SNN_April 2021 Issue_Low Res

April 2021 

Volume 24 / Issue 1 

SNNSpinal Network News 

TEINA BOYD “THAT 

BLOODY QUESTION…” 

BROOK MACDONALD 

ON NEVER GIVING UP 

WE CELEBRATE 

THE ATTITUDE 

AWARDS WINNERS 

“He Whetu 

Arahi” 

(“A Guiding Star”) 

Harper Heta’s 

inspirational story

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 2 

Contents 

3 

5 

7 

10 

14 

16 

Redeeming your Time 

Editorial 

2021 Supporting Positive Futures 

Hans Wouters—CEO NZ Spinal Trust 

Autonomic Dysreflexia 

What is it and what to do when it happens 

A Role Model at 12 

The incredible recovery of Harper Heta 

Qigong 

Developing your mental skills 

An Ideas Man 

Mike Brown talks about the LapStacker 

19 

23 

27 

29 

30 

32 

Advice for People New to SCI 

18 33 

Got Wings 

Brook Macdonald is flying again 

All is For All 

The media agency making a difference 

Teina Boyd 

That bloody question…. 

What We're Watching—Crip Camp 

A disability revolution 

Library 

New additions 

Running for Those Who Can't 

Red Bull’s Wings for Life World Run 

Burwood Academy of 

Independent Living Update 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

Peter Thornton 

Hi my name is Peter Thornton, I am so proud to be the 

editor of this great magazine. I believe it is a publication 

that has the power to change lives. 

Bernadette Cassidy 

Kia ora, my name is Bernadette Cassidy. I am 

delighted to be on the Spinal Network News team. 

I hope you enjoy the first issue for 2021! 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 


Dr Bernadette Cassidy 

Teina Boyd 

Su Marshall 

THANKS FOR THE IMAGES 

Shane Boulton (ACC) 

Teina Boyd 

Attitude Awards 

Patrons of the New 

Zealand Spinal Trust, 

Sir Tim Wallis (left) and 

Trevor Harrison (right). 

Mike Brown 

Hans Wouters 

Lucy Wilkins 

Mike Brown 

Red Bull 

All is for All 

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS is 

published by the NZ Spinal Trust 

Send your contributions to: 

The Editor SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 

c/- New Zealand Spinal Trust, Private 

Bag 4708, Christchurch 8140 

Tel: (03) 383 9484 

Email: 

peter.thornton@nzspinaltrust.org.nz 

Web: 

www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz 

Copy Proofing: Jackie Grimshaw and 


Cover Photo: Harper Heta in Kapa 

Haka gear—credit Shane Boulton 

(ACC) 

Disclaimer: The views expressed 

in SPINAL NETWORK NEWS are 

those of its contributors. They do not 

necessarily represent the opinion 

of the members of the Editorial 

Committee or the policies of the New 

Zealand Spinal Trust.

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 3 

Redeeming 

Your Time 


Editorial 

On her way. Charlie’s first day at Cashmere Avenue Primary School. 

It was a moment filled with pride and also 

tinged with sadness. Our little girl Charlie has 

grown up and was looking forward to her first 

day at Cashmere Avenue Primary School in 

Wellington. It was a day that we had talked 

about for a long time and here we were. 

The night before we packed her new schoolbag, got her 

lunchbox ready and talked through what she could 

expect. Charlie sat there quietly pondering it all. There 

was a sense of excitement but also anxiety about a big step 

into the unknown, away from her comfort zone of being 

alongside her Mum and her younger sister Georgie. 

My wife was sitting on the couch when she received a text 

from one of her friends which read: “I’ll be thinking of you 

all, sending your mini ‘me’s’ off to a place where you can’t 

catch their falls or dry their cheeks, a place that might see 

their faces beam red when they make a mistake and 

might not see a grazed knee, a place where bumped 

foreheads go un-kissed, a place for them to be big and 

brave, the humans we have always wanted them to be.” 

A flood of tears ran down Katie’s face. How did this day 

come around so soon? 

It feels like yesterday we were walking out of Auckland 

Hospital with our brand-new baby girl. The feeling of 

overwhelming joy of holding her in my arms and an 

incredible desire to protect her and look after her no 

matter what. I was so paranoid about the outside world. I 

remember driving down the motorway—at a speed of 

60km / hour tops—and cursing at everyone whizzing past 

me. “Why is everyone driving so fast?” 

Now she’s on her way. Onto her next big adventure. It is 

almost time. We make our way down the steps and meet 

her new teacher Linda as Charlie shyly makes new 

friends. In that moment she’s unsure as she tries to find 

her feet, and we say goodbye. It has all gone to plan and 

then the bell rings and Charlie realises she will be staying 

without us, she runs after us and holds on tight with tears 

running down her cheeks. “It is going to be OK honey, just 

take it one day at a time. We have to go.” 

We drive home and our journey is quiet and reflective. We 

would talk if we could. 

If there is ever any doubt about how quickly time and your 

life passes you by then you see it in your kids. 

You see every day we’re given 86,400 seconds which we can 

spend as we like. We can invest our time by living positive,


being hopeful, pursuing your goals, being a blessing to 

others. Or we can waste it by being disorganised, unhappy, 

negative, discouraged, and worried. 

Every day we have a choice. It’s up to us, not anyone else, 

if we think positively or negatively. 

The journey at the start of a spinal cord impairment is the 

same. Every person handles that incredibly tough voyage 

into a new life in their own unique way, but the one 

constant with most people is the ability to be strong, 

resilient, positive and to never give up. It is not easy. 

I think of all the remarkable people I’ve met in my five 

years as the editor of this magazine. Wakeboarder Brad 

Smeele, adaptive skier Bailley Unahi, our incredible 

columnist Teina Boyd, oboe player Nick Cornish, mouth 

painter Dayna Tiwha, and NZ rep bowler Pete Wylie to 

name a few. 

They are all remarkable individuals in their own right 

who have negotiated the path of an SCI in their own way. 

All have had their moments when it feels life is too hard to 

carry on. They’ve all dusted themselves off and use their 

time to be positive, hopeful and pursue their goals. That 

is living the life they want to live and living 

independently. They don’t know it but they have shown 

me, and many others, how to redeem our time. 

A few weeks ago, I was at a barbeque at a mate’s place. My 

girls were (as per usual) out of control. I was chatting to a 

guy who I hadn’t met before who didn’t have kids; “It must 

be awesome to wake up everyday and be able to do 

whatever you want,” I said, thinking I was being funny. 

He replied in a matter-of-fact tone. “It’s not really, I’m 

actually really lonely.” 

...every day we are given 

86,400 seconds which we 

can spend as we like. 

A few weeks later I catch up with a good mate. He’s doing it 

tough. He was made redundant during COVID-19 and now 

his contracting work has dried up at the same time the bills 

have piled up. 

It’s a stressful place and, as in the past couple of years, the 

conversation goes to a dark place. He talks about how the 

company who made him redundant shafted him, he talks 

about how they don’t have a clue, how they took a good 

performing team and dismantled it, and how they are fat 

cats who don’t care about good hard-working people. 

All of that may be true but it’s a narrative to a dark and 

negative place which doesn’t help anyone. 

It’s time to draw a line in the sand. 

I tell him he’s not redeeming his time and the only person 

he is hurting by holding on to his hate and anguish about 

how he’s been treated is himself and his family. The people 

who made those decisions months ago moved on straight 

away. He is the only one who cares and is hurting. 

When you have a moment to reflect you realise that time is 

limited and so precious. Don’t waste it. On average we 

spend 80 hours a year looking for things we have lost, we 

spend 2.5 hours a day on average on social media (or 

around 876 hours per year) and the average American 

spends around 5 hours a day watching television (1825 

hours or 76 days of each year). 

How many hours have I spent, like my mate, feeling 

negative, bitter and discouraged? I can’t tell you for sure, 

but it’s been too many. 

It’s the end of the day now and I’m making my way down 

the steps to Cashmere Avenue Primary School where we 

had the heart-breaking moment this morning. I stop and I 

see Charlie. She’s helping some new friends carry in a small 

trampoline into the class room. She’s smiling and laughing 

as they try to get it in the door (unsuccessfully), in the end 

she helps them figure it out. 

Special family time at the beach. In the past five years, 

Charlie has grown up in a flash. 

I am proud. My little girl is loving the first day of her big 

new adventure. She is already a leader. That moment will 

stay with me. Life is short. I want to make sure that I am 

positive, hopeful, pursuing my goals, being a blessing to 

others. I want to be an everyday example to my girls that 

I am redeeming my time. I might not be there when her 

face beams red when she has made a mistake or to catch 

her when she falls in the playground, but I’ll be there every 

day to support her to become the fine young woman she 

will be.


Supporting 

Positive Futures 

Hans Wouters 

CEO’s Column 

"I thought I was dying." 

This is one person's experience of autonomic dysreflexia. 

Another person says he has a "sense of foreboding". 

Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a very real and sometimes 

very scary event. Regular SNN readers may recall Teina 

Boyd's powerful "Telling It Like It Is” article in the August 

2020 edition recounting an episode of AD where she 

clearly thought she was dying. 

The New Zealand Spinal Trust (NZST) are currently 

undertaking an Autonomic Dysreflexia awareness and 

fundraising campaign and it certainly has stirred up 

some honest and onfronting conversation. 

There is a serious lack of understanding from many 

within the medical fraternity in NZ. Time and time again 

we hear from our people that they have to educate and 

sometimes even negotiate with medical staff whilst 

suffering with a life-threatening event. 

