving a belated welcome into his heritage, and a passing on of their beloved traditions. Even before Ian found out about his heritage, I saw the tattoo on his left arm, I thought, “Oh, look just like the Māori tattoos.” Dear Ian, welcome home, yes, welcome home!❤

[_thumbs_up_baby]

"You didn't fit into my plans"
Wow that says it all !!!

[sallyr]

What a wonderful heritage he has. So happy for him to have found that sense of belonging.

[BrendaAnderson]

I can't imagine finding out I was adopted at age 48. I knew myself from a very young age. Imagine how heartbreaking it was for Ian to hear "you didn't fit into my plans". Well, I guess it was a blessing that she gave him up rather than the alternative. Thanks for sharing his story Alex in such a kind way.

[pffp]

Wow Ian you related to my children on their dad’s Side…. Amazing and that photo of your real Mum I have seen that face for the last 25 years in my In law’s home of my kids Great grandmother yes Nanny is from Awahou, so happy for you and your whanau to find your roots

[rosalind]

His birth mother could’ve chose more gentle words replying to his question as to why she gave him up. Glad you found out what you needed to know.

[kewareihawkins-mcclutchie]

Kia Ora Ian, thanks for sharing your korero on ur whakapápá . I remember meeting you in Taupô many years ago.we are related through Robert Charles Lucas Reay.

[elvirahkershaw]

i am adopted from kirov, russia. I was adopted in the 90's. youre videos had me crying. God, I wish I could go and find my family. amazing, thanks for making .!

[AnneAlready]

That little boy was loved...you can really feel this in the early childhood photos. And then the beautiful wife and children. The discovery of such rich heritage...absolute icing on the cake.
So happy for Ian. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story.

[AnnetteMcgougan-seyu]

What a sad start, with a beautiful ending

[lisaesquivel]

Maybe there’s something wrong with me because I wasn’t raised by my birth mother but I have always felt complete. I truly feel and believe that family is the circle of people you keep close