SNN December 2012

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS
December 2012 Volume 15 No 3 ISSN 1175-4753
Modified Kitchens
Pain Mens Sheds Intimacy Great Barrier Experience

CONTENTS
1 CEO Report
2 Modify Your Kitchen
EDITORIAL TEAM
TRUDY MULLIGAN
Hi, my name is Trudy Mulligan and I’m one of the design
team at the NZ Spinal Trust. I’ve been a wheelchair user
for around 15 years though my transition to full paraplegic
took a decade. I studied at the Canterbury School of Fine
Arts majoring in design. I have had my own design business
for 16 years. I’m employed by the NZ Spinal Trust as design
consultant and I thoroughly enjoy working as a member of
the superb design team.
6 Mr Bill Utley
7 QEII Track
8 Pain
14 Mt John Observatory
17 Maternal Instincts
18 NZST Programmes
22 The Samoan Spinal Network
CLAIRE FREEMAN
JOHN BOURKE
Hi, my name is Claire Freeman and I am part of this fantastic
team of fellow writers and researchers for the Network News.
I am employed full time by the Canterbury District Health
Board as a graphic designer, and I also work for the NZ Spinal
Trust. I am finishing off my Masters in Health Science, Otago
University and plan on pursuing more study. I enjoy thinking
about long walks on the beach and am not an alcoholic but do
like bloody marys without the tabasco sauce- cheers.
Hello! After experiencing a C4/5 SCI in 2005, and spending
several years in Nelson, I am currently based in Christchurch
with my wife Corrin. Working with Paul and the team at the
Spinal Network News is great, and I have found it to be a
fantastic way to keep in touch with the various happenings in
the New Zealand SCI community. I am currently completing a
Post Grad Diploma in Rehabilitation through Otago University,
and in 2012 I hope to complete a Masters thesis exploring
issues facing those with high-level SCI following injury.
CONTRIBUTING
WRITERS
Ben Lucas
Bernadette Cassidy
Cindy Allison
Carolynn Day
Trudy Mulligan
Claire Freeman
Debz Mitchell
John Bourke
Hi, my name is Bernadette Cassidy and I am delighted to be
part of the Spinal Networks News Editorial Team. I have been
with the New Zealand Spinal Trust as Library and Design Team
Manager for nearly 10 years and have seen the organisation
grow from strength to strength. I am passionate about the
work we do at the Trust and how libraries can assist in reaching
disadvantaged groups - having access to quality and timely
information empowers people ‘to reshape their lives’ and assist
BERNADETTE CASSIDY with reintegration back into their communities.
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:
Web: www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz
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.
DESIGN & LAYOUT: Trudy Mulligan, Designer NZ Spinal Trust
PRINTER: The Caxton Press

CEO Report
Well, who can believe that 2012 is almost over and
Christmas is just around the corner? Personally I have
only just got used to putting 2012 instead of 2011…
2012 has been an eventful year for the Trust with a lot
taking place throughout the year;
In February we were given short notice to vacate the
Allan Bean Centre (ABC), due to a couple of walls which
were deemed unsafe, putting our Team at risk in the
event of any future earthquake. I cannot speak highly
enough of the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB),
and Burwood Hospital as we were quickly relocated
within Burwood Hospital when space within CDHB
was incredibly tight, especially admin space. With a little
juggling around, we managed to move all that we needed
and set up with no disruption to our services. After
two months, we moved back into the ABC. Making the
building safe was a direct expense to CDHB and they
didn’t need to complete these repairs when there was
so much else going on, so a huge thank you to all the
management at Burwood Hospital and CDHB for doing
this for us.
In August of this year, we managed to gain access to the
QEII Athletics Track, thanks to the Christchurch City
Council. A team of us tore the track up and mounted
100 samples onto board and more importantly, got some
iconic pieces of the track relating to Dick Tayler who won
the 10,000m event at the 1974 Commonwealth Games,
as well as John Walker, one of NZ’s greatest runners. The
pieces were auctioned on Trade Me in August which raised
valuable funds for the Trust
We were also the Official Charity for the recent
Benchmark Homes Festival of Cycling – an iconic two
day cycle event in Christchurch. We had a wheelchair
race with celebrities as well as a handcycle event. Again,
the exposure was invaluable as well as the fact that we
managed to raise more funds for the Trust.
Other fundraising events were the Christchurch Marathon
and Kim Allan, who ran non-stop for 480km, raising funds
for the Trust.
Our Team here at the Trust continues to be highly
dedicated and focused on the best outcomes for you as
the end user. I am continually impressed by how our Team
never need to be reminded that you as the end user are
the most important person in relation to the Trust and
the work we do.
Funding has been tight in the not-for-profit sector and due
to the fantastic legacy left by those who have gone before
me, the Trust has positioned itself as a highly respected,
quality and trusted organisation that provides services
that are recognised as important in the Spinal Community.
As a result of this, we have managed to not only keep
functioning, but grow some of our services.
2013 is just around the corner and we’re looking forward
to another exciting year. I wish you all a safe and happy
Christmas and look forward to the New Year and the
opportunity and excitement that it brings.
Ben Lucas
The Mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker wrote a book,
‘Ripped Apart; a city in chaos’ which was released in
November, with the launch being held here in the Allan
Bean Centre Library. He is donating the royalties from
the book to our Connecting People programme. At the
time of printing, the amount isn’t available, but for the
NZST to have national exposure was invaluable. Mayor
Parker’s books are available in most bookshops as well as
directly from the Trust.
1