Way too often we hear of tetras fronting at a hospital or a 

doctor’s surgery only to be told to wheel into the waiting 

room, “The Dr will be with you soon!” Autonomic 

Dysreflexia is a medical emergency requiring immediate 

attention. Sitting in the waiting room in this instance can 

be hazardous to your health. 

One of our members had plastic surgery on a pressure 

area a couple of years ago. Four hours after the surgery 

they developed AD—it was obvious from the high blood 

pressure and the killer headache that came with it. 

When they asked for help the Plastic Surgeon returned to 

give them a lecture declaring that AD wasn't even 'a thing' 

and that they were taking up too much valuable staff time. 

Eventually after some incredibly stressful moments 

trying to negotiate adequate care, including a 

conversation with the Spinal Unit, they were sent by the 

surgeon to ICU. The surgeon said "not because your 

condition has worsened but because you put too much 

load on my staff and have been upsetting them. I like to 

think that this is the best little plastic surgery unit in the 

country and won't have my staff treated like this”. 

This example is clearly an extreme case however, when 

'you think you might be dying' is not a time to have an 

argument with the one person who can help you—even 

save your life! 

I have just completed my annual trip representing at 

the Show Your Ability expo and our decision to raise 

funds to produce and distribute much needed AD 

resources has been heartily endorsed in the community. 

A number of clinical staff have confessed to having little 

to no understanding of AD and were very grateful for 

Hans presenting at ‘Show Your Ability’. 

There is a serious lack 

of understanding from 

many within the medical 

fraternity in NZ. 

—Hans Wouters 

our educational program. You can view the video or 

access the resources free of charge from our website 

and we encourage you to spread the word. 

www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz/ad 

It is often said "there is a first time for everything". Often 

after a spinal cord impairment most things reset and 

there are a whole lot of firsts all over again. The first time 

you see someone who means a lot to you post injury, the 

first time you get on public transport, go to the shops, a 

bar or an event, the first time you roll out your driveway. I 

heard a wonderful suggestion recently that might be


helpful to address the fear of any upcoming 'firsts' and 

perhaps prepare yourself as much as possible to not be 

sideswiped by emotion or anxiety as you encounter it. 

Compose a list of all the firsts you are anticipating, think 

about these events and prepare your mind with optimism 

and eager anticipation rather than dread or denial. A 

good friend of mine talks about 'leaning in' to tough 

situations rather than shying away or fearing the worst. 

You can do it: you have proven it to yourself before, and 

the unknown (where most fear comes from) is soon 

revealed with relief once the ice is broken. I hope you are 

leaning into life and feeling the pride and delight that a 

courageous act can elicit. If you are not sure or would like 

to chat to someone, give us a call, maybe we can help. I 

hope you enjoy this issue of SNN—I don’t know about you 

but I think they just get better and better. Kia kaha. 

—Hans Wouters 

Often after a spinal cord 

impairment most things 

reset and there are a whole 

lot of ‘firsts’ all over again.


Autonomic Dysreflexia 

All you need to know 

High blood pressure is one of the main symptoms of AD. 

In the SNN August issue in 2020, Teina Boyd 

gave a raw and honest account of her 

experience of autonomic dysreflexia which 

required immediate emergency treatment. 

Since February 2021, the New Zealand Spinal Trust 

(NZST) has been running an education campaign on 

Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) and the feedback we have 

received has reinforced that this campaign was 

long overdue! 

Even the NZST learned something … that AD can present 

in people with an SCI lower than T6 (although this is rare). 

AD is a medical condition that causes a sudden increase 

in blood pressure requiring immediate emergency 

attention, and can lead to a stroke, heart attack, seizures, 

even death. Typically, any tetraplegic with an SCI at level 

T6 (mid-chest) or above is at risk. For the rest of their life. 

“I am tired of trying to explain to health professionals what 

AD is and what the treatment plan should be … When you 

are feeling that bad and scared, last thing I should have to 

do is advocate for the correct diagnosis or treatment.” 

AD occurs when there is a physical issue below the injury 

level (e.g., bladder or bowel distension, pressure sore, 

sunburn, constricted blood flow, etc). The body’s nervous 

system sends impulses along the spinal cord with the 

message “something’s wrong”. When these impulses 

reach the level of injury, sympathetic neurones activate 

and cause the release of chemicals which in turn cause 

blood vessels in the skin and abdomen to restrict, and 

blood pressure to rise. This rise in blood pressure is 

detected by sensors in the heart and neck (baroreceptors), 

which signal the brain. The brain then sends a message 

AD is a medical condition 

that causes a sudden 

increase in blood pressure 

requiring immediate 

emergency attention. 

down the spinal cord, effectively saying “message 

received, and action will be taken” and the blood vessels 

open up and pressure is relieved. But in AD, the message 

can’t get past the cord injury and so only vessels above 

this level dilate—vessels below keep constricting as they 

believe the original “something’s wrong” message isn’t 

getting through … and blood pressure keeps rising. 

Symptoms of AD include: 

• Flushing and sweating above the injury level 

• Nasal stuffiness 

• Goose bumps and paleness below injury level 

• Sudden high blood pressure (hypertension) 

• Pounding headache 

• Slow heart rate (bradycardia) 

• Blurred vision or spots in vision 

• Irregular heartbeat 

• Anxiety or apprehension


It is possible to have no symptoms apart from increased 

blood pressure … this is known as ‘silent autonomic 

dysreflexia’ and it is important that those at risk of AD are 

aware it exists. Any unexplained rise in blood pressure 

could be silent AD. 

Many medical professionals have not experienced a 

patient with AD and as a consequence may not be fully 

aware of the gravity of the situation. 

Treatment must happen quickly—this is the key. And it 

can be as simple as sitting the person upright and 

lowering their legs, or loosening belts, footwear or 

binders. It could be straightening a kink in a catheter. 

Many who are at risk of AD are very aware of the 

symptoms and the action they need to take. Some keep a 

Glyceryl Trinitrate spray handy to help keep symptoms at 

bay while the cause is dealt with or professional medical 

help arrives. 

If there is any doubt or the person is not responding it’s 

vital that 111 is called, and the operator told it is 

Autonomic Dysreflexia or a spinal hypertensive crisis. 

The NZST’s AD education campaign is aimed at spreading 

this information to everyone who may interact with 

someone at risk. Posters, leaflets, wallet cards have all 

been produced and given out to pharmacies, medical 

clinics, hospital wards etc, and are available to download 

on NZST’s website. A short informational video is also 

available on the NZST website. For those who find 

themselves admitted to one of NZ’s two spinal units, the 

NZST’s “Back on Track” book includes a chapter on AD, 

and all patients at most risk of AD get a wallet card. 

All of this is produced to be as informative and easily 

understood as possible so it can be shared far and wide … 

with family, friends, workmates, employers, sports clubs, 

support workers etc. 

“The information we received in the mail this week from 

NZST was really informative and eye opening, as I had 

never heard of it before!” 

For more information, or to download the poster 

www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz/ad 

To donate to NZST’s work www.nzst.org.nz


Improved Collection Bag 

Easy-to-open and easy-to-empty collection bag 

for cleaner handling 

Design features: 

• 50%* smaller and more ergonomically shaped 

protective tip, for a more comfortable insertion 

• Transparent protective tip to aid visualisation 

• More discreet packaging design 

• Less waste as a result of new design 

Order your sample now. Use code IMPSNN. 

Email NZCustomerService@libmed.co.nz 

or Visit www.hollister.co.nz/vapro 

*As measured by volume of material used. 

Prior to use of VaPro catheters, be sure to read the Instructions for Use for information 

regarding Intended Use, Contraindications, Warnings, Precautions, and Instructions. 

VaPro Plus Pocket 

No Touch Intermittent Catheter 

The Hollister logo and VaPro Plus Pocket are trademarks of Hollister 

Incorporated. ©2021 Hollister Incorporated.ALL-00143 February 2021


Kia Kaha, Kia Māia, 

Kia Manawanui 

(Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Steadfast—Māori proverb) 

The inspirational story of Harper Heta 

Harper has become a natural inspiration to others 

with her positive attitude. Credit Shane Boulton / ACC. 

When she was seven years old, Harper Heta's 

life changed in a moment. The young 

Aucklander broke her back in a gymnastics 

injury at home. Five years on, after a tough 

rehabilitation, she is a "pillar of light" to her 

whānau and community. 

Harper is the leader of her local kapa haka group and 

opened the Attitude Awards held in December 2020 with 

an inspiring dance performance from her wheelchair. We 

caught up with Harper to talk about her recovery and her 

ambition to help others overcome adversity. 

Seven-year-old Harper bends over backwards, excited to 

show her Aunty a gymnastics move. Harper is a sporty 

girl and just loved doing hand stands in the air and 

against the wall at home. She had been teaching herself 

how to do a back bend and used the stairs for momentum 

when she fell. 

Now 12 years old, Harper is 

on her seventh wheelchair, 

and is already ticking off 

her life goals. 

Harper picked herself up and managed to make it to the 

sofa. She tried to get up to get a glass of water but couldn’t. 

Not long after her fall, her Nana arrived home and Harper 

said: “Nan, I can’t move”. 

Harper remembers the drive to Kaitaia Hospital, the 

needles from a nurse—she doesn’t like needles—and the 

helicopter flight to Auckland’s Starship Hospital.


Five years on, her mother, Lara, still gets emotional when 

remembering that day and meeting Harper off the 

helicopter in Auckland. 

“It was pretty scary,” she said. “In that moment, we didn’t 

know what was going to happen. We had no idea she 

would become paraplegic.” 

Five weeks in hospital was followed by three months at a 

children’s rehabilitation centre learning how paraplegia 

can change a person’s life. 

Now 12 years old, Harper is on her seventh wheelchair, 

and is already ticking off her life goals. 

“My shoulders ached a lot when I first started pushing my 

wheelchair, but I had physio and it helped me a lot, to gain 

strength in my arms and my shoulders to help push 

myself. And then I was off. It was great!” Harper said at 

her home in Kaukapakapa, about 50 km north-west 

of Auckland. 

And she hasn’t stopped since. 

Harper is one of the leaders at her school’s kapa haka rōpū 

(group); she played a starring role along-side two other 

dancers at the 2020 Attitude Awards—a nationally 

televised event celebrating the achievements and 

successes of New Zealanders living with disabilities. 

Harper has been interviewed by children’s news site Kea 

Kids and, like a typical 12-year-old, she loves hanging out 

with her friends and biking, thanks to an attachment 

which turns her wheelchair into a three-wheeled bike. 

Harper hasn’t always been so positive about her life after 

the injury. “I’ve definitely had times when I was really 

down,” she said, such as when she was about 10 and felt 

sad she couldn’t play the sports she really wanted to play. 

“I think being in kapa haka has given me a lot more 

confidence. We’ve created a whānau and, being in the 

group, I’ve gained friendships from the group, and we all 

support each other.” 

It has also helped her to connect with her Māori roots, 

said Lara. “She may not understand everything she does, 

because she’s only 12, but I know she feels it. And it’s 

really cool to watch.” 

ACC supports Harper with visits to a psychologist to help 

with her emotions. And, her ACC Recovery Partner, 

Justine Hunter, understands Harper’s unique needs 

better than most. 

Justine is also a paraplegic and uses a wheelchair. She 

was a competitive gymnast when she was eight years old 

she was in a car accident, which injured her back. 

“Justine’s been a big help. She’s definitely one of my 

idols, and she’s definitely someone I can look up to,” 

said Harper. 

Lara echoed her support of Justine. “We met her at the 

rehab facility, and we were new to all of this, so we didn’t 

Harper and her ACC Recovery Partner Justine Hunter have 

forged a special relationship. Justine understands Harper’s 

unique needs better than most. Credit Megan Sellars / ACC.


Harper’s advice for “anybody in the same situation as me is definitely ‘don’t waste your time”. Credit Shane Boulton / ACC. 

know what was going on. And she was just really 

relatable to me, to Harper, to the situation. And she’s 

been hugely inspiring.” 

“Justine has been a part of Harper’s whole entire journey 

in terms of equipment, starting new sporting activities, 

adventures—because, when you become a person in a 

wheelchair, life looks a little bit different.” 

Justine remembered that first meeting with Lara, 

listening to her concerns. 

“I remember telling Lara there was no need to wrap 

Harper in cotton wool, and to allow her to figure out life 

when she was ready, to let her take risks, and to have the 

exact same expectations for her as she would for any one 

of her children, so she’d grow up into a healthy individual 

with respect for herself.” 

Harper has been in a wheelchair for almost half her life 

and has learnt to cope with the challenges. 

“My advice to anybody in the same situation as me is 

definitely ‘don’t waste your time’. I know that many 

people in a wheelchair do get a little depressed by their 

situation, but they don’t realise they can do a lot more if 

they have the right mind-set.” 

Lara, a mother of six, said: “Every new experience she is a 

part of enriches our life so much, and we probably 

wouldn’t have gained all that enriching love, because we 

would just be a normal family. She is a pillar of light.” 

Justine said seeing Harper become more independent 

and confident has been rewarding. 

—Lara Heta, Harper’s Mum 

Every new experience that she 

is a part of enriches our lives 

so much, and we probably 

wouldn’t have gained all that 

enriching love, because we 

would just be a normal family. 

“ACC provided an adaptive bike attachment for her 

wheelchair, so she can go to school independently, like 

the rest of her siblings, and housing modifications mean 

she can easily access all her siblings’ rooms, and the rest 

of her home, including an area where she can make her 

own snacks.” 

For Harper, being in a wheelchair isn’t holding her back. 

“One of my goals is, when I'm older, I want to be an 

inspirational ambassador, because I feel like people do 

need to know and hear from the perspective of someone 

who’s different or someone who has differences. 

“And I feel like they need to understand that 

everyone is basically the same, some just more unique 

than others.”


Driving and transport products for your independence 

Explore our range of products: 

www.totalability.com.au 

info@totalability.com.au 

Electronic Accelerator Hand Controls 

Lowering Turning Seat Bases 

Wheelchair/Scooter Hoists 

Platform Lifts 

Manual and Electronic Ramps 

Transfer Platforms 

Visit our website for more information 

“Now I can drive more safely using 

both hands, thanks to my 

Satellite Accelerator”


Qigong Fitness Class 

Developing the skills to maintain a calm and relaxed state 

Christine Hosking with members of the Qigong Class at Burwood Hospital. 

Qigong is an ancient Chinese system of 

coordinated body-posture and movement, 

breathing, and meditation used for the 

purposes of health, spirituality, and 

martial-arts training. Qigong is traditionally 

viewed by the Chinese as a practice to 

cultivate and balance qi (pronounced as 

"chi"), translated as "life energy". 

Christine Hosking is a Client Service Manager for 

Healthcare New Zealand, her role involves supervising 

nearly 40 support workers who assist people with spinal 

cord impairment (SCI). In her spare time, Christine has 

practised Yuan Qigong for 11 years and for the last two 

years has been teaching classes at Burwood Hospital. The 

SNN met with Christine to find out more about the 

benefits of Qigong and why it is so beneficial. 

—Christine Hosking 

The benefits to practising 

Qigong are limitless and 

everyone can benefit no 

matter what their physical 

ability is.


How long have you practised Qigong? How did this 

come about? 

I’ve been practicing Yuan qigong for 11 years now. When I 

started, I was working as a practice manager for a large 

integrative medical centre. While in this role, I became 

very interested in how we can best develop and maintain 

good health and a sense of wellbeing using a holistic 

approach. I was also keen to understand how we can 

change things in our lives that are preventing us being 

healthy and happy. 

One of the doctors at the practice was learning Yuan 

Qigong, and introduced me to it. I very quickly felt the 

results of doing the practice, and soon embarked on a 

six-year training course to be a Yuan Qigong teacher. This 

quickly manifested into many positive changes both in 

my health and life overall. 

What are the benefits of practising Qigong? 

The benefits to practising qigong are many and limitless, 

and everyone can benefit no matter what their physical 

ability is. There are obvious benefits such as improving 

the health of the entire body, increased strength and 

flexibility, developing the skills to maintain a calm and 

relaxed state, and improving mood by using techniques 

such as breathing and visualisation. 

Qigong consists of moving and still meditations guided by 

the Qigong teacher and can be learned easily. The 

methods are adaptable to the student and their abilities. 

Some of my students have not been able to move their 

bodies at all due to severe spinal injury and they have 

joined the class and got a lot of benefit using the guided 

meditations. One person even came in their bed. There 

has been some truly inspiring feedback from students 

with spinal injury. Engaging with a Qigong teacher to 

learn some techniques, particularly if there are special 

areas that a person wishes to work on, can be 

life-changing over time. 

You have been teaching a weekly class for SCI people at 

Burwood Hospital for the last two years. How did this 

come about? 

I was invited to teach a set of four introductory sessions 

by a member of the Peer Support team, working for the NZ 

Spinal Trust (NZST), who knew I was a Qigong teacher. 

This initial engagement was for a woman’s group to try it 

out as an activity. They all enjoyed it so much that they 

asked me to continue teaching the class, and it was then 

opened up to anyone who wanted to attend. This was over 

two years ago. I ran the class through Zoom during 

lockdown, which the participants found really beneficial 

during that challenging time. 

Those who attend your class find it very beneficial. 

Why do you think this is? I’ve been a few times 

and always find that I sleep really well on the days 

I’ve attended. 

I understand from the feedback I receive that some people 

who attend experience reduced pain and discomfort, even 

from injuries that are years old, and including a decrease 

in spasm. Increased strength and flexibility, with an 

ability to be more relaxed and cope better with life’s 

challenges is also a common feedback. We also practice 

mindful awareness and breathing techniques that can be 

used any time to help maintain a calm and relaxed state. 

Improved sleep is very commonly reported, and 

improvement of health generally. Participants now have a 

tool-kit of methods to use at home to improve their 

emotional state and physical wellbeing, and to help them 

sleep. The participants say they feel better overall. 

Can you tell me about your role with Healthcare NZ? 

I am a Client Service Manager for HealthCare New 

Zealand. I work in a specialist area of the organisation, 

managing the services for clients with serious injury 

living in their own homes. I also manage about 40 

support workers who work for my clients. Most of my 

clients have serious spinal injuries, so I have a very good 

understanding and ability to adapt the Qigong methods 

to support those who attend. I also have a nursing 

background and worked in Dunedin Hospital for a 

number of years. 

HealthCare NZ supports me in providing these weekly 

classes, by enabling me to run them during my working 

day. I feel very grateful to HealthCare NZ (and my 

wonderful senior managers) for so generously 

supporting this opportunity; both for myself, and the 

people who have attended my Yuan Qigong class for the 

last two years. 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

My experience running my class at Burwood Hospital has 

been truly inspiring. The feedback I get is clear evidence 

that Yuan Qigong is a very effective modality for 

improving health, happiness and wellbeing over time, no 

matter the condition or ability of the person learning. It 

can be adapted to suit anyone, and everyone can benefit. 

