SPINAL NETWORK NEWS

ISSN 1175-4753
SPINAL NETWORK NEWS
December 2013 Volume 16 No 3
Inside:
Survey results p. 10
Samoa Trip p. 14
Summer garden p. 16
Bowel health p. 21

CONTENTS
EDITORIAL TEAM
1 – Editorial
2 – Ben’s blurb
4 – NZST programmes
6 BAIL/Catwalk
9 Thanks Bob Parker
10 Survey results
14 Samoa trip
16 Summer garden
19 ACC updates
21 Bowel health
24 Book review
25 Funders
Bernadette Cassidy
Suzanne REISER
Hi, my name is Bernadette Cassidy and I am
delighted to be part of the Spinal Network News
Editorial Team. As the Library & Design Service
Manager I am passionate about how libraries
and how having access to quality and timely
information empowers people ‘to reshape their
lives’.
Hi, my name is Suzanne Reiser, and I am a
former patient of the Burwood Spinal Unit
where I spent 4½ months with Guillain-Barré
Syndrome. I have since been involved with
volunteer work at the BSU and am delighted to
be part of the editorial team.
Hi, my name is Trudy Mulligan and I’m the Design
Consultant for the NZ Spinal Trust. I have a
Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in design. I am also
an exhibiting artist. I enjoy being a part of the team
that produces this publication.
CONTRIBUTING
WRITERS
Ben Lucas
Bernadette Cassidy
Mel Kelly
Hans Wouters
Raymond Burr
Katie Farman
John Bourke
Debz Mitchell
Trudy Mulligan
TRUDY MULLIGAN
Claire Freeman
Hi, my name is Claire Freeman and I am employed
full time by the Canterbury District Health Board
as a Graphic Designer and Medical Illustrator.
I have a Masters in Health Science, Otago
University and plan on pursuing more study.
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 7540 , Fax: (03) 383 7500
Email: johnny.bourke@nzspinaltrust.org.nz
Web: www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz
Patron of the
New Zealand Spinal Trust,
Sir Tim Wallis
DESIGN & LAYOUT: Trudy Mulligan, and Claire Freeman
PRINTER: The Caxton Press
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.

EDITORIAL
Welcome to the third and final edition of the Spinal Network News for 2013. The end of the
year always arrives quickly, and it is no different for the team at the SNN. I must pass on a
huge thank-you to the editorial team: Trudy Mulligan, Suzanne Reiser, Claire Freeman, and
Bernadette Cassidy for their commitment to designing and putting together this magazine
throughout the year.
In this issue, we have a number of interesting articles to keep
you going over the summer break. We have updates from
the New Zealand Spinal Trust and the CEO, Ben Lucas; an
interesting insight into SCI in Samoa from a group of NZ health
professionals; nutrition tips for a healthy bowel; and updates
from ACC.
We also review the fantastic response to our readers’ survey on
page 10. This feedback has provided us with a great platform on
which to build the foundations of a magazine that’s interesting,
relevant, and informative for its readers. In our review, we
summarise some of the main themes and share some examples
of the comments we received. One major theme that came
through in the feedback you sent was, wanting to hear more
personal stories of others with a SCI. Comments often referred
to how others with a SCI can be a source of unique advice and
understanding, no matter how long one has had a SCI. I agree,
and can think of countless times where others with SCIs have
provided me with advice and ideas about traveling, parenting,
physical access issues, increasing my independence, and even
something as simple as tips to avoid bladder infections (drink
more water!). Others with a SCI can provide ideas on the small,
day-to-day activities of living with a SCI, but can also serve as
examples of what types of life can be achieved in the long term.
crash. In the book, Rob talks about his life prior to the accident,
how the accident disrupts his family’s life, and how he, his wife,
and young sons, attempt to return to their life living in the
unrelenting outback of Australia.
In 2014, we aim to have more stories that explore the personal
experience of SCI. To help us, please get in touch if you, or
someone you know, has a story to tell. We can help with the
writing aspects. Also, please feel free to send letters to the
editor regarding anything you read in the SNN, or any other
SCI-related issue on your mind.
From all the SNN team, have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Johnny Bourke
Editor
johnny.bourke@nzspinaltrust.org.nz
Along these lines, we review the book When the Dust Settles
on page 24, written by Rob Cook. Rob is an Australian man
working on a remote cattle station in the Northern Territory
who learns to live with C4 tetraplegia following a helicopter
1

EDITORIAL
Welcome to the third and final edition of the Spinal Network News for 2013. The end of the
year always arrives quickly, and it is no different for the team at the SNN. I must pass on a
huge thank-you to the editorial team: Trudy Mulligan, Suzanne Reiser, Claire Freeman, and
Bernadette Cassidy for their commitment to designing and putting together this magazine
throughout the year.
In this issue, we have a number of interesting articles to keep
you going over the summer break. We have updates from
the New Zealand Spinal Trust and the CEO, Ben Lucas; an
interesting insight into SCI in Samoa from a group of NZ health
professionals; nutrition tips for a healthy bowel; and updates
from ACC.
We also review the fantastic response to our readers’ survey on
page 10. This feedback has provided us with a great platform on
which to build the foundations of a magazine that’s interesting,
relevant, and informative for its readers. In our review, we
summarise some of the main themes and share some examples
of the comments we received. One major theme that came
through in the feedback you sent was, wanting to hear more
personal stories of others with a SCI. Comments often referred
to how others with a SCI can be a source of unique advice and
understanding, no matter how long one has had a SCI. I agree,
and can think of countless times where others with SCIs have
provided me with advice and ideas about traveling, parenting,
physical access issues, increasing my independence, and even
something as simple as tips to avoid bladder infections (drink
more water!). Others with a SCI can provide ideas on the small,
day-to-day activities of living with a SCI, but can also serve as
examples of what types of life can be achieved in the long term.
Along these lines, we review the book When the Dust Settles
on page 24, written by Rob Cook. Rob is an Australian man
working on a remote cattle station in the Northern Territory
who learns to live with C4 tetraplegia following a helicopter
crash. In the book, Rob talks about his life prior to the accident,
how the accident disrupts his family’s life, and how he, his wife,
and young sons, attempt to return to their life living in the
unrelenting outback of Australia.
In 2014, we aim to have more stories that explore the personal
experience of SCI. To help us, please get in touch if you, or
someone you know, has a story to tell. We can help with the
writing aspects. Also, please feel free to send letters to the
editor regarding anything you read in the SNN, or any other
SCI-related issue on your mind.
From all the SNN team, have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Johnny Bourke
Editor
johnny.bourke@nzspinaltrust.org.nz
2