Modify
your
Kitchen?
When my wife’s away and i have to fend for myself, I’m
constantly reminded of how wheelchair-unfriendly our
kitchen is. I can’t safely reach the back of the cook-top,
I can’t get at the sink properly to wash up, i can’t reach
some of the cupboards (including The one where the
cook books are – which is probably a blessing anyway), I
can’t get vital stuff from the back of the fridge – especially
on the lower shelves. There’s got to be a better way!
However, I have to admit that my wife uses the kitchen
much more than I do which of course creates further
problems, because the kitchen really has to suit both our
needs. Bench heights, along with sink and cook-top heights
would especially make problems for one or other of us.
So I’ve been exploring the internet for ways in which
kitchens could be made more useful for me, with a few
additional thoughts on how we could make the space
more suitable for both of us. First of all, what would I
like?
Most of all, I think, I’d like to be able to get my knees
underneath the cook-top, so I can get much closer to pots
and pans heating on there. It would also be a heck of a
lot safer than trying to juggle things from a low, sideways
position. The other thing that would be neat would be to
get my knees right under the sink, so that I can properly
reach in there to wash the dishes. It would be helpful, too,
to be able to reach the stuff in the higher cupboards, and
especially to be able to get at the food in the back of the
bottom shelves of the fridge. Anything else while we’re
about it? Well, yes, there is. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able
to put food easily into – and take hot things out of - the
oven without having to reach out round that great big
downward-opening door? And maybe those benches are a
little too high for comfort?
So let’s see what Google can do for us. Well, if you live
in Sweden, the USA or the UK and have some money,
you could buy the perfect kitchen. YouTube gives several
examples. I picked up a few good ideas there – side-opening
oven doors, slide out cupboard shelves, lift-racks that lower
shelves in higher cupboards down to my level, slide-out
chopping board, height-adjustable benches, cook-tops and
even sinks. Controls at the front of the cook top would be
useful too – it reduces the chances of my sleeves catching in
pot handles as i reach across above them.
Of course there are drawbacks. If you’ve got knee space
under the cook-top and under the sink, where, exactly,
are you going to put the pots and pans that live under the
cook-top and the scungy cleaning pads and horrid things
that invariably live under the sink? Well, one good idea I
2

came across was cupboards on casters that could, be
moved out of those places. The under-sink plumbing
might need to be rearranged for that to work, though. In
addition, the sink itself might need to be a shallower one
than usual.
The only way in which the kitchen could be organised for
people of two different heights would be to have cooktop,
sink unit and perhaps benchtops to be adjustable for
height. This could be done either by manual crank handles,
or, as American kitchen designers tend to suggest, using
push button electric motors.
One thing I have to stress is, as i was told in my very early
days in Burwood, that we’re all different. I’m a T3 para
who buggered his left rotator cuff whilst doing a transfer
8 years ago, so I’m now in a power chair. So I’ve been
describing what would suit me. But some of the ideas I’ve
suggested would suit many, but not all, others.
Ian Popay
Useful internet addresses for
wheelchair kitchens
Development of Kitchen Models for Wheelchair Users.
http://www.idemployee.id.tue.nl/g.w.m.rauterberg/conferences/
cd_donotopen/adc/final_paper/031.pdf.
1,653 wheelchair accessible Kitchen Design Photos.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen/wheelchair-accessible.
Useful tips from the Canadian Paraplegic Association, at
http://www.thespine.ca/articles/accessible_renovations/design_
wheelchair_accessible_kitchen/
Kitchen Design. From Independent Living, UK
http://www.independentliving.co.uk/kitchen-design.html
If you’ve just won Lotto, here’s a futurist kitchen design at
http://www.universaldesignstyle.com/liberty-project-accessiblekitchen-by-whirlpool-latin-america/.
See the amazing and innovative variations of the Sky-Lab
Italian kitchen design
http://www.snaidero.it/
(two pictures to the left)
3