There is wonderful camaraderie and encouragement 

between us all too, and we help each other by discussing 

our challenges. We are all learning together. 

I have a great admiration for the NZ Spinal Trust and the 

work they do, it’s absolutely amazing and inspiring. Most 

of my clients have serious spinal injury and so I’m very 

aware of all the work the NZST does for New Zealanders 

with SCI on many different levels including advocacy. 

I think the fact that Jazz and Andrew are great supporters 

of Qigong and its benefits also says a lot about the 

openness of the trust, their constant research and their 

willingness to try other rehabilitative modalities for 

people with SCI. 

There are trained Yuan Qigong teachers running classes 

like mine all over New Zealand. If anyone wants more 

information, please do get in touch with me. 

For more information contact Christine Hosking 

Christine.Hosking@gmail.com 

Mobile: 027 283 7671


“A Game Changer” 

Mike Brown explains the story behind the LapStacker 

Mike Brown with the LapStacker. He says the aim of Adaptdefy is to create more game changing products for people with mobility concerns. 

Mike Brown is an ideas man. The 43-year-old 

from Christchurch, who sustained an SCI in 

2012, started Adaptdefy in 2020, a media and 

product development company on a mission 

to increase freedom for wheelchair users and 

the adaptive community. 

We caught up with the former NZST Spinal Trust 

Marketing and Community Manager to talk about the 

LapStacker and what it means to have ACC backing it. 

—Mike Brown 

The aim of Adaptdefy is to 

create more game changing 

products for people with 

mobility concerns. 

For the uninitiated, what is the LapStacker? 

The LapStacker is the world’s first retractable system for 

wheelchairs. Essentially if you want to carry something 

on your lap as a wheelchair user, it’s often difficult to do 

so without the item falling off. You are pushing the 

wheelchair with your hands and you can’t hold onto 

something because your hands are occupied. 

The LapStacker is a self-locking, strap system that you 

can pull up from your side and you latch the metal buckle 

over the item you wish to carry, and it locks it down onto 

your lap. It’s great because you no longer have to worry 

about things falling off your lap. 

How did you come up with the idea? 

Like most ideas, the LapStacker was borne out of a need 

that I had. To put it simply, I was sick of dropping things 

and feeling frustrated and slow and embarrassed. We 

were renovating our house and I was carrying an 

assortment of tools and an open-top toolbox. The tools all 

fell off my lap as I was coming out of the garage and into 

the house. They went everywhere. I thought to myself, 

this just sucks. So, I thought how can I stop this from 

happening, and that’s where it started.


How did you come up with the design? 

Any design process starts with ideation. We went through a 

range of different concepts. One of the concepts that came to 

the surface was trying out a seatbelt mechanism with a basic 

latch and mounting that to my wheelchair to see if that 

would work. The key was whether it would actually hold an 

item down. The first test was successful and from there the 

design process took over. It was a long process with lots of 

different prototypes and lots of blood, sweat and tears. 

What sort of feedback have you had from 

LapStacker users? 

We have been blown away. We launched a pre-launch 

campaign on Kickstarter which helped us validate the 

idea. We had loads of people backing us which showed us 

that the problem was real, and our solution was something 

that people believed would help. A lot of people have said 

it is a game changer for them, so when someone says that 

it means there is nothing like it on the market. It’s a world 

first and it’s patented. We have had people get in touch to 

say thanks, and how it has made a huge difference to their 

lives. We’ve also had feedback on the design. This is the 

first iteration. So, we have had comments about the price, 

the weight, the installation—which is great because we 

use the feedback to make improvements. We have got a 

nice community of people who love us and love the 

LapStacker so they give us honest feedback. 

What challenges has COVID-19 posed for your business? 

The first interruption with COVID-19 was manufacturing. 

We manufacture in China and I went there to visit and vet 

our factories. Lockdown in China happened first so all of 

our manufacturing closed down. That was really poor 

timing because we were very close to having the product 

out to our pre-order customers and new customers and we 

were delayed for a great deal of time. I had also left my 

fulltime role at the NZ Spinal Trust around the same time. 

So that meant our limited cash reserves were being eaten 

into quickly. Those manufacturing delays meant there were 

also delays with income which meant we were bleeding. We 

had to go out to our investors and also find some new 

investors to raise some money to get through that period. It 

was a very stressful time. We were transparent with our 

customers at that time and they appreciated our honesty. 

How big is your business and what is the purpose 

of Adaptdefy? 

It’s a small business. We are one product. It is called the 

LapStacker. We are selling it online and we have 

customers in 14 different countries around the world. We 

have dealers in Japan, the US, Switzerland, two in 

Australia, and several here in New Zealand. We are 

growing slowly. The aim of Adaptdefy is to create more 

game changing products for people with mobility 

concerns. We are a business that wants to do good in the 

world. We want to create products that help people. We 

also produce media content in the form of Podcasts and 

videos and our aim is to showcase some people who have 

overcome incredible challenges and help them share that 

knowledge. In New Zealand we have sold around 100 

LapStackers and more and more people are talking about 

it and showing their friends. 

Getting any medical 

products can be costly so for 

ACC to fund the LapStacker 

is a huge help. 

What does it mean to have ACC fully funding the 

LapStacker for anyone who sustains an SCI? 

We are incredibly lucky in this country to have ACC. For 

them to fund the LapStacker is beneficial to people who are 

funded by ACC and it is also beneficial to us. Often in the 

disabled community getting any medical products can be 

costly so for ACC to fund the LapStacker is a huge help. It 

means that more people will be able to enjoy the benefit of it. 

How do people go about getting the LapStacker? 

The LapStacker is available on our website 

www.adaptdefy.com and through a number of different 

dealers. If you want to get this funded through ACC or 

MoH then you need to ask your Recovery Partner and 

explain the problems you are having. You will then be 

directed to an OT (Occupational Therapist) who will then 

contact us or one of the dealers. There are lots of different 

ways to get hold of the LapStacker and we are able to 

answer any questions they may have. 

Are there any other products that Adaptdefy is 

working on? 

—Mike Brown 

We also have a part to play in the development of the 

world’s first two wheeled adaptive mountain bike that can 

be ridden on single tracks. There’s information about that 

on our website. We have a range of different ideas which 

are similar to the LapStacker. They may make a small 

difference to a person’s life but when you add them all up, 

they make a big impact. We are at ideation stage for a 

lighter, cheaper and simpler to install LapStacker, and 

mounting options for a powered wheelchair. 

How did your time at the NZST help shape your work 

with Adaptdefy? 

My time at the NZ Spinal Trust gave me a deeper 

understanding of the challenges our community faces, 

and the pain points that people have. It also showed me 

the challenge of reaching people and bringing people into 

a community. Just because you have a lot of people in 

wheelchairs, it doesn’t mean you always hang out with 

other wheelchair users. They are scattered across the 

whole country. It’s hard to reach everyone. With 

Adaptdefy we can see the need for good quality content. 

We started that with Wheelie Good Tips, and I want to 

keep doing that with Adaptdefy. 

Check out Wheelie Good Tips on the NZST website 

www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz/wheeliegoodtips


That’s a Tough Question… 

Mike Brown’s advice for newcomers to an SCI 

Mike's 10 tips: 

1. Try to listen to your internal voice, and acknowledge 

that voice, but also realise that that voice isn’t 

necessarily you. So you may have a voice inside your 

head that is telling you bad things about yourself. 

You have got control of that. My advice would be to 

spend as much time as you can working on your 

mindset, your internal voice. 

2. Accept that other areas of your life may have to go on 

hold until you get yourself sorted with the basic 

health and psychological needs. 

3. Let your emotions flow, whatever they may be. Be 

kind to the people around you because they are also 

impacted in a big way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

4. Get out of your comfort zone. It could just be getting 

out of your house for the first time and going to the 

local store. Lean into those first experiences no 

matter how uncomfortable and how afraid you are. 

Do them as quickly as you can because you will learn 

a great deal and you will overcome that hurdle and 

you will grow in confidence every time you have one 

of those experiences. Life can be amazing. It is totally 

up to you. 

Not looking back. Mike Brown has gone through plenty of 

highs and lows and is always looking forward. 

On a quiet morning in a small, rural town in 

Queensland, Mike Brown’s life changed 

forever. The Wellingtonian, who was working 

in a bauxite refinery in Australia, was skating 

along the quiet streets where there were no 

cars around. 

“But on the last corner, I collided with an oncoming car. 

That was the start of my paraplegic career,” he says. Mike 

has shown incredible resilience throughout the highs and 

lows of his rehabilitation and recovery. He’s had an SCI for 

almost 10 years now and is in a good place to offer 10 

pieces of advice for others who have sustained an SCI and 

are at the start of their journey. 

5. You cannot blame external forces. Don’t play the 

victim. Accept what happened to you and move on. 

Let go of the blame and resentment you have for any 

reason. You have to forgive and let go of the past. Set 

yourself some goals and work your way to achieving 

them. No matter how small a task may seem, 

embrace it. 

6. Connect with people who are further down the track 

than you and ask them for help. Realise it is going to 

take a lot of energy and a lot of your time to learn 

about the new reality that you now face. Give yourself 

that time. 

7. If you are in a relationship make sure you use your 

time to communicate as effectively as you can. 

Non-violent communication is a great tool to have. 

Spend some time on learning about your own 

personal growth and mastering your mindset. 

8. Appreciate the small things. Be present. Enjoy every 

moment you have got. Enjoy the people around you. 

You only have one life so make the most of it. 

9. Find a life coach—someone who can shape your 

future and help you get through things. 

10. Mindset, mindset, mindset that is the key foundation 

for everything. Get out, there try new things. Be 

brave and be curious. Have fun.


A Never-Say-Die Attitude 

The incredible fighting spirit of Brook Macdonald 

Red Bull professional Brook Macdonald competing at the UCI 

Mountain Bike World Cup in Austria. Photo credit: Red Bull. 

Brook Macdonald was sitting on his bike at 

the top of the Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike 

Trail and paused for a moment—he had been 

dreaming of this day for the past six weeks 

and it had finally arrived. 

On this fine and cool Hawke’s Bay morning, Brook had a 

million things racing through his mind: his surgery, the 

physio, learning to walk again, the tears and heartache of 

a dream seemingly gone, the agony of his crash and the 

daily grind of his intense rehabilitation to get back here. 

There was no fear in his mind, just pure child-like 

excitement—he was back where he belonged. 

“That first time back on my bike in the forest - it was the 

greatest feeling in the world,” said the Red Bull 

professional rider, in his typical laid-back manner. 

“Fear was the last thing on my mind to be honest. After 

what I have been through, I thought there would be some 

lingering fear and doubt, but there never has been. I just 

couldn’t wait.” 

—Brook Macdonald 

That first time back on my 

bike in the forest—it was the 

greatest feeling in the world. 

That day was only six weeks after Brook sustained a 

broken back, which looked to end his professional 

mountain-biking career and change the course of his life. 

He was competing at the World Mountain Bike 

Championship in Mont Saint Anne, Canada, in August 

2019. On the first practice run in the morning, he 

remembered feeling “really good” after qualifying 

third fastest. 

Brook was ‘humming’ around the trail when his back 

wheel caught some exposed roots which sent him flying 

over the handlebars.


He fell from the height of three metres straight down on 

to his back, which caused a significant impact on his 

spine. Brook fractured his T12 and L1 vertebrae. 

“I remember the pain was excruciating,” he said. “I 

realised I couldn’t roll because I couldn’t feel my legs. I 

knew then that it was pretty serious. I didn’t have any 

painkillers … I was pretty scared in that moment.” 

Brook’s plight did not improve quickly. He spent five 

hours on the mountain in excruciating pain, waiting for 

the helicopter to arrive. It felt like forever. 

“The whole situation was pretty horrible and the pain was 

getting worse,” he said. “I was told to hold tight, that the 

helicopter was coming, but nothing happened… 

“At the time, I accepted what had happened and, if I was 

going to be paralysed, then I was going to be paralysed. If 

not, well that was going to be a good thing.” 

Brook went straight into emergency surgery on his spine 

and spent the next two weeks in hospital in Quebec. 

His fiancée was told by Doctors there was a chance her 

partner would never walk again. 

“No one ever told me that I was going to be in a 

wheelchair,” he said. “Which was really good, because it 

drove me to be back where I am today. The best thing 

about my recovery was not being told those words.” 

Brook was flown home and continued his rehabilitation at 

the Burwood Spinal Unit in Christchurch. 

Every day, for four weeks, he would work with Quinn, his 

physiotherapist, twice a day and make small gains. 

Brook’s ACC Recovery Co-ordinator, Kat Matthews, said 

he was a very motivated guy who fully committed to 

his rehabilitation. 

—Kat Matthews, ACC Recovery Partner 

Brook was amazing to work 

with. He was very motivated 

and did everything he could 

to be back walking and 

cycling post-accident. 

“Brook was amazing to work with. He was very motivated 

and did everything he could to be back walking and 

cycling post-accident”. 

Kat would contact Brook to make sure he was on track and 

said he was always progressing better than expected. 

“When I got his claim, based on the severity of his 

injuries, I wasn’t sure Brook would be able to ride his bike 

again, so he has done incredibly well.” 

Five weeks after sustaining a spinal cord impairment, 

Brook walked out of the Burwood Spinal Unit. 

“That was an amazing moment,” he said. “My biggest 

goal was to walk out of Burwood unassisted and, to 

achieve that, was awesome. I hadn’t been home for three 

months and I never spend that much time away from 

home. I felt free again.” 

Kat said the man, known as “Bulldog” for his 

hard-charging mountain-biking style and never-say-dieattitude, 

showed an unrelenting determination and 

positive attitude. 

Brook Macdonald has shown incredible commitment to his rehab to 

get back to competing at the highest level. Photo credit: Red Bull.


No fear. Brook says: “After what I have been through, I thought 

there would be some lingering fear and doubt, but there never 

has been. I just couldn’t wait.” Photo credit: Red Bull. 

“Throughout managing his claim, he never complained, 

no matter what was going on, and he was always very 

proactive and involved in his recovery. He is an amazing 

guy and I’m happy he is back doing what he loves. 

Brook was proactive in his rehab. He advised Kat that he 

had rented a car in Christchurch, so he could get 

outdoors, which was important for his mental health. 

ACC played a leading role in Brook’s recovery 

and rehabilitation. 

“To come home seriously injured and to know that 

everything was covered was a huge relief,” he said. 

Also playing a huge role was the support of the global 

mountain bike community. Brook was blown away by the 

number of people who got in touch and wished him well. 

“Every day that I got sent ‘get well’ wishes or cards it was 

a big lift for my mental state and kept encouraging me to 

keep going. It was a big part of getting through my 

whole recovery.” 

That support was even better when he returned to 

competitive action at the UCI Mountain Bike World 

Championships in Austria in October. 

“To have the adrenalin again from competing was a great 

feeling. Just to see and compete against the same people 

that I had before my accident was pretty special. I know 

I’m lucky to be able to do what I love.” 

—Brook Macdonald 

My biggest goal was to 

walk out of Burwood 

unassisted and, to achieve 

that, was awesome. 

Brook and three others ran a half marathon in their hotel 

rooms in quarantine on their return to New Zealand. 

They raised $25,000 for the Burwood Spinal Unit and the 

Westpac Rescue Helicopter. 

“My space was around eight metres from wall-to-wall, so 

it was a different way to run a half marathon,” he laughs 

“But it was good to give back to all of the people who 

helped me.” 

After what he had been through, he hopes to complete a 

full calendar of mountain-biking events in 2021, 

COVID-19 permitting. 

“I’ll never forget what I’ve been through. I never take 

a single day riding my bike for granted, after what I 

have experienced. I want to make the most of 

every opportunity.”


Brook has good advice for anyone who has sustained a 

spinal cord impairment. 

“Never give up,” he said. “You’ve been put in a pretty 

tough situation, but you need to know that anything is 

possible. The biggest thing for me was setting goals and 

working towards achieving them day by day. Anything is 

possible—that is for sure.” 

Editor's Note: Are you a cyclist? 

Brook’s good friends at www.stemcaps.com have added a 

NZST Stemcap to the range with all proceeds going to the 

NZ Spinal Trust. 

A cycling accessory with a cause. Here is one of Hans's 

Stemcaps—he and his friends love theirs. Hans has one 

on his Road Bike, Mountain Bike and on his commuter 

bike (image right)! 

The NZST Stemcap on Hans's commuter bike.


All is for All 

Grace Stratton claims Supreme Award at Attitude Awards 

Grace Stratton celebrates winning the Supreme Award at the ACC Attitude Awards, 

with ACC Minister Carmel Sepuloni. Photo Credit: Attitude Awards. 

Grace Stratton, co-founder of All is for All, 

was announced winner of the prestigious 

Attitude ACC Supreme Award at the Attitude 

Awards in Auckland in December 2020. Now 

in its 13th year, the black-tie gala event 

celebrated the achievements and successes of 

New Zealanders in the disability sector. 

Auckland-raised Grace (20) co-launched All is for All, an 

accessible communications, media and talent agency, 

with her friend, Angela Bevan, in 2019. 

Grace, who uses a wheelchair, started the business 

because she understood the challenges of purchasing 

garments online, only to discover they aren’t 

purpose-built for disability. All is for All started as a 

company that sought to solve this simple problem for 

millions of people around the world by designing an 

accessible e-commerce space that reframes how designer 

garments are discussed. 

—Grace Stratton 

All is for All ensures 

disabled people are uplifted. 

It started in fashion because 

of fashion’s power to be a 

catalyst for change. 

It has now grown to help all kinds of businesses 

implement accessibility as a cornerstone of their work 

and communications; ensuring disabled consumers are 

spoken to, understood, valued and uplifted. All is for All’s 

work has challenged norms, improved communications 

and is about bringing accessibility into focus, without 

compromising aesthetics and innovation.


Bringing accessibility into focus, without compromising 

aesthetics and innovation, All is for All ensures people 

with disabilities can have both an experience of designer 

garments and a wardrobe which is accessible to them. 

The company now works with a variety of local designers, 

including Twenty-Seven Names, Stolen Girlfriends Club and 

Kate Sylvester, on inclusion and access within business, and 

customer experience through a disability rights lens. 

Grace’s achievements since launching All is for All are 

extensive. These include contracting more than 10 

models with disabilities, and working with over 20 

designers, showcasing at New Zealand Fashion Week 

2019, and providing consultation work for 18 people with 

disabilities in advisory roles for The Warehouse Group, 

Global Brands Group, Estee Lauder and more. 

Grace was a Young New Zealander of the Year finalist in 

2018, was named InStyle’s ’50 Badass Women for 2019’ 

and is a full-time student at AUT, studying a double 

degree in law and communications. 

Attitude Trust Chairperson Dan Buckingham, 

commented on Grace’s win: “In lots of ways, it seems like 

Grace is only at the beginning of her journey. With so 

much more to offer, I’m certain she will wave the flag for 

disability high and proud for years to come. Grace stood 

out as the overall winner for a multitude of reasons, not 

least of all due to being able due to her ability to cut 

through and make a difference in a field rarely reserved 

for people who live with disability.” 

On accepting her award, Grace said: "What we do at All is 

for All is about creating space. It's not about me, or any 

one person, but the work we can achieve together. I think 

it's really important that we create bridges and 

understanding. We don't want people to be so afraid of 

saying the wrong thing that they say nothing at all." 

Principal sponsor, ACC’s Chief Executive, Scott Pickering, 

said this year’s finalists’ achievements were impressive: 

“Congratulations to Grace on her well-deserved win of 

both the Attitude Employee and Entrepreneur Award and 

the Attitude ACC Supreme Award for her work in 

encouraging and driving a more accessible and inclusive 

New Zealand. This year’s finalists have all made 

outstanding contributions to their communities—the 

disability community and New Zealand as a whole—and 

we are proud to celebrate their success with them.” 

Grace’s award closed an outstanding evening where 25 

individuals and organisations were recognised. The 

black-tie gala was hosted by TVNZ 1 News presenter, 

Simon Dallow, and saw performances by his daughter, 

Paris, and singer-songwriter Benny Tipene. Additionally, 

Delta Goodrem shared a special video performance of her 

hit song ‘Solid Gold’ ahead of her 2021 New Zealand tour. 

For highlights from the 2020 Attitude Awards visit: 

www.attitudeawards.org/2020-winners 

Chelsea Pita says: “Working with All is for All has been such 

an honour and privilege” Photo credit: captured by @hsburg 

for MONDAY Haircare campaign, makeup by @rae_makeup, 

styling + direction by @the_twenties_club. 

Chelsea Pita—The paraplegic who 

found herself through modelling 

How did you first get into modelling? Is it something 

you have always wanted to do? 

Modelling wasn’t something I was initially passionate 

about or something that I thought I could do because I 

portrayed myself as not being ‘model material’, however 

I always thought modelling looked fun and artistically 

beautiful. It is definitely something I enjoy and would 

love to continue. I’m just taking up as many 

opportunities as I can. 

What has it been like working with All is for All? 

Working with All is for All has been such an honour and 

privilege. When I first came across All is for All I was and 

still am in such awe of the work that they are doing and 

their goal of inclusion and bringing awareness and 

opportunities towards the disability community. The 

reason I made contact with Grace and the AIFA team was 

because I was at a point in my life where I felt a need for 

change and bring back some of that self-worth and 

confidence, I felt I lost after my SCI. It was definitely out 

of my comfort zone but I believed that this was what I 

needed and wanted to do. I believed in being part of the 

bigger picture which was to bring awareness and 

acceptance towards the disabled community and striving 

for more inclusion.


Are you excited about being part of increasing 

understanding around disability? 

I’m definitely excited about being part of increasing 

understanding around disability. Because we all live in 

such a stereotypical-minded society, it’s important to 

educate people about disability, develop empathy towards 

one another and try to break those barriers around 

accessibility and inclusion so we can all, disabled or not, 

try and live our life to the fullest. 

How did your injury occur? 

In January of 2018 I went swimming with my siblings and 

nephew. I decided to go and jump off a 10-15m high 

jumping cliff into the lake with my older brother and 

younger sister. Others were around jumping too. I 

remember jumping when it was clear for me to and as 

soon as I hit the water I couldn’t feel my legs. I had 

sustained an L1 Spinal Cord Injury. 

What advice do you offer to others who have sustained 

an SCI and are at the start of their journey? 

The biggest advice I could give to anyone who has a spinal 

cord injury and just starting out on this journey is to keep 

reaching out and stay in contact with those at the Spinal 

Unit (whether they are a staff member or a current or 

former patient) or even support groups through social 

media. You may feel lonely or lost or both in this journey 

like I did but more often than not someone out there 

knows exactly what you are going through and asking a 

question, any question or just asking for company is 

better than not asking at all. Find what you are passionate 

about and go for it. You may need to make a few 

adjustments but you are definitely more than capable of 

doing whatever you set your mind to. 

How hard was your rehab and your recovery? 

Rehab and recovery was difficult. I was 18 at the time of 

my injury and the youngest at the Spinal Unit during my 

time there, plus after leaving the Spinal Unit it became a 

very lonely journey because I didn’t know where to look 

for support or what to ask and talk about. It was a new 

journey and I just didn’t know how to navigate my way 

through this change in my life. 

Find what you are 

passionate about 

and go for it. 

—Chelsea Pita 

Chelsea Pita has found herself through modelling. Photo credit: Image for EveryHuman.com.au.

Rollators & Walkers for all walks of life 


Pegasus Carbon fibre Walker 

> Ultra lightweight, rigid carbon fibre frame, with stylish 

detachable shopping bag and backrest. 

> The rollator can be collapsed with one hand and 

secured with the Lock Clamp for transport or storage. 

> The unique Edge Guard feature prevents the walker 

from catching on furniture legs and doorframes. 

> The Tilt Assist function gives the foot a wide area 

to step on and tilt the walker up to navigate kerbs. 

> The Ergo Grip makes it easier to stand from seated 

position. 

Visit our website for the full walker range and 

helpful accessories available. 

MADE IN 

Warranty 

NORWAY 

Ultra light 

Detachable Bag Lock Clamp Edge Guard Tilt Assist 

Ergo Grip 

Obi Independent 

Dining Robot 

> With the touch of a switch Obi allows users to select between 

four compartments of food and to command when the food is 

delivered to their mouth. 

> Obi increases independence, social interaction, and effective 

food capturing like never before! 

> Obi is perfect for eating out! Obi is portable, 3Kg and provides 

up to 3 hours of eating time per full charge. 

> #1 Occupational Therapist Recommended Robotic Feeding 

Device in the U.S. 

Vela Tango 

Independence Chair 

The Vela Tango is a unique indoor 

mobility chair that creates independence 

for anybody with reduced mobility. 

> Walkable and offers stability with a central 

brake. More functional than a wheelchair 

or walker for indoor tasks. 

> The 20cm height adjustable by an 

electric switch under the armrest. 

Allows for a greater reach, 

functionality and assisted standing. 

> The seat can rotate 90° LH and RH. 

A quick release button will fold back 

the armrests to accommodate easier 

transfers to another seat or bed. 

0800 238 523 | mortonperry.co.nz 

Visit our website for: 

Product information • Video demonstrations 

Testimonials & Clinical Studies Library 

Book an on site product demonstration or visit our Auckland showroom: Call for appointment


Telling it Like it is 

Teina Boyd’s column 

—Teina Boyd 

Not everyone around us is 

educated on “us”, judgement 

is just a thing we need to deal 

with sometimes. 

like, “Why do you have a bag of apple juice on your leg?” 

“Can I have some apple juice?” How do you tie your 

shoelace when your hands are so curly?” 

But that one repetitive question makes me cringe every 

time (I’m thinking of attaching a pre-recorded message to 

my chair so I can just press the button every time 

someone asks). 

Approached by a lovely elderly couple in the supermarket 

last week, I was asked “the question”. They seemed like 

good, honest people. So I gave an honest answer. 

I even said yes when they asked if they could pray for me. 

Teina with her son William. She says: “Life is what you make of it. 

Try and make the most of it”. 

Teina was a patient in the Burwood Spinal 

Unit six years ago. The down-to-earth 

Cantabrian was a recruit for the New Zealand 

Police when she fractured her neck at the C5 

vertebrae. It changed her life in a moment 

but she has never given up. Her honest 

reflections give us a real insight to living with 

a disability. 

So ... What happened to you? 

That question … That bloody question that comes so 

constantly. Whether it comes from a stranger in the 

supermarket, that childhood friend you run into in the 

street or just another curious child … it’s SUCH a 

Groundhog question. 

Funnily enough I enjoy the questions from children a lot 

more … They’re less articulate with their curiosity. Things 

Placing their hands on my knees and crouching down 

between the pumpkins and potatoes at Pak ‘n’ Save, they 

shared their prayers with me. Yes … okay … it got awkward 

when the husband got a bit more energetic, demanding 

the power of God into my legs with what looked to be 

some Zumba moves but hey … I was grateful for their 

effort ... for their aroha. 

I was, however, deflated when they made me so late to 

pick my son up from school that I had to leave without my 

groceries. Do people just assume I have nowhere to be and 

nothing to do, because of my disability? 

So, two days later, when asked the same question outside 

of the same supermarket, I was hesitant in answering. 

Glancing down at my hand controls to check the time, I 

knew I only had half an hour before I was due back at 

home for a Zoom meeting. 

Dilemma. Lie, tell a short white lie, brush it off and make 

it home for work on time? Or tell the truth and probably 

get stuck in a huge conversation about one of their 

disabled cousins who has been through “exactly what I’m 

going through”. 

With an internal sigh I use my teeth to pull my messily 

written shopping list out of my sleeve. Handing it to my 

support worker she gives me a wink as she grabs my purse. 

“Text me if you need anything else Tee”, as she heads into 

Pak ‘n’ Save with our canvas shopping bags.


—Teina Boyd 

Being in this wheelchair has 

taught me some lessons I 

never would have been lucky 

enough to learn had my life 

not taken this turn. 

So, while my support worker did our groceries, I sat 

outside and listened to this young guy’s story of how he 

shattered his vertebrae back in 2012, and through nothing 

more than his own willpower and hard work, he’s now 

walking and working—back at full health. 

(No mention at all of the amazing nurses, doctors, social 

workers, occupational therapists, physios, support 

workers, family and friends who no doubt provided 

massive support during this recovery ... it was ALL him). 

So, after 15 minutes of being encouraged to “just try 

harder” and demand my body out of its sleep, I was 

painfully regretting my choice to engage. 

“You just have to wake up in the morning, and want it 

more than anything else girl! Push through the pain and 

work for it!” 

I held my tongue with some difficulty, then asked him 

(when he was finished teaching me how to fix my 

spinal-cord injury), “So how damaged was your 

spinal-cord during your injury?” 

Long story short? It wasn’t. He broke two vertebrae and 

his spinal-cord got away scot-free. 

One word flashed through my mind. 

Uneducated. 

I won’t say miracles don’t happen, because they do. 

Occasionally. But do these idiots really think that we are 

rolling around in wheelchairs because we “don’t want it 

enough”? 

If that were really the case, and it was a matter of 

willpower and strength? I have a few friends in 

wheelchairs who would have grown wings and flown off 

long ago. 

So now the ball’s in my court, how do I reply to this 

without trampling on his positivity? Do I educate? Or do I 

allow him his ignorant bliss? 

Honesty, I resort to my natural tendency. 

Teina with her partner Bradley. She says: “Some people are not 

fortunate enough to have everything I do”. 

Smiling, I do understand his response… Some people are 

not fortunate enough to have everything I do. 

“Really. Without this wheelchair I wouldn’t have met 

some of my best friends, I wouldn’t have the amazing 

relationship I do with my son, I wouldn’t have found my 

dream job helping other people with disability and I 

wouldn’t have met my fiancé... if I could go back six years 

and do it all differently? I wouldn’t” 

I can see he doesn’t believe me. 

But I really don’t care. 

Seeing my support worker walking towards me with a 

huge smile ... laden with our bags of junk food, I’m excited 

to get back to my day. Home to see my workmates on 

Zoom before binging out with her, my support worker 

turned best mate, over the latest MAFS reunion. 

That’s a great Tuesday morning. 

Remember not everyone around us is educated on “us”, 

judgement is just a thing we need to deal with sometimes, 

and a little bit of gratitude and patience can go a really 

long way when dealing with it all. 

Love and light everyone xo 

“I’m really happy it worked out for you. For me? Being in 

this wheelchair has taught me some lessons I never would 

have been lucky enough to learn had my life not taken 

this turn.” 

He looks at me in disbelief, sincerely not believing what 

I’m saying.


What We’re 

Watching 

Crip Camp 

A Disability Revolution 

13+ Political Documentary 

Everyone can remember their first summer camp. Their 

first time away from Mum and Dad. Having fun with your 

mates and finding trouble until all hours of the night. It 

was awesome. Well, it doesn’t matter how good your first 

camp experience was, it won’t have been as formative or 

as life-changing as Crip Camp. 

This Netflix documentary, with former US President 

Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, as 

the Executive Producers, captures an incredible period in 

history where things needed to change, and the camp was 

the catalyst. 

The film, directed by a former camper, Jim LeBrecht, and 

Nicole Newnham, shows that a Catskills summer camp 

for the disabled fostered a sense of community and 

creativity that fed directly into the American disability 

rights movement in the 1970s. 

People came to Camp Jened and they found themselves. 

Some of the campers deliver powerful lines to sum up 

their experience. “I wanted to be part of the world, but I 

didn’t see anyone like me,” one says. In the outside world, 

life was hard for disabled people and no one seemed to 

care. Many were sent to institutions and using public 

transport was not at option. It was a lonely existence. The 

movie sums up just how far we have come as a society in a 

short time, or more pointedly how shocking life was only 

50 years ago. But it was not like that at camp, here they 

could be normal. “It was allowing us to recognise that the 

status quo was not what it needed to be”. 

Crip Camp reminds us that 

anything is possible. 

Where Crip Camp excels is in the original vision of the 

camp in its heyday and the impact it had on these 

inquisitive teenagers and then the impact they would 

have on the world. It links the struggles of the disabled to 

other fights for civil rights. 

The final result is a moving documentary in an important 

time for disabled people’s rights. The ultimate message 

which Crip Camp delivers is that inspiration that begins 

in youth can lead to world-changing results. It reminds us 

that anything is possible. 

The camp was not a soft touch either. It was a time to 

learn to grow and to be pushed out of your comfort zone. 

As Lionel Je’Woodyard, a former counselor, explains, 

“You wouldn’t be picked to be on a team back home, but at 

Jened, you had to go up to bat.”


New 

Additions 

April 2021 

The Brain’s Way of Healing: Stories 

of Remarkable Recoveries and 

Discoveries 

by Norman Doidge, 2015 

The Brain’s Way of Healing describes 

natural, non-invasive avenues into 

the brain provided by the energy 

around us—in light, sound, vibration, 

and movement—that can awaken the 

brain’s own healing capacities 

without producing unpleasant side 

effects. Doidge explores cases where 

patients alleviated chronic pain; 

recovered from debilitating strokes, 

brain injuries, and learning 

disorders; overcame attention deficit 

and learning disorders; and found 

relief from symptoms of autism, 

multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s 

disease, and cerebral palsy. We also 

learn how to vastly reduce the risk of 

dementia, with simple approaches 

anyone can use. 

Working with Muslim Clients in 

the Helping Professions 

edited by Anisah Bagasra and 

Mitchell Mackinem, 2019 

Working with Muslim Clients in the 

Helping Professions is a research 

publication that focuses on helping 

professionals in areas such as social 

work, human resources, counselling, 

nursing, and other related areas to 

understand pertinent issues that may 

impact their success when working 

with Muslim clients. Highlighting 

topics such as migration trauma, 

community health, and 

Islamophobia, this title addresses 

contemporary issues that impact the 

full and successful utilization of 

human services by Muslims living in 

non-Muslim majority countries. It is 

ideal for social workers, therapists, 

counsellors, human resource 

professionals, nurses, doctors, 

caregivers, medical professionals, 

mental health practitioners, life 

coaches, academicians, researchers, 

public health educators, and students. 

Dog’s Getting Fat: Living with 

Tetraplegia 

by Hamish Ramsden, 2020 

This book is a very personal account 

of Hamish's life as a tetraplegic 

without trying to be overly 

motivational. It has a subtle mix of 

humour which contrasts well with the 

traumatic theme of the book. It starts 

from the moment of his accident, on 

the family farm in Southern Hawke's 

Bay, New Zealand, in 1994. 

The story details his rehabilitation at 

the Burwood Spinal Unit, and his 

resettlement into his home 

environment. Nine years after his 

accident his life takes a dramatic turn, 

which brings new highs and new lows. 

Journals/magazines 

Dynamics for Human Health 

Vol. 7 issue 4 Dec 2020 

Forward UK SCI magazine 

Issue 160 Dec 2020 

New Mobility: Consumer Guide 2021 

Issue 327 Dec 2020 

Spinal Network News 

Vol. 23 no. 3 Dec 2020 

Sports’n Spokes: Rise of 

Adaptive Boxing 

Vol. 46 no. 6 Nov 2020


A Backpack, a Chair, and a Beard: 

The True Story of an Incredible 

Journey 

by Eamon Wood, 2020 

Eamon has been a paraplegic since 

the age of four—the result of a car 

accident. He found ways to give his 

wheelchair ‘wings’. He has 

represented New Zealand in 

wheelchair basketball and became 

the first person in a chair to complete 

an engineering apprenticeship. At the 

age of 28, he decided to travel the 

world with nothing more than a 

backpack and a guitar. He wheeled his 

way through cities and small towns 

and found himself. 

Spinal Cord Medicine 

3rd edition, edited by Steven 

Kirshblum and Vernon W. Lin, 2019 

Spinal Cord Medicine, Third Edition 

draws on the expertise of seasoned 

editors and experienced chapter 

authors to produce one authoritative, 

collaborative volume with the most 

up-to-date medical, clinical, and 

rehabilitative knowledge in spinal 

cord injury management across the 

spectrum of care. 

New and expanded content focuses 

on the significant changes in the 

epidemiology of traumatic injury, the 

classification of SCI, and the latest 

medical treatments of multiple 

medical complications. 

The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, 

Brain and Body in the 

Transformation of Trauma 

by Bessel van der Kolk, 2015 

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the 

world’s foremost experts on trauma, 

has spent over three decades working 

with survivors. In The Body Keeps 

the Score, he uses recent scientific 

advances to show how trauma 

literally reshapes both body and 

brain, compromising sufferers’ 

capacities for pleasure, engagement, 

self-control, and trust. He explores 

innovative treatments—from 

neurofeedback and meditation to 

sports, drama, and yoga, that offer 

new paths to recovery by activating 

the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. 

Measuring Occupational 

Performance: Supporting Best 

Practice in Occupational Therapy 

3rd edition, edited by Mary Law, 

Carolyn Baum and Winnie Dunn, 2016 

Measuring Occupational 

Performance: Supporting Best 

Practice in Occupational Therapy, 

Third Edition summarizes the 

measurement tools needed to assess 

client occupational performance, to 

provide the best intervention, and to 

document the effectiveness of that 

intervention. These measurement 

tools are an elite group of tools 

carefully selected by the editors 

through a process of rigorous 

theoretical, clinical, and scientific 

reasoning. 

Occupational Therapy and 

Neurological Conditions 

edited by Jenny Preston and Judi 

Edmans, 2016 

Occupational Therapy and 

Neurological Conditions incorporates 

theoretical, clinical and research 

evidence to support occupational 

therapists in the management of 

people with neurological conditions. 

So that they can fully consider the 

physical, cognitive, emotional, 

psychological, and behavioural 

problems which may occur as a 

consequence of a neurological 

disorder and understand the impact 

of diagnosis from a person-centred 

perspective. 

All the listed items are available to 

loan from the Resource Centre. 

We will post books to you! 

For all enquiries contact 


bernadette.cassidy@nzspinaltrust.org.nz 

or phone: 03 383 9484


Running for 

Those Who Can’t 

Red Bull’s Wings for Life World Run 

On the first weekend of May every year, The 

Wings for Life World Run is held around the 

globe. It’s a running competition, which has 

been staged since 2014, to raise funds for the 

not-for-profit foundation Wings for Life. 

The entry fee goes completely to the foundation who have 

the goal to find a cure for spinal cord injuries and 

paraplegia. The foundation supports research and studies 

on the spinal cord and spinal cord injuries. 

Wings for Life was established by two-time motocross 

world champion Heinz Kinigadner and Red Bull founder 

Dietrich Mateschitz in 2004. Founder Heinz is involved 

because his brother and his son, both motocross riders, 

are wheelchair users after sustaining serious injuries. 

Worldwide, millions of people are living with the impact 

of a spinal cord injury. In over half of cases, these 

injuries are caused by a traffic accident or a fall. They 

can affect anybody. 

The Wings for Life World Run is unique. People take part 

across the world at exactly the same moment, all 

connected by an App. People can therefore run together 

with thousands of others without needing to be together 

at a single location. 

Anyone aged 18 and over can take part. The past few 

events have seen a diverse field of participants. Taking 

part are runners and wheelchair users, beginners and 

professionals of all ages. This gives the Wings for Life 

World Run an incomparable atmosphere. 

There is no set distance. Instead, a moving finish line 

called a ‘Catcher Car’ pursues the participant at an 

increasing speed! When the Catcher Car catches the 

participant, their run is over. 

The App will keep the participant updated by telling 

them how far ahead they are and telling them when they 

are eventually caught. When the participant’s race is 

complete they’ll see their result on the Global 

Result List. 

The run also takes place in 35 locations around the world 

at the same time and is broadcast live on Red Bull TV. 

In its sixth year, Wings for Life World Run participants in 

New Zealand can also run together in Auckland, should 

the situation at the time allow this. The race starts at 

exactly 11pm. 

The Wings For Life World Run give participants the chance to run / wheel 

together with thousands of others around the world without needing to be 

together at a single location. Photo credit: Red Bull. 

How does it work? 

• Download the Wings for Life World Run App to your 

phone and register for 9 May 2021. 

• You have the option of running individually, or you can 

join a nearby Organised App Run, should the situation 

at the time allow this. 

• You'll start at the same time as everyone else in the 

world and will be chased by a virtual ‘Catcher Car’ . 

• Your App will keep you updated by telling you how 

far ahead you are and telling you when you are 

eventually caught. 

• Then your race is complete and you'll see your result on 

the Global Result List. 

• It costs $34.95 to take part and this entry fee goes to 

the Wings for Life foundation. 

Find out more about the Wings For Life Run here: 

www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com


Burwood Academy of 

Independent Living Update 

Access to community support workers during hospital 

admission for people with spinal cord injury 

Our latest research to be published is “Access to 

community support workers during hospital 

admission for people with spinal cord injury: a 

pilot study.” Published in Spinal Cord Series 

and Cases, it was authored by Drs Jo 

Nunnerley, Rachelle Martin, Johnny Bourke, 

Matt Aldridge was the research assistant with 

lived experience and Ian Simpson who was 

the lived-experience advisor. 

The study evaluated a pilot project enabling people with 

spinal cord impairment (SCI) to have their support 

workers accompany them into a non-SCI specialist/public 

hospital (excluding ICU) to perform selected care. It 

involved interviews and focus groups with people with 

SCI, support workers, care agency staff, and hospital staff 

who participated in the pilot project. 

The pilot programme was launched by ACC as a result of 

the New Zealand National Spinal Cord Impairment Action 

Plan (2014-2019). Its aim was to optimise best possible 

health and wellbeing outcomes for people with SCI. 

One of its objectives was to “develop a process where a 

person with SCI could use their existing support workers 

to provide essential personal support”. 

It was important to evaluate that pilot programme to 

understand what worked and what didn’t, and that’s 

where the Burwood Academy study stepped in. 

Our report explains “the study focused on how the pilot 

project may have contributed to improved care for people 

with SCI when they were admitted to the hospital, and 

whether ongoing implementation was feasible.” 

All participants 

overwhelmingly endorsed 

the introduction of support 

workers in hospital to 

support people with SCI. 

The study recruited 25 participants including people with 

SCI (who fit certain criteria), hospital staff involved in the 

pilot, and care agency staff who completed the 

contingency plan. Data was collected through 

semi-structured in-depth interviews, in person or via 

Zoom/telephone, and two focus groups. 

Burwood Academy is committed to having people with 

lived experience (PLEx) involved in all our research, at 

every level. ACC developed questions that were then 

reviewed by our research team and our PLEx 

Consultation Network. 

“A lived experience advisor with SCI who was familiar 

with working with support workers provided input to all 

stages of the evaluation design, implementation and 

analysis process.” 

Because all of the participants with SCI had prior 

hospital admissions, they were able to compare their 

previous experiences with the admissions during the 

pilot programme. The research showed positive outcomes 

for the individuals as well as hospital nursing staff. 

“Having their regular support worker with them 

during admission to public hospital improved the 

SCI-specific care received. Support workers reduced the 

demand on hospital nursing staff who did not always 

have the time or specialist SCI knowledge to provide 

individualised care.” 

Support workers were able to advocate on behalf of 

their person and provide mental support within the 

ward environment. 

Some issues were identified particularly around health 

and safety requirements in the hospital, communication 

between hospital staff and patients and support 

workers—particularly because of privacy issues. 

“All participants overwhelmingly endorsed the introduction 

of support workers in hospital to support people with SCI. 

However, the advantages and disadvantages were 

different for the different participant groups.” 

We would encourage you to read the full report, including 

a table that outlines the advantages and disadvantages of 

each group. 

You can find the full article here: 

https://rdcu.be/cdQoF


Staying on Track Project 

One of the exciting BAIL projects underway in 

2021 explores how telehealth might help 

provide accessible peer support for people 

living with spinal cord impairment (SCI) as 

they return home, and what such a programme 

might look like. The project, support by 

ANZCoS and the Health Research Council, is 

all about working with people with relevant 

experience to create a vision of the future we 

want. There is a strong component of 

networking with Māori within the project. 

We are now inviting people with lived 

experience to join the project—whether you are 

a person living with an SCI, support someone 

with an SCI, or work professionally in the area. 

If you might like to work alongside us to design 

a great service, please see the advertisement on 

the right. Or if you might be interested in 

taking part in a survey, to help us gain feedback 

on ideas as they develop, drop us a line at 

info@burwood.org.nz. 

QUALITY RENTAL 

VEHICLES FOR 

PEOPLE LIVING 

WITH DISABILITIES 

• FREEDOM 

• INDEPENDENCE 

• MODIFIED CARS 

• HAND CONTROLS 

• FAMILY OUTINGS 

• APPOINTMENTS 

0800 864 2529 

www.freedommobility.co.nz


Thank you to our 

Funders & Sponsors 

The New Zealand Spinal Trust appreciates the generous support of the following 

funders. Without their kind support, the Trust would not be able to deliver the 

variety of services to assist clients to live independent lives right now. 

Permobil is a global leader with over 50 years experience in 

providing advanced medical technology and state-of-the-art 

healthcare solutions. Today, those solutions include the sale and 

rental of power wheel chairs, manual wheelchairs, power assist 

and seating & positioning products. 

Access Community Health has been at the forefront of keeping 

people healthy and safe in their homes since 1927. Today our 

nationwide team of skilled nurses and 3,000 support workers make 

over three million visits per year, ensuring people can remain 

active and independent in their own homes and community. 

Rehabilitation 

Welfare Trust 

The Elizabeth Ball 

Charitable Trust 

Air Rescue Services Ltd 

Deluxe Box 

Riccarton Rotary 


Crusaders 

Canterbury Masonic 


Cube Design 

Healthcare NZ 

A F W and J M Jones 

Foundation 

Fresh Choice Parklands 

Rotary Club 

of Christchurch 

Hyman Marks 


Are you a subscriber? 

It’s easy to subscribe to the NZST and it only costs $30 a year. Your subscription 

helps with the printing of the Spinal Network News magazine and helps us 

support the positive futures of people with spinal cord impairment. 

Go to our website and click on 

the red ‘membership’ button 

www.nzst.org.nz

Independence is a basic human right and for over 50 years 

Permobil has held fast to that belief. We are passionate 

about better understanding our users’ needs and 

improving their quality of life. Solutions we offer today in 

New Zealand cover a large range of brands and represent 

market leading quality. 

With 3 branches, rental divisions and Territory Managers 

scattered throughout New Zealand, we are ready to be of 

assistance. 

E: sales.nz@permobil.com 

P: 0800 115 222 

www.permobil.co.nz

SNN_April 2021 Issue_Low Res

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?