EDITORIAL
Welcome to the third and final edition of the Spinal
Network News for 2013. The end of the year always
arrives quickly, and it is no different for the team at the
SNN. I must pass on a huge thank-you to the editorial
team: Trudy Mulligan, Suzanne Reiser, Claire Freeman,
and Bernadette Cassidy for their commitment to
designing and putting together this magazine throughout
the year.
In this issue, we have a number of interesting articles to keep
you going over the summer break. We have updates from
the New Zealand Spinal Trust and the CEO, Ben Lucas; an
interesting insight into SCI in Samoa from a group of NZ health
professionals; nutrition tips for a healthy bowel; and updates
from ACC.
We also review the fantastic response to our readers’ survey on
page 10. This feedback has provided us with a great platform on
which to build the foundations of a magazine that’s interesting,
relevant, and informative for its readers. In our review, we
summarise some of the main themes and share some examples
of the comments we received. One major theme that came
through in the feedback you sent was, wanting to hear more
personal stories of others with a SCI. Comments often referred
to how others with a SCI can be a source of unique advice and
understanding, no matter how long one has had a SCI. I agree,
and can think of countless times where others with SCIs have
provided me with advice and ideas about traveling, parenting,
physical access issues, increasing my independence, and even
something as simple as tips to avoid bladder infections (drink
more water!). Others with a SCI can provide ideas on the small,
day-to-day activities of living with a SCI, but can also serve as
examples of what types of life can be achieved in the long term.
Along these lines, we review the book When the Dust Settles
on page 24, written by Rob Cook. Rob is an Australian man
working on a remote cattle station in the Northern Territory
who learns to live with C4 tetraplegia following a helicopter
crash. In the book, Rob talks about his life prior to the accident,
how the accident disrupts his family’s life, and how he, his wife,
and young sons, attempt to return to their life living in the
unrelenting outback of Australia.
In 2014, we aim to have more stories that explore the personal
experience of SCI. To help us, please get in touch if you, or
someone you know, has a story to tell. We can help with the
writing aspects. Also, please feel free to send letters to the
editor regarding anything you read in the SNN, or any other
SCI-related issue on your mind.
From all the SNN team, have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Johnny Bourke
Editor
johnny.bourke@nzspinaltrust.org.nz
3

NZST Programmes
CONNECTING PEOPLE
Hi again, I am so pleased that summer
is here; I’m loving the warmer
temperatures and getting outside in the
garden more often. Speaking of gardens,
slowly but surely we are getting on with
our Burwood Spinal Unit garden project
which you may remember us talking
about a few issues back. The guiding
influence and manager of the project
is Les Gray, with the wonderful Shirley
Stead by his side organizing volunteers
to help with removing sand and replacing
it with healthy soil. We plan to start
planting-in very soon with the aim of
creating a holistic environment that
everyone will enjoy. So watch this space.
We are still working on helping to
resolve the issues that our members
have with regard to being able to access
wheelchair taxis when needed; so please
keep your stories coming in. The more
information we have, the more effective
we can be when working with Total
Mobility to help them understand what
the issues are. Please email Debz at: deb.
mitchell@nzspinaltrust.org.nz
Pat and I had a productive trip north in
July; we went to places we have not been
before, namely: Taupo, New Plymouth,
Hawera, Whanganui, and Napier. We also
stopped in at Hamilton for lunch and
met up with some great people. Our
journey north got off to a rough start, as
we nearly ripped off our muffler whilst
disembarking the inter-island ferry!
However, this turned out to be a blessing
in disguise, as we discovered that one
of our tyres was not in good shape and
would probably have blown on the next
leg of our journey which could have
been disastrous! So, in the end, we were
grateful for the message the muffler gave
us... we would have had no idea until it
was too late... a massive thanks to the
muffler repairman.
I want to thank Bob Knox in New
Plymouth for all his continued support;
he spread the word for us and put in a
lot of effort which is hugely appreciated.
Thank you also to Muir Templeton for
having us to stay in his lovely home, and
for spreading the word in his area.
It was really great getting to know
people a bit more
and seeing so many
familiar faces and
some new. It is well
worth the effort to
do these trips. If we
missed you and you
want to make sure
we see you next time,
please let us know.
We may not have you
in our Connecting
People database.
We are updating
details for our new
database and are asking that anyone who
has changed their contact details, such
as home and/or email address, phone
number; please let us know so that we
can be up-to-date and also to ensure
you will not miss any emails. You may
hear, or may have already heard from us
regarding this.
All of us here at Connecting People
wish all of you a very merry and safe
Christmas and a positive and bright new
year! We will be coming to a town near
you next year!
Thanks from Debz and the wonderful
team here at Connecting People.
Debz Mitchell
4

Allan Bean Centre Library Hours
Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm – 4.00 pm
For more information about the
library and information service, phone
us on: 03 383 9484, or email us at:
abclibrary@burwood.org.nz
LIBRARY UPDATE
Here is this month’s
list of new books
available from the
Allan Bean Centre
Library.
Not a member?! It’s
free to join! Just phone
us on:
03 383 9484,
or email us at:
abclibrary@burwood.
org.nz.
We will happily post
books out to you.
Book of the Month!
“The Luminaries”, by Eleanor Catton – Winner of the 2013 Man Booker Prize.
Set in 1866 during New Zealand’s gold rush, the plot follows the tale of Walter Moody,
who stumbles into a secret meeting where 12 men discuss unsolved crimes.
The Luminaries is an astonishing feat of storytelling, an intricately crafted novel that
takes readers behind the scenes of a mystery to reveal how destiny is reshaped when
circumstances shift, but everything remains connected.
“Bertie’s Guide to Life and Mothers”, by Alexander McCall Smith
This is the latest addition to McCall Smith’s Scotland Street series, which first appeared
as a daily column in The Scotsman newspaper, and was later collected into book form.
It’s always great to reconnect with these denizens of Edinburgh, and this book doesn’t
disappoint. Once more, we catch up with the delightful goings-on at the fictitious 44
Scotland Street. Alexander McCall Smith’s books are highly recommended.
“Look Gorgeous be Happy: What a Woman Wants”, by Lisa O’Neill
Lisa O’Neill was inspired to create her book after meeting so many women who were
tired, stressed, and unhappy. It’s a handbook for loving the way you look and looking the
way you love. With humour and loads of practical tips, Lisa provides the gentle ‘shove’
so many women are looking for. Find out how to dress for your body type and your
personality. Learn how to get the best from your life and gain a new outlook.
“The Modern Family Survival Guide”, by Nigel Latta
TV presenter, psychologist and bestselling author, Nigel Latta, gives common-sense and
amusing answers to the complex issues surrounding today’s family in its many and varied
forms. Utilising both the best current research about blended families, and over two
decades of clinical experience, Nigel traverses the dilemmas and questions that modern
family life presents.
Bernadette Cassidy
5