In 2011, I finished my Masters thesis from Otago University
Health Sciences Department, titled ‘Experiences of Intimacy
and Relationship Maintenance in Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Rehabilitation: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis’. It
was a part time project I slipped in to my crazy life and although
I was told it would be like trudging through setting concrete, I
loved it. I found the whole process fascinating and learnt a great
deal, both educationally and within myself. I found that during the
interviews, I unwittingly confronted my own demons as feelings of
grief and repressed trauma surfaced.
In simple terms, the thesis was an exploration of the coupled
perspective as they journey through the hospital directly after
one of them has had a spinal cord injury. Couples talked
about the problems they had with a loss of autonomy,
feelings of intense grief and guilt, not being acknowledged
as a couple, and all were curious about what the future
would be like. Another interesting point all the couples
made was that they felt closer to their partner as a result
of the injury. They agreed open communication was vital
to a healthy relationship, and I felt a real sense of teamwork
between the partners.
They spoke about a few health professionals at Burwood who
had made their time in the spinal unit a lot easier. Relationship
maintenance and intimacy was addressed by a
Intimacy
specialist nurse who all felt was fantastic and extremely helpful,
however, couples also spoke about situations where they felt
disrespected by health professionals and this caused both in
the relationship a great deal of grief. A lack of privacy and
space was a constant problem for couples who struggled
with living with curtains for walls and no place to go to share
intimate moments together.
Since completing the thesis, I’ve been keen to educate as
many people of (with?) my results. I was lucky enough to
present recently at the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord
Society (ANZCoS) in Melbourne, helped by funding from the
NZST and BAIL. The presentation went really well and the
feedback I received was encouraging which made the trip very
worthwhile. I also came back with pop-eye sized arm muscles
as I discovered (and trudged around) Melbournes inner city
hills.
The last step in this journey is to write a handbook to help
people with SCI and their families. Although the handbook
‘Back on Track’ has been extremely well received, there
is more of a focus towards medically related issues. The
handbook I’m compiling will address many holistic issues that
affect people such as relationship maintenance, intimacy issues
and grief. It is hoped the book will be ready for print in a years
time.
Claire Freeman
4

5

Where the Stairway to
Heaven Begins
by Trent Mabbett
Inclusive education in Kyrgyzstan
Cheryl and I scored a gig in
Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. I work
in a NZ Polytechnic in curriculum
development (helping to develop
courses of study). A former colleague
told me of a contract in Kyrgyzstan
for 3 weeks helping to make courses
there more accessible to people with
disabilities. Applying for the contract,
I got it on the basis of my experience
in curriculum development and my
experience with disability (I’m a C6
Tetraplegic). Realising I needed help to
bring inclusive education to Kyrgyzstan
(its more than a one person
job), I dragged Cheryl (caregiver,
photojournalist and diplomat) along
with me.
The Miracle
We got there and back in two pieces!
We flew on Air New Zealand to
Auckland, then China Southern Airlines
to Guangzhou, again to Urumqi, and
again to Bishkek. Forty seven hours
to get there and 36 hours to get back
(including stops at airports). Definitely
not for the fainthearted, the impatient
or for the easily frustrated, or large of
stature. Actually, only for the lunatics.
We figured the average age of the
employees at the Chinese airports
was about 17, unfortunately at this age
they don’t seem to have any clues or
authority and it was a struggle getting
sensible help. Fortunately, we got
upgraded to Premier economy on the
longer flights. For some reason their
planes won’t allow the armrest at the
end of, or between, the seats to lift up,
so that it is very difficult to transfer
into the seats and if you do manage to
score an empty seat next to you, you
can’t lie down.
The Kyrgyz…
Decent people- not greet people in
the street people, but they could be
affectionate (1060814). Their history
is an on-going intersection between
globalisation and nomads. Like a cross
between the Hungarians and the
Mongols.
-poverty poor- but the people are
somewhat cared for (a Socialist relic
of the Soviet Union). It is safe enough
wandering around still.
…and their dirt
The farthest anybody can get from
the ocean and surrounded by dodgy
neighbours. Monumental mountains
(1060638), rivers and lakes, just like the
Southern Alps and steeped steppes. As
for animals there were sheep, horses
(106706) and crows, crows, crows.
Steps of the steppes, steeped in
monuments
There seems to be some deeprooted
cultural prevalence for steps.
A ‘Stairway to heaven’ propensity of
the people. It is said that at the top of
Mount Kyrgyzstan is one last pile of
steps to climb. The Kyrgyz also love
monuments (or their rulers do): their
sheer numbers fall short of the steps,
but their monumentalism surpasses
them. They consist of Soviet heroes
and past dictators; to the war, the
other war, and all the other wars too;
to dictators and revolutions, past
6

traumas and triumphs; creating a history and an identity
for the nation (an identity of revolt).
Where the money from the tin buried under
Angela Merkel’s mattress is going
My part of the contract was to adapt the curriculum of
three courses at three different adult education centres to
be more inclusive to people with disabilities. It is part of
a larger project for a French organisation called Handicap
International that seeks to steamroll inclusive curriculums
across the Kyrgyzstan education system, flattening all
steps in the way. Their part of the contract was to get us
there, stuff us full of food and get us back home alive. The
funding all comes from the European taxpayers. We had
three workshops (IMG 1031 & 1081). One to choose the
jobs to train people for (we chose cooking, seamstress
and appliance repair), one to work out the method to
adapt the curriculum and a final one for the hell of it.
When I returned to New Zealand I had to submit a
report explaining how I had spent Angela’s savings and
how those steps would be steamrolled before their eyes.
The moral of the story
You never know where jobs and contacts will lead. My
advice is to take all opportunities etc… as travel is
exhilarating. But even if travel is not possible we now
have access to the whole world through innovations in
technology and media. The steps are there to stay. But the
fight to flatten them continues.
The plea
Please send any photos, video etc. of you (or somebody
with a disability) who is engaged in adult education to
me at my email address trent@actrix.co.nz. I promised
the Kyrgyz teachers I would send them to show them
inclusion in action, but visual evidence of inclusive adult
education in NZ is hard to find- I’m persevering thoughanything
we can do to promote people with disabilities
being productive is worthwhile.
An on-going
intersection between
globalisation and
nomads.
7

Pain Management Centre
Burwood Hospital
Background
The prevention and management of pain is a significant
aspect of health care. There is increasing acknowledgement
that pain, particularly persistent pain, is a multidimensional
experience which requires a comprehensive, integrated and
multifaceted model of care.
Introduction
Based at the Burwood Hospital site, the Pain Management
Centre (PMC) provides a coordinated interdisciplinary
service that is customised to meet the complex needs of
individuals with persistent chronic pain.
This service is one of only two recognised Interdisciplinary
Pain Management Centres in New Zealand, the other
is situated in Auckland. Smaller pain clinics/ services are
situated around the country.
The co-ordinated interdisciplinary service provides
outpatient clinics and programmes; interventional
procedures and occasional inpatient admissions.
Referral to the service is predominantly via the GP, ACC
case managers or by medical specialists. These are triaged
and prioritised according to accepted criteria.
The PMC team comprises of a wide range of health
disciplines with extensive knowledge and experience in the
assessment and treatment of persistent pain conditions.
The coordinated approach encompasses the biopsychosocial
approach to persistent / chronic pain. This
approach recognises the complex nature of persistent pain
and endorses the promotion of independence and self
management for people experiencing this.
Location
The PMC service is currently housed in two settings.
The service occupies space in the old Nurses Hostel at
Burwood and the associated procedure clinic utilises two
converted rooms in the main hospital near the Birthing
Unit. Some patient procedures are also carried out in the
Burwood operating suite.
Current Services
Initial assessment will routinely be via a Comprehensive
Pain Assessment (CPA), which is carried out by members of
the inter-disciplinary team. The CPA takes place over 3-4
hours, with three assessment sessions looking at a range
of aspects. The assessment team then meets to discuss
and a team member will feedback the recommendations
to the person being assessed (immediately following this).
A report of the Comprehensive Pain Assessment is then
prepared and sent out.
If the person is being seen under ACC funding, then their
ACC Case Manager will consider approval of the team’s
recommendations and referral to the services indicated.
If the person is being seen under Ministry of Health funding
then referral to other services is made along with provision
of services by the PMC team as indicated. These services
may include (but not be limited to):
• Medical, nursing or allied health follow-up appointments
Medical procedures
outpatient interdisciplinary programmes including:
“Activity Focused” programmes- range in duration and
include health professionals from various disciplines (as
indicated)
a comprehensive 3 week inter-disciplinary group
programme (CHOICES )
The PMC team currently includes medical specialists,
nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, clinical
psychologists, social worker, clerical staff, clinical coordinator
and a service manager.
The team work together, with a focus on assisting the
person with persistent pain to optimise engagement in
valued activities, quality of life and independence/ self
management.
8

Pain research continues in many directions. Studies show
that certain practices may have not just a psychological
response but a also a physiological one. Distraction,
meditation and aggression all may be ways to increase
tolerance to pain.
Research released on 07 September 2012 by Keele University
demonstrates that playing a violent video game and entering
the virtual world can give people a better tolerance for pain.
The study of 40 volunteers found that playing violent ‘first
person shooter’ games, in which a player kills enemies in a
virtual environment, enabled participants to tolerate an ice
water pain challenge for longer than if they had played a
non-violent golf game. On average, participants kept their
hands in the icy water for 65 per cent longer after playing the
violent game, indicating that playing the game increased the
participants’ pain tolerance. Heart rate was also shown to
increase.
The researchers suggest the increased pain tolerance and
heart rate can be attributed to the body’s natural ‘fight or
flight’ response to stress, which can activate descending pain
inhibitory pathways in the brain reducing sensitivity to pain.
The study was prompted following research by the same Keele
University team showing that swearing increases people’s
tolerance for pain. Senior lecturer in psychology at Keele
University, Dr Richard Stephens, a who led the study, said: “We
assumed that swearing eases pain by sparking an emotional
reaction in participants – most likely to be aggression – in
turn setting off the body’s fight or flight response. This latest
study was a test of that assumption in which we set out to
try and raise participants’ aggression levels by having them
play a violent video game. We then tested the effect on pain
tolerance. The results confirm our predictions that playing
the video game increased both feelings of aggression and pain
tolerance”.
Intriguingly, the new study suggests that playing violent video
games may be a good way to cope with pain, at least in the
short term. Dr Stephens continued: “Pain researchers have
already been exploring the use of virtual reality as a way of
helping people better deal with pain. A group in Seattle, USA
encouraged children with severe burns to explore a snowy
virtual landscape while their dressings were changed. This
reduced the amount of pain and discomfort they felt during this
procedure”.
The results have been published in the journal Psychological
Reports, which specialises in empirical, theoretical, mainstream,
and alternative views on issues in psychology.
online from: The Huffington Post UK
Mental distraction really can reduce pain, and
the effect is not just in the mind, research has shown.
Scientists carried out scanning studies which showed how a
distracting memory test blocked incoming pain signals.
Volunteers were asked to complete either a hard or easy
letter memory task while having a painful level of heat
applied to their arms. While distracted by the harder task,
they perceived less pain. This was reflected by lower activity
in the spinal cord which could be seen in the functional
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans.
“The results demonstrate that this phenomenon is not
just a psychological phenomenon, but an active neuronal
mechanism reducing the amount of pain signals ascending
from the spinal cord to higher-order brain regions,” said
study leader Dr Christian Sprenger, from the University
Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany.
The findings are reported online in the journal Current Biology.
9

A Spinal Cord
Stimulator
In the last edition of the Spinal Network News I wrote about
the types of pain I have experienced since sustaining a SCI in
November 2006. Since writing that article I have had a spinal
cord stimulator (SCS) placed in an attempt to reduce muscle
spasticity and pain in my lower trunk and legs. This device
provides a neuromodulation effect and, while the use of this
device for the treatment of spasticity is somewhat novel,
it is commonly used for chronic pain disorders including
some types of neuropathic pain and complex regional pain
syndrome.
For various reasons I identified that I needed to withdraw and
come off the oral baclofen that I take to control my high tone
and spasticity. In-depth discussions about different treatment
options for my spasticity with Dr Rick Acland (spinal cord
injury and pain management consultant) from the Burwood
hospital and Mr Martin MacFarlane (neurosurgeon) from
Christchurch hospital narrowed the possibilities down to
either an intrathecal baclofen pump or the SCS. The decision
to have spinal surgery and commit myself to a hospital stay,
temporarily reduced independence and further rehabilitation
was something I thought carefully about and was not a
decision I made lightly! Weighing up the pros and cons of the
two options I decided to try the SCS. On the 18th September
2012 I had surgery to place the device which was done
under a combination of spinal and general anaesthesia. The
SCS consists of a plate of stimulating electrodes (implanted
in the epidural space at the level of T11), an electrical pulse
generator (implanted under the skin in the lower abdominal
area) and conducting wires connecting the electrode plate
to the generator (placed beneath the skin). There is also a
generator remote control for programming and control of
the device.
Thanks to the talented team of Dr Acland, Mr MacFarlane and
their colleagues, the surgery went well and my hospital stay
was as pleasant as possible. Two and a half months down the
track I’m utilising the device daily and experiencing what it
has to offer me. It is highly programmable in that each of the
16 small electrodes on the plate can be recruited individually,
or together, and along with the ability to vary the voltage,
amplitude and pulse width there is an almost infinite number
of different programmes to be discovered. With the help
of Michelle Walker (Burwood pain management nurse and
SCS programmer extraordinaire!), I am trialling the different
options to see which is most beneficial. When switched on it
produces a tingling or ‘pins and needles’ type sensation down
my legs and it certainly reduces some of the clonic spasticity
(rapid jumping of my legs) that I experience when travelling
over bumpy ground in my chair. It also reduces some of the
pain I experience in my legs. It has allowed me to reduce
my oral baclofen dose by 50% thus far and I will continue
to withdraw the baclofen further over the next couple of
months. Time will tell as to whether it provides enough relief
from the spasticity and associated pain and whether the
residual high tone of my muscles and upper limb spasticity is
tolerable once the baclofen has been completely eliminated.
I’m grateful to be able to try this option and watch this space
for further developments!!!
Carolyn Beaver
10

11

Snippets
New Library
Monitors
Burwood Spinal Unit
Repairs
Ten Pin Bowling
The Library in the Allan Bean Centre
is currently looking very smart with 11
new computer monitors. In August of
this year, Sally Turner, Library volunteer
mentioned to her son Michael that
the Library was in great need of
some decent monitors. Michael who
works for the BNZ bank in Wellington
mobilised his team who sold raffles
and raised enough funds to purchase
five screens through BNZ, and they
more than matched it and donated
a further 6 monitors. Remarkit the
company who provided the monitors
also donated to the NZST $200.
Ricky, a member of Michael’s team
rang round courier companies until
he found one who would deliver
the monitors from Wellington to
Christchurch for free!
The monitors arrived in November
and were quickly set up and have been
put to good use by our computer
tutors and library clients.
A big thank you to Sally for the idea,
Michael and his team at BNZ who
took the idea and made it happen, and
to Remarkit and NZ Couriers.
Earthquake repair work at the
Burwood spinal unit is progressing
with the removal of old ceiling tiles,
installing more framing in to the
ceilings space and replacing with light
weight tiles throughout the ward.
We acknowledge that this has been
enormously disruptive for patients and
staff, having to negotiate around the
areas closed off and that the plastic
corridor outside the unit is unsightly.
We are reviewing the schedule and
hope to be able to remove some of
the plastic from the balcony over the
next week as this work continues and
the weather gets warmer. Depending
on the contractors availability over
the January period, the work will
potentially be completed in early
February 2013.
There is not yet a final decision on
how or when to repair the single
rooms at the end of the ward. This
will require significant forward
planning in order that we can continue
to provide services while this work
is being undertaken. We hope to use
the opportunity to install ensuites into
the 5 single rooms that currently do
not have them while this work is being
done, so that will be a huge positive
out of this process. The Burwood
campus site needs to complete its
overall review of earthquake damage
to all facilities and then priorities and
planning can take place on how and
when areas will be repaired. Until
this is finalised we are unable to give a
clear picture of when this will be.
We thank all patients and staff for
their patience over this time.
Over the last 5 months the Connecting
People Women’s Group has been
meeting one Saturday a month doing
various fun activities.
On the 15th September 2012 we went
Ten Pin Bowling at Garden City Bowls
with a great turn out. People were very
helpful as the doors were not easy for
wheelchair users.
For those of us using chairs we were
able to use a specially designed holder to
place the bowling ball on. Going by the
laughter and smiles on our faces I would
say it was a very successful afternoon.
The Connecting People programme
including our women’s group gettogether
days are for having fun times,
doing those things we may not always
plan on doing if by ourselves and most
importantly connecting with other
women with similar abilities, sharing our
experiences and challenges and finding
new ways to do things differently.
Join us by contacting Debz Mitchell our
Manager/Coordinator for Connecting
People, NZ Spinal Trust.
debzm@nzspinaltrust.org.nz
phone: 03 387 1305
12

Free wheeling fun
Movie review
‘The Intouchables’
Ostler helps out!
What do you get when you take a
bunch of high profile Cantabrians and
get them to race wheelchairs? Lots
of laughs, crazy antics and increased
profile and funds for the New Zealand
Spinal Trust.
As the official charity of the
Benchmark Homes Festival of
Cycling, held over the first weekend
of December, the Trust hosted the
Free Wheelin’ Frenzy 150. The fun
wheelchair race utilised the last 150
metres of the criterium course in a
no-holds-barred celebrity race, which
involved lots of direct contact as the
12 competitors vied for first position
in their specifically designed rugby
wheelchairs.
The competitors were an eclectic mix
– three Olympic cyclists, Crusaders
rugby players, supporters and sponsors
of the Trust, local politicians, the
Mayor’s wife and several prominent
figures who have risen from the
quakes as community leaders and
motivators.
Add to the fun the Top Gear Hand
Cycle Challenge, where members of
the public had the chance to ‘race’ a
hand cycle. Paralympian Sue Reid was
on hand to offer tips, advice and show
us what it takes to be a champion.
A story where the poor man from the
projects (Driss) is hired to assist as
caregiver to an aristocratic tetraplegic
man (Phillippe) could easily fall into the
stereotypical interpretation of the Eliza
Doolittle model where the man from
the wrong side of the tracks becomes
refined and in turn reformed through
his relationship with the rich disabled
man... but not this time.
As the movie goes on we get the
impression that the only one with
his head screwed on right is Driss.
Certainly Driss is now exposed to
opera, classical music and art, but his
strong sense of self means that these
elements don’t change who he is, in fact
it is his introduction of joy to the house
and it’s occupants that is the driving
force through this film.
He drives Phillippe’s sports car fast
which describes freedom, he pumps up
the music, he gives his boss the ‘air’ that
he so desperately needs.
Phillipe, in turn, has given Driss
opportunity, trust and friendship. It is
that friendship that creates in the film a
warmth and universal watchability.
The feeling I am left with at the end is
that The Intouchables is an honest film.
It discusses the more private elements
of disability with humour and insight. It
doesn’t drown in sentimentality, rather
it’s the lack of it that is refreshing.
While the subject matter includes
disabilty, the film is not about that,
rather it concentrates on mutual trust
and respect. Based on a true story,
the men the film depicts are still close
friends.
Another successful year for Ostler
Wines. The Ostler grape harvesting
fundraiser this year was carried out
entirely in the vineyards of their
suppliers Blue House Estate (Rob
and Pam Crosbie) and Lemon Springs
(Kanzak Trust – Paul Sinnott).
There were only 27 tonnes of relatively
easy-picked grapes vs. nearly 70 tonnes
in 2011, hence the much smaller
donation of $3736.32 compared with
last year.
Once again, Anne’s and Andy Pickles’
and Pam’s efforts in coordinating the
volunteers and providing sustenance
resulted in a lot of fun , some serious
work and an excellent pick for Ostler.
This is a very worthwhile exercise all
round, which has developed a life of
its own, and we expect to continue in
2013. Many thanks to all who helped
with this fundraiser.
13

MEN’S
Since I started traveling with my van with no fixed abode
some ten years ago, I have missed having a garage or shed
where I can work on my projects. I like wood working,
electronics, design and building human powered vehicles.
When I lived in a flat in Woolston in Christchurch I had
one car garage which soon filled up with all sorts of bits
and bobs so there was no space to park my car then.
There was enough space to work with electronics but
I lacked tools and space for woodwork. Later when I
bought my first campervan and shifted out of my rental
flat I became shedless. I thought often that there should
be some kind of community shed where I could pay
minimal rent and work on my projects when I need to.
sheds
Jim Davis, Alan Kissel and other committee members
were busy getting things organised while I was away from
Nelson. So for a while I thought nothing is happening but
to my surprise I got an email from the secretary telