The Dunedin builder, and father of three, has been a foster father for more than two years and finds the role "very rewarding".
He and his wife, Anne, had thought about becoming foster parents for years, but it took their sons leaving home, and creating some extra space, to motivate them.
"We just wanted to do something for the kids in our town," he said.
After completing courses on raising and nurturing children and learning "a heck of a lot", they took in their first child.
They now care for three children, who range in age from a pre-schooler to a teenager.
The best part of the role was "watching the kids change", he said.
"You see them moving forward and growing up - that's the best thing for me," Mr Cleveland said.
Caring for children the second time around was easier for the couple as they were both more patient.
They had not yet had a bad experience.
The children called them by their first names and Mr Cleveland knew his role was to simply ensure the children were happy and healthy.
"They are just normal kids. But it's like being a granddad, too."
To others considering becoming foster parents, he said: "Give it a go".
He realised the thought of taking a child into your home could be daunting, but time was taken to allow both parties to get to know each other and support was on hand from an assigned social worker.
The family's plans for Father's Day were simple - to go for a walk together.