NZ Research Community Updates
KALEIDOSCOPE UPDATE
KIA ORA FROM BAIL
I have worn many hats in my working life:
aircraft terminal operations, corporate
recruitment executive, the NZ air force,
vocational rehabilitation, and, would you
believe, part of the management team
for a professional theatre company! I
am passionate about people and life,
and I am lucky, in that I get to facilitate
clients’ discovery that life is for living and
dreams can be achieved (when I am not
behind my desk swimming in a sea of
administration that is!!).
Of late, there has been a shift in client
dynamics on the spinal unit wards,
enabling a great number of projects to
gain momentum. The Kaleidoscope team
has been working on client resources
and workshops, as well as on the
formulation of an employer education
seminar series. The Auckland office
has had some great client success with
new employment and, in Christchurch,
people returning to their pre-injury/-
illness employment. Check out the next
newsletter due out in November for
some insights and stories in the space of
employment
The lead up to Christmas – yes, it is
upon us I am told – can be a time of
relaxation, reflection, and re-connecting
with friends and family. We are all madly
getting the ‘things-to-do’ lists done, so
we can head off on leave. I, on the other
hand, have been exploring professional
development for the team and myself,
and wanted to share with you some
great tips and websites that I have
encountered of late.
• When you write your CV, create a
header with lots of ‘buzz words/skills’,
and then make the text white, and the
document PDF format. If it is uploaded
to a website that HR managers and
recruiters scan (such as Seek), when
they type in the skills they are looking
for, yours will appear a great deal more
frequently.
• If you haven’t been exposed to the
absolutely brilliant sharing-of-ideas
website: TED Talks, check out: www.ted.
com for inspiration, to challenge your
thinking, improve your knowledge on a
huge range of topical issues, or, just for
fun and out of interest. A great person
to start with is Brene Brown, or why not
listen to Steve Jobs talk about his journey
and the phenomenal success of Apple?
• Get interested! Interested in why you
do what you do, what direction your
career is taking, and where you want to
be in 5 years’ time. If that’s too hard, just
think 2014: what’s your focus for the
year ahead? Research companies you are
curious about and interested in. What
are your ‘non-negotiables’ when it comes
to seeking employment?
• At a recent seminar, I received
powerful statistics regarding the
website LinkedIn: 87% of employers
use it frequently and 93% of people in a
position to make decisions / recruitment
agencies have profiles.
Debbie, Meika, Lesley and I, always
have our door open, so contact us to
schedule a meeting if you’re an employer;
pop in if you’re an existing client or just
thinking ‘what now, where to from here?’,
and engage in the wonderful space I get
to call ‘work’.
Mel Kelly
To the readers of Spinal Network News
who do not know us, we are a dynamic
charitable trust committed to improving
the life experience of people recovering
from serious injury and illness. We do
this by facilitating quality research and
innovative approaches to rehabilitation.
The purpose of all BAIL research and
activities is to identify and remove
barriers to independence. Our location
in an office adjacent to the Burwood
Spinal Unit is a real benefit to our work.
However, we have many international
connections, and collaborate from time to
time with our foreign colleagues.
One such current collaboration involves
BAIL’s Research and Strategic Advisor,
Anne Sinnott, and our friends at Spinalis,
in Sweden. Anna-Carin Lagerström &
Kerstin Wahman wrote an outstanding
book entitled “The Art of Healthy Living
with Physical Impairments”. When they
decided it should be published in English,
they turned to BAIL for help.
It is well known that a healthy lifestyle is
fundamental to well-being – both physical
and emotional. This applies particularly to
those who live with physical impairments.
This book was written to inspire and
impart the necessary knowledge to
achieve a more active and healthy lifestyle.
The book provides adapted programmes
based on scientific research and clinical
experience, as well as tips and advice
from individuals living with physical
impairments.
Anne’s assistance in the adaptation
process included travelling to Sweden
for an intensive work period, which
was funded in part by the ANZ Staff
6

Foundation. The work is now not far
from completion and the content is
equally as valuable in English as it is in
the original Swedish. Chapters include:
The Top 10 Tips for a Healthier Life;
Motivation and Lifestyle Change; Food and
Weight Management; Physical Activity and
Exercise; Mindfulness and Thought Training.
Closer to home, we have several studies
in progress around mobility and disaster
response, with a view to improving
responsiveness and reducing risk for
wheelchair users. The earthquakes in
Christchurch certainly alerted the country
to the fact that our wheelchair population
require some careful consideration and
planning when it comes to evacuation and
care in a major disaster. Be sure to check
out our website (www.burwood.org.nz)
for more details about us.
As the year draws to a close, we wish
you all a peaceful Christmas and holiday
period.
Kia kaha – Stay Strong
From Debbie, Hans, Anne, and Brian.
CATWALK
Team CatWalk Crosses the Finish Line in
New York
It was a case of unfinished business for
four runners representing Team CatWalk
in November’s New York Marathon.
After super-storm Sandy put an end
to the 2012 event, the quartet of Ollie
Bradshaw, Dave Copley, Duncan Hawkesby
and Mark Francis, decided to return
and complete the 42.2km distance,
banishing the memory of last year’s
cancellation.
Prior to leaving New Zealand, Hawkesby
told the CatWalk Trust, “I am back to tick
this off my bucket list as part of Team
CatWalk, 2013. Fundraising for a magnificent
cause such as CatWalk is brilliant.”
Hawkesby finished the marathon in just
over three hours, while Ollie and Dave
came home in just over three and a half
hours. The rest of the 11-strong team
also finished the race, with team leader,
Anna Hiatt, saying the entire CatWalk
Team did amazingly well.
“It was so inspiring to be a supporter
alongside 2 million other spectators,
watching everyone truly push their limits.
Congratulations to the entire CatWalk
team, not only for achieving such fantastic
personal milestones, but also for your
incredible support raising over $90,000
for spinal injury research.”
one foot in front of the other. It might
hurt but at least I can use them; that, and
an image of Catriona dancing with her
husband Sam again.”
Team Catwalk was also in New York to
witness American, Tatyana McFadden,
make history with her victory in the
women’s wheelchair race; completing a
sweep of the Boston, London, Chicago,
and New York marathons in a single year.
More than 50,000 runners started the
race through the five boroughs. All of the
runners were given blue ribbons to pay
tribute to Boston. A Boston Marathon
yellow line was also painted alongside
the traditional blue line heading into the
homestretch.
The New York City Marathon returned
after last year’s cancellation due to super
storm Sandy. About 22,000 runners who
had entered last year’s race, returned to
the field for Sunday’s race, according to
the New York Road Runners.
Katie Farman
Wairarapa-based Alex Tomlinson, who
finished the event in just on five hours,
was absolutely thrilled with her efforts,
even when the going was tough.
“When I was really struggling I kept saying
to myself, “remember why you are
here Alex … all you have to do is put
7

System
UPGRADE
The latter part of this year has seen us seriously upgrade our
organisation systems here at NZST. With the help of KOORB
Consulting, we installed a database system (Microsoft
Dynamics CRM) that now ensures we have accurate records
for connecting and communicating with everyone we deal
with. Although we are still learning to drive the new system,
we are thrilled so far with what it can do for us, and are
very excited about its capabilities for the future. We wish to
acknowledge the outstanding effort that KOORB put in, with
special mention of Ian Luxton, our CRM designer, and Kristy
Brown, our account manager.
Essentially, we chose KOORB for a couple of key reasons;
they worked very hard to get to know us and understand
what we do and what we needed the CRM to do for us. We
believed that they ‘got us’ and understood our unique needs
as a not-for-profit organization, and they gave us a lot of
confidence at the outset of the project. They have delivered
powerfully on that confidence, and have continued to work
hard with us now that the system has gone live.
Second, they are a 100%-Kiwi company, and we love to
support Kiwi business. If you are looking for a new business/
organisation system, we recommend them highly, and would
be happy to chat further about our experience with KOORB.
Hans Wouters - Project Manager

THANKS
Bob Parker
The recent Local Body Elections saw the retirement
of the Christchurch Mayor of the last two terms, Bob
Parker. I couldn’t let this pass without recognising what
Mayor Parker and his wife Jo did, not just for the city
of Christchurch, but also for the NZ Spinal Trust – in
particular, our Connecting People Peer & Family Support
programme.
First, for the city of Christchurch; it is hard for those of you
who live out of town or in other parts of the country, to
know just what impact the series of earthquakes has had on
the people and the fabric of the city. The noise, the power,
the energy: the fact that terra firma which we rely on to be
stable and take for granted, became a violent and frightful
adversary, was something that one had to experience to
truly appreciate. People’s lives were lost, homes destroyed,
roads torn apart, and the city all but demolished.
and, to date, this has exceeded $5,000, with a final payment yet
to be completed. This book is available for purchase from the
NZ Spinal Trust for $30.00.
To Bob and Jo – we thoroughly appreciate all the hard work
you have both done for the city of Christchurch and for
the NZ Spinal Trust, and hope that you enjoy a thoroughly
deserved break from official engagements.
Ben Lucas CEO NZ Spinal Trust
Bob was such a calming presence for the city with his
dulcet, rich baritone voice imparting a sense of calm in the
chaos that was everyone’s lives at the time. His leadership
was just what the city needed over that time of uncertainty.
For the NZ Spinal Trust, Bob was, and still is, a very
good friend. As CEO, Bob invited me to many functions,
providing me with an endless source of networking
opportunities which presented many good leads that have
helped, and continue to add value to the Trust to this day.
Bob’s wife, Jo, was just as avid a supporter of the Trust
and has been a fantastic sport. Jo took part in a celebrity
tandem sulky race behind a full-blown race-horse at the
Canterbury Trotting Cup Race Day amongst a field of
other celebs, coming in second to All Black, Andrew Hoare.
Sitting trackside, it looked incredibly exhilarating and I was
watching with just a twinge of jealousy! Jo also competed
in the inaugural “Freewheelin’ Frenzy 150” wheelchair
race at the Benchmark Homes Festival of Cycling event in
Christchurch last year, winning the title!
Finally, Bob wrote a book called “Ripped Apart, a City in
Chaos”, about his experiences through the quakes. He
kindly donated the royalties from this book to the Trust
9

Survey
RESULTS
Results of the 2013
Readers’ Survey – What You
Told Us…
A fantastic response to our readers’ survey provides a
goldmine of ideas about how to improve the content
of the Spinal Network News
We received an incredible response to our Spinal Network
News readers’ survey which we sent out with the August 2013
issue, so a huge thank you to all those who took the time to
send us your feedback. We now have a wealth of information
to help us put together a magazine that truly reflects what
you – the readers – want to see. Starting in 2014, we aim to
include regular articles that address the areas you requested
and suggested in the survey.
We were very interested to know who is reading the SNN,
and the majority of survey respondents are people living
with a SCI (70%). One (31.8%) or two (50.9%) was the most
common number of readers per household. We were also
very interested in what people do with their copy of the SNN
after they have read it and a massive 54.5% of respondents
said they keep the SNN, with 20% lending it to others, and
19% disposing of it. In this last category, people also remarked
that they gave their copy of the SNN away to doctors’ clinics,
medical centres, and a volunteer-run library. We were also
curious to know, in what format people preferred to receive
the SNN; the most requested option – a whopping 76.9% –
said they want a printed hardcopy. A total of 15.4% requested
an electronic copy, and 7.7% selected both. We hope to explore
options regarding accessing the SNN online next year. We’ll
keep you posted.
We were very interested to know what you thought about
the stories/articles we have in the SNN, and whether you find
them interesting and relevant. A total of 60.5% respondents
said they always find them interesting and, another 37.6% said
they were sometimes interesting. Only 1.8% reported that
stories/articles were hardly ever interesting. In terms of their
relevance, nearly 40% said they found them relevant all the
time, 57% said they were relevant sometimes, and only 4.7%
said they were never relevant.
An important part of this survey was to find out what topics
you, the readers, want to see in the SNN (respondents could
list more than one thing). Almost 70% of respondents said that
they would like to see more articles on health issues, 63.6%
said they would like to see more stories on technology and,
49.1% more on travel issues. Also, 22.7% of readers would like
Question 1
Please select a category that best describes you
Question 2
On average, how many people in your household would
read your copy of the SNN?
I live with SCI 70%
A partner of someone
with SCI 3.6%
A family member of someone
with SCI 5.5%
A carer of someone with
SCI 0%
A supporter of the NZST
13.6%
Other 7.3%
1 31.8%
2 50.9%
3 10.0%
4 2.7%
5 1.8%
More 2.7%
10

to see more sports articles and 20.9% wanted to see more
music and art/s stories.
Survey respondents also gave us lots of very valuable
comments regarding the topics they want to see more of in
the SNN. These include more articles on health issues related
to having an SCI; more personal stories about how people
with an SCI live and manage their daily lives in the community;
practical travel advice; information about SCI research and
employment/study; and, how to find a balance between being
a partner and a carer. The following is a sample of some of the
comments you gave us:
• “…articles on chronic pain and spasms, more health
related articles”;
• “More about what’s happening in the medical and scientific
areas concerning help for people with SCI”;
• “How people are dealing with the workplace”;
• “More stories for family members …how to create a
balance between being a partner and a carer”;
• “More stories about what high-level tetraplegics achieve in
their life”;
• “Perhaps more Internet links for disabled travel. Perhaps
also, you could get readers to rate the disabled rooms in
hotels they have used and build up a list of good ones!”
As mentioned above, many respondents wanted more articles
that explore the personal, lived experience of SCI and want
to know how others manage their lives. Hearing how others
do things and knowing that others face similar problems
was important to respondents. Here are some more of the
comments we received:
• “ …going back to basics for people with an SCI…
regardless of how long a person has had an SCI, it’s good to
be reminded of the basic issues and the journey”;
• “…there are few to no tips and suggestions of how to
cope with everyday life: attitudes to life, etc.”;
• “...biographies of others with an SCI and their new lives”;
• “It’s always good to read and see how others manage their
SCI. It has taken me 10 years and I am still finding new
ways to manage things. Getting ideas from others is always
good.”
A further issue that we have been aware of for some time
now, is the need for more nation-wide stories. The majority
of the New Zealand Spinal Trust’s operations are based in
Christchurch, which can lead to an imbalance: with more
articles orientated towards this end of the country. Readers
commented that:
• “Interesting, but too many Ch-Ch items”;
Question 3
After you read the SNN do you usually
Question 4
Overall, do you find the stories in the SNN interesting
Keep it 54.5%
Lend it to others 20.0%
Dispose of it 19.0%
Other 6.4%
Yes, all the time 60.5%
Sometimes 37.6%
No, hardly ever 1.8%
11

a HUGE thank you
• “More Auckland stories”;
• “I am a little concerned that the SNN neglects the North
Island when it prints regional stories; Ch-Ch features so
much, me thinks that Auckland is non-existent.”
To remedy this situation, we are looking to have more people
based around the country who can and will contribute articles.
If you would like to share a story, please, get in touch with us. If
you have little or no experience with writing, we can help you
to write the article.
On behalf of the SNN team, I would like to say a huge thank
you to all those people who responded to the survey and
wrote in with their ideas, suggestions and requests. We are
really excited! We now feel we have an exciting platform on
which to keep improving the SNN for you, the reader, and we
aim to reflect many of the ideas from this survey starting in
2014.
John Bourke
Question 6
Do you find the stories in the SNN relevant to the areas
in your life?
Question 9
How would you prefer to receive your SNN
Yes, all the time 38.3%
Sometimes 57.0%
No, hardly ever 4.7%
As a printed hard copy 76.9%
As an electronic version 7.7%
Both printed and electronic
versions 15.4%
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12

All Functions, Without Hospital Looks
Kea Non Clinical Beds are designed and manufactured
here in New Zealand. The aim is to provide a bed to
meet the specific needs of you and your partner,
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Electric functions available include HiLow, back raise,
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Models offered include: Homecare, Medical, and
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A king sized split homecare bed is pictured.
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0800 238 423 www.mortonperry.co.nz advice@mortonperry.co.nz
13

SAMOA
Trip 2013
In 2012, a team of health professionals from New Zealand
travelled to Samoa with the goal of empowering people with
a SCI to manage their health conditions. In August 2013, a
team consisting of many of the same people conducted a
follow-up trip to Samoa to see the people from the previous
year and new clients with a SCI. Again, the aim was to impart
knowledge and education to individuals with a SCI and their
families, to help them manage the consequences of their
injuries. I caught up with three members of that team from
the Burwood Spinal Unit to find out about the experience:
Maria van der Heuvel, a clinical nurse specialist; Marian
Lippiatt, a nurse; and Annie Jones, a physiotherapist. In total,
there were seven members in the team, who all travelled
voluntarily and paid their own way, with some subsidy from
Altus Resource Trust for accommodation.
Maria has visited Samoa for the past three years, but for
Marian and Annie, this was their first time on a trip like this.
For Marian, the key motivation was to impart knowledge
to the individuals with a SCI; their family members; and the
health professionals: “(I wanted) to share knowledge about
bladder management, pressure- area management, and bowel
management… I got a shock at how basic things were,
with no rehabilitation or home visits.” Annie had all always
wanted to do volunteer work and, what really appealed to
her, was the potential to help create long-term change: “it
wasn’t like we were going across and then just coming back;
it sounded like there was a whole programme being set up,
and that really appealed to me – we were trying to build
knowledge and work with the locals.”
The team was in Samoa for just over a week and split into
two groups in order to see as many people as possible in
the short time they were there. Maria said they managed to
spend around an hour with each client. During this trip, Maria
saw the benefits of previous trips: “the majority of people
who were in the new client category last time, are now free
of pressure sores, they’re doing transfers properly, and have
good bowel management. They’re even starting to teach
others with a SCI.” Maria suggests that the individuals in
Samoa are very receptive to knowledge and are very thankful
when the New Zealanders come to visit.
The time available for each visit was limited, and Annie
described the visits as “trying to fit six months of
rehabilitation into 1 or 2 hours.” At the start of each visit,
the team would assess bladder, bowel and skin status, then
discuss the management options available for each of these
14

areas. Then, issues such as wheelchair seating were considered,
and the team would try to organise any equipment they
could, including wheelchairs and shower commodes, from
the donated equipment they had. Annie would then give
physiotherapy advice; for example, describing the benefits of
passive stretching. To help pass on knowledge to local health
professionals, two Samoan health workers travelled with the
New Zealand team to observe and learn also.
Many of the differences observed by the team related to the
lack of a rehabilitation process, a lack of equipment, and a lack
of knowledge around management. For example, mattresses
are uncommon in the traditional Samoan house or fale,
and even in hospitals. Wheelchairs were often ill-suited to
individuals needs and were broken or damaged. Hoists were
uncommon, and while some consumables were available,
stocks were limited, and catheters were often used for long
periods of time. This created terrible skin breakdown in
some males who did not secure their leg bags, which dragged
on the ground. Pressure sores were also common and the
team observed some very advanced skin breakdown. They
also observed that medication for spasm and pain was more
or less non-existent. Marian found the access in the home
environments to be very challenging for those with a SCI.
Showers and toilets were often outside and inaccessible, so
could not be used. Toileting and showering were sometimes
performed outside.
Annie noted a very interesting aspect, reporting that she
saw no neglect of individuals with a SCI in terms of love and
care. Even when people had no wheelchair, often spending
most of their time on the floor, or performing their toileting
and showering outside, not one person the team visited was
lacking a caring, loving family. Any secondary complications
were more a result of a lack of knowledge – not knowing
the correct ways to avoid complications, or how to treat and
manage them.
Reflecting back on their experience, Maria, Marian and Annie,
were all very glad they had made the trip, despite the heat,
12-hour days, and all manner of novel insect life! Although only
so much can be achieved in one week, being in a position to
impart knowledge, and sometimes provide equipment that may
improve the outcomes of those with a SCI in Samoa, was a
very special feeling indeed. It is hoped these trips can continue
as they really do help those living in Samoa with a SCI.
John Bourke
15

RAISING
Veggies
Everyone has motivations that
cause an action to be taken. In
my case, this year my Dad died.
He grew vegetables, so now I
must grow vegetables. It’s like
carrying on a legacy. What came
out of that was a desire of my
own to see what I could do, a joy
in seeing things come to fruition
and then the pleasure in the
eating.
16

Lettuce, Beetroot, Radish, Spring Onion, Zucchini,Spinach, Silver beet, Carrots
Raised gardens are a great option for those
with limited mobility. My brother built mine
for me. He then filled it with mushroom
compost, topped off with a veggie mix that
has all the good nutrients that plants need.
I covered the soil with weed mat. (Cats like
bare dirt.) I then cut the weed mat to open
rows for the plants. I planted a combination
of seedlings and seeds. Radishes are
the best. They grow so quickly. If instant
gratification is your thing, then radishes
are the plant for you. Because this is my
first raised garden, and is limited space, I
decided on an intensive farming approach.
With very little regard for how big plants
get, I planted and hoped for the best.
My gardening knowledge is restricted to
what I gleaned off my parents as I grew up.
I grew up on a farm and Dads vegetable
garden was huge, some years encroaching
onto the paddock next to the house. We
had a lot of corn those years. In the city its
different. But still possible. The plants are a
bit over crowded but they seem to be
coping.
These two pages show you just one
corner of the garden. I also have
tomatoes in big pots, strawberries
in bags hanging off the fence and a
patio with potted herbs, nasturtiums,
succulents and petunias. I may have gone
a bit overboard in the first year, but it
feels great!
I bought some snail bait because a snail
ate a sizable portion of one my petunias.
I have aphids on some plants and I use
an organic spray on them. My carers
help me water them and I am planning
an irrigation system. Other than that my
intervention has been minimal. Nature
has taken its course and now I am
provided with a sense of belonging in a
place, another reason to get out in the
sun and salad for tea.
Trudy Mulligan
17

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• Sitting and Standing unit with a new ‘Low Shearing System’.
Characteristics of the power base :
• 4WD – Compact, agile, easy to operate and extremely efficient drive system
• Small dimensions for use in narrow spaces
• Compact design for easy transport
• Reliably manages curbs, ramps and rough ground
• Center wheel drive in seated position means a smaller turn radius
• Front wheel drive in standing position, safer to maneuver
• Turns in sitting and in standing position around the users center of gravity
• Easy to service, superior accessibility, constant support.
VENDLET OF DENMARK - PATIENT TURNER
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The latest model is the Vendlet V5, which provides full electric operation.
Other benefits include :
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AEROLET OF HOLLAND - TOILET LIFT
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18
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ACC – SELF-MANAGEMENT:
Taking Control of Everyday Living
Muir Spreads His Wings with First Self-management
Purchase
As one of the first ACC clients signed up to the self-management
pilot scheme, Muir Templeton reached an important
milestone earlier this month.
Porirua-based Muir went online and booked a return flight
to the Burwood Spinal Unit in Christchurch. Instead of having
ACC coordinate things for him as in the past, he had control
of the purse strings and charged the fare directly to his selfmanagement
account.
“Previously, my case manager would have orchestrated those
flights for me, forwarding lots of letters and emails. Now, I’ve
got my bank- card and can do it myself. It’s my responsibility to
ensure things like flights are booked. I can also arrange wheelchair
taxi transport at the other end,” he says.
A tetraplegic since injuring himself in a rugby accident in 1975,
Muir is relishing the new-found freedom that self-management
has given him. The upshot, he says, is a greater sense of responsibility,
control, and purpose. The first funds were deposited
into Muir’s self-management account in September and, while
it’s early days, he describes the self-management pilot scheme
as “encouraging”, and is looking forward to making more
purchases.
• Attendant care for personal care tasks such as showering
and dressing;
• Home help with tasks such as cooking, laundry, and cleaning;
• Child-care;
• Medical consumables like gloves or wipes;
• Small items of equipment that need to be replaced within
the following year;
• Equipment maintenance and repairs;
• Travel expenses associated with the person’s injury;
• Regular day activity programmes related to the person’s
injury;
• Podiatry services;
• Pharmaceuticals.
Since being launched in August, the self-management pilot has
been progressing steadily. Fourteen clients are now taking part;
funds are being deposited into specially set up bank accounts;
and pilot participants are purchasing their own goods and
services.
All going well, ACC is hoping to launch the self-management
programme nationwide later next year. If you’d like to know
more about ACC’s self-management pilot, send an email to:
selfmanagement@acc.co.nz
Raymond Burr
“At the moment it’s working really well for me. Organising my
own things gives me a sense of purpose. You can do it in your
own time and in a relaxed manner. I’m sure that others with a
serious injury will respond to it very well.”
More about ACC’s self-management pilot programme
ACC’s self-management pilot involves around 50 clients with
disabilities across the lower North Island pilot region taking
more control over purchasing their own supports and services.
It aims to help people be more independent, with ACC taking
a step back and trusting them to make their own support
decisions.
People on the pilot choose the services and supports they
want to self-manage from their existing ACC package of supports.
This might include:
19

ACC SERIOUS INJURY ADSVISORY GROUP UPDATE
I have been involved with the ACC Serious Injury Advisory
Group (SIAG) since I came to the role as CEO of the
NZST in 2011. It forms part of ACC’s three ‘Voice of the
Consumer’ groups, which includes us as the SIAG. We meet
every two months. When I started, SIAG was made up of
individuals and, at the end of 2012, it changed to include
organisations as well as individuals. To me, it was important
to have the individual’s voice stay in the group to keep it
grounded.
ACC’s Serious Injury category includes spinal cord injury,
traumatic brain injury, multiple amputees, vision impairment,
and serious burns. Of course, I represent SCI. Brain injuries
make up approximately 75% of ACC’s Serious Injury
portfolio; spinal cord injuries approximately 20%; with the
remaining 5% being multiple amputees, vision impairment, and
serious burns.
ACC has identified that there are systemic issues which they
could be doing better on, and they want to improve this for
the benefit of the end users. As a result, ACC has asked us,
as representatives of the SIAG, to identify issues that affect
our population. I went to our Connecting People Facebook
group (check it out – it’s an awesome page!), and received a
massive response which was brilliant. Personally I think it’s
great that you all made the effort and I thank you for that.
You’ll be wondering where we are at with all the issues that
have been brought forward.
other two ‘Voice of the Consumer’ Groups;
• The COG prioritises all the issues, of which a small
number then get presented to the ACC Executive,
which then makes recommendations as to the
action to be taken (realistically the ACC Executive
can only deal with a few issues at a time).
This seems, and is, a lengthy drawn-out process. We are
dealing with a big bureaucracy here. Some issues are simple
internal-process issues and can be addressed immediately;
while others, which are legislative, cannot be actioned
by ACC because the organisation is bound by Central
Government statutes and laws.
ACC is a very large corporation and things move slowly;
however, we, as the SIAG, are working hard to get the main
issues identified and actioned. I take my hat off to ACC for
exposing themselves to constructive criticism in a bid to
improve the outcomes for those of us with a serious injury. A
positive outcome for us as end users is at the heart of ACC,
and I do believe that they are serious about putting things
right. It is a slow process, but it is one we must work with, so
I thank all of you representing SCI for your input and, please,
have patience: in the words of Rachael hunter, “it won’t
happen overnight, but it will happen!”
Ben Lucas CEO NZ Spinal Trust
Briefly, the process is as follows:
• The SIAG identifies the issues;
• These issues get prioritised and we spend a lot of
time making in-depth recommendations to remedy
them. We can only work on a small number at each
meeting;
• The recommendations then get presented by our
Chairman, Pati Umaga, to ACC’s Consumer
Outlook Group (COG). The COG reports directly
to the ACC Executive (Board);
• The COG gets similar recommendations from the
20

TA iQ sets the New Standard
The new TA iQ power chairs are designed to improve your outdoor drive comfort and access, while
providing you with superior functionality indoors.
So why is the TA iQ unique?
Indoors: The TA iQ has the lowest floor to seat height of only 38cm/15”, lower than any other power chair.
This allows you to easily sit at a desk or table, and improves your visibility and floor to ceiling height in a
vehicle. Every TA iQ has the standard specification lift/elevation function of 30 cm (38-68 cm), allowing you to
reach higher cupboards, benches, and basins. With a very small turning radius of only 45 cm, the TA iQ MWD
can spin easily in tight spaces.
Outdoors: The suspension on front and rear is very soft, providing a smoother ride when travelling over bumps
and kerbs. The unique suspension design allows the TA iQ to climb over larger obstacles.
Performance: The TA iQ is one of the fastest powerchairs with a top speed of 12.5km/h which it will reach in
3 seconds. With larger batteries as standard it also has an optimum range of 40km, so you will travel further,
faster.
Designed and manufactured in Denmark with quality European motors, actuators and controllers. Crash safety
tested and approved in Denmark in accordance with international standards ISO 10542-5 and 7176-19 (2008).
Available in mid wheel drive (MWD), rear wheel drive (RWD) and front wheel drive (FWD) configurations.
So if you are evaluating a new power chair you have to try the TA iQ for yourself. You can ask for a
demonstration to purchase direct, or ask your therapist to arrange a MOH or ACC trial, then you decide.
Seat height:
Only 38cm/15”
Suspension:
More comfortable
Safer:
Crash test approved
Higher:
30 cm elevation
Faster and Further:
12.5 km/h, 40km
0800 238 423 www.mortonperry.co.nz advice@mortonperry.co.nz
21

Keeping a
HEALTHY
Bowel
There has been much interest in the book Eat Well Live
Well with Spinal Cord Injury, by Kylie James and Joanne
Smith, since it was reviewed in the April 2013 issue of the
SNN. You can now purchase the e-book for CAN$19.95,
or the hardcopy, for CAN$75, which includes shipping and
handling. To purchase, visit: www.eatwelllivewelwithsci.com
where you can also download three chapters for free.
Good bowel management is one of the most important, and
often challenging, parts of living with a SCI. Diet plays a critical
role in the effective management of your bowel routine. Below
are some tips and recipes taken straight from Chapter 2 of Eat
Well Live Well, which explores nutrition that helps to maintain
a healthy bowel. For more information, you can purchase the
book from the website above, or, you can borrow it from the
Allan Bean Library.
Nutritional tips for a healthy bowel
1) Eat 19-30 grams of fibre a day
Fibre is a critical part of our digestive system; it helps us to
absorb water, provides bulk to the stool and keeps it soft,
making evacuation easier. There are two main types of fibre
and we need both to prevent constipation and improve bowel
function:
Soluble fibre: forms a gel-like substance that makes the
stool softer. Sources of soluble fibre include: apples, apricots,
bananas, barley, beans, berries, figs, grapes, oats, peaches, pears,
peas, and prunes.
Insoluble fibre: adds bulk to the stool which helps matter to
pass through your bowel. Sources of insoluble fibre include
seeds, whole grains, and the skins of many fruit and vegetables
such as the kumara.
3) Take probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria. Two types that promote
healthy bowel function are Lactobacillus acidophilus and
Bifidobacterium. These bacteria help to ferment fibre to
produce fuel for the cells in your colon. A healthy balance of
probiotics in your bowel can enhance peristalsis (movement)
and prevent constipation. Foods that contain probiotics
include: unsweetened yoghurt, sauerkraut, miso, and pickled
foods. You can also purchase probiotics supplements that
contain Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium from
your pharmacy.
4) Eat 4-5 small meals a day
SCI can disrupt the gastrocolic reflex which promotes
bowel movement. So eating smaller, more frequent meals
throughout the day can help to stimulate the gastrocolic
reflex. Also, to take advantage of the gastrocolic reflex, try to
consume a meal or warm drink about 30 minutes before you
start your bowel routine.
5) Try natural bowel aids
Bran: Eating oat/wheat bran everyday can help to avoid
constipation. Try to avoid too much highly processed bran in
cereals that contain a lot of sugar or salt.
Fresh ginger tea: Ginger can help to stimulate the digestive
system and eases the passage of food through the intestines.
Garlic: Garlic helps to destroy harmful bacteria in the colon
which contribute to constipation.
Liquorice root: This root has a natural laxative effect.
Prunes and apricots: Prunes and apricots can have a laxative
effect, but your body can develop a tolerance to prunes if you
eat them too regularly.
2) Drink 8-10 cups of water a day
Your large intestine is responsible for re-absorbing excess
water back into your body. When you are dehydrated, water
is moved from your colon to serve other body functions,
resulting in more solid stools that are harder to pass. Drinking
8-10 cups of water a day helps to avoid becoming constipated
and helps to maintain a good bowel program. It is also
important to limit alcohol, coffee, and soda (fizzy/soft drinks)
which are diuretics and can contribute to dehydration.
22

Recipes
Summer Bean Salad
This refreshing, quick and easy salad has tons of fibre to
support healthy bowel function. Serves 4.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of green beans
• 1 can of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can of mixed beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds
• 2 cups of lettuce
• Dressing: 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Directions:
1. Cook green beans for 1-2 minutes in a pot of
salted boiling water.
2. Drain green beans and refresh in iced water till
cool, remove and pat dry.
3. Place kidney beans and mixed beans into a bowl.
4. Chop green beans and add to the bowl with the
chopped onion and lettuce.
5. Toast cumin seeds in a dry pan till they begin to
brown (this releases the flavour).
6. Add cumin seeds to the olive oil; stir, and pour
over salad.
Yoghurt and Granola Parfait
This is great for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or dessert. The
probiotics in the yoghurt help to address diarrhoea.
Serves 1.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup of plain Greek yoghurt
• ¼ cup of granola (or any muesli and nut mix)
• 1 cup of fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries,
and/or strawberries)
• Extras: you can add sliced almonds or flax seeds.
Directions:
1. Place yoghurt in a bowl.
2. Add fruit and sprinkle granola on top.
Image kindly supplied by: Nicole Engstrom @ What Matters Most Now blog
23

BOOK review
When the Dust Settles
By Rob Cook
Rob Cook has lived between
Queensland and the Northern Territory
all of his life, has worked as a fencer and
bull rider, and, worked one of Australia’s
most remote cattle stations, Suplejack
Downs. Due to the sheer size of cattle
stations in the Northern Territory,
mustering using helicopters is a common
practice. It was during a muster in 2008
that Rob was in a helicopter crash that
fractured his C4 vertebrae, resulting in
complete tetraplegia. When the Dust
Settles is a detailed tale of Rob’s life
prior to the accident, how the accident
disrupts his family’s life and, how he; his
wife, Sarah; and their young sons; attempt
to return to their life, living in the
unrelenting outback of Australia.
The first section explores Rob’s early
years growing up in a family of seven
children with a hard-working dad and
an equally hard-working and caring
mum. They moved around Queensland
as Rob’s dad followed his work as a
fencing contractor and, before long, Rob
had left school and was working for his
dad. After a falling out, Rob was sent to
his grandparents’ on Suplejack Downs,
where he developed a love for working
in the wide expanse of the outback. As
time passed, Rob lived in Queensland for
24
a period with his wife-to-be, Sarah. He
was a professional bull rider for a time,
but his love of the outback took him and
Sarah back to Suplejack Downs where
they settled and began raising their two
young sons.
The book then follows Rob through his
rehabilitation journey in Adelaide, and
the impact this had on his family – who
rented a house for the duration of their
time in Adelaide. Rob’s recollection of
the hospital, moving from intensive care
to the rehabilitation ward, and meeting
other people with a SCI, will seem very
familiar to readers who have been on
this journey themselves. For example, the
intense trepidation Rob experienced just
crossing the road the first time he went
out for lunch with his family, or wanting
to hold his sons while in his hospital bed.
The remainder of the book follows Rob’s
journey as he and his family attempt to
return to their life on Suplejack Downs.
We see them take a house in Alice
Springs, and Rob writes of the challenges
associated with finding good carers
(sometimes employing family members),
organizing a vehicle, and learning to
cope with the heat of the outback,
secondary complications of autonomic
dysreflexia and pneumonia, and dealing
with health professionals who have little
understanding of tetraplegia.
While much of the book reflects Rob’s
philosophical and positive outlook of his
situation, he does still describe instances
of being frustrated. For example, Rob
invested a lot of emotion in returning
to Suplejack Downs so when he, Sarah,
and the boys, do manage to spend some
time there, it is quite different to what
he expected. Watching the men leave
the homestead for the day and not
being able to go and work the land –
something Rob had known all his life – is
hard to swallow. I appreciated this frank
description of his personal frustrations
and thought Rob could have included
more details regarding the types of
personal frustration he experienced.
Rob found one outlet to channel his
enthusiasm for working in the beef
farming industry. He applied for, and
won, a Nuffield Scholarship. This involved
extensive travel to New Zealand and
South America to visit farms, agricultural
businesses, and industry people, in
various countries. While Rob’s initial
study focus was exploring the dynamics
of emerging beef markets, he changed
and began to look at what options exist
for farmers like him that want to return
to work following a serious injury.
When the Dust Settles is an intriguing
read that balances the personal story of
Rob’s life with many universal aspects of
living with tetraplegia which readers of
the SNN will recognize: the challenge of
returning home; the disruption to family
dynamics; returning to work and an
accessible community; managing health
complications; and being more prepared
when traveling. Attempting to return
to their life in the outback of Australia
gives this story an extra level of appeal,
as it is such an unforgiving environment.
When the Dust Settles would be an
ideal Christmas present to anyone who
likes an adventure story mixed with the
realities of readjusting to life following a
spinal cord injury.

Thank you to our
Funders &
Sponsors
NZ Lotteries Grant Board - $592, 112
The NZST were recently successful in being awarded multiyear
funding which covers three years from the NZ Lotteries
Grant Board.
Flow Hot Yoga - $2225
Are keeping our Peer and Family Support services running
Community Organisations Grants Scheme - $8,400
COGS Boards in the Far North, Waitakere City, Papakura/
Franklin and Coastal Otago are all supporting the
Kaleidoscope Programme in 2014
SkyCity Auckland Community Trust - $25,000 towards
Kaleidoscope costs in the Auckland Region
Grants in 2011, 12 and again in 13 have supported careers
coaching for people in the Auckland area, and helped build
relationships with new recruiters and businesses to help
Kiwis with SCIs find mentors and work placements.
The Harcourts Foundation $5,000
Supporting the Connecting People Garden Project at
Burwood Hospital to create a completely accessible meeting
and social space for patients and visitors
NZ Spinal Trust Supporters
Digiweb Group and Koorb Consulting
Ongoing technical and system support during the rollout of
Stages 1 through 3 of our Digital Strategy including:
Support while hooking into the Canterbury District Health
Board Fibre Cable
Server hosting and ongoing support of our website (Digiweb)
The implementation of a Microsoft Dynamics CRM system
to provide one central, modern database to replace the
28 - yes, 28 - individual databases that were held across the
organisation.
New Zealand Spinal Trust,
Private Bag 4708,
Christchurch 8140
Tel: (03) 383 7540
Fax: (03) 383 7500
info@nzspinaltrust.org.nz
Web: www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz
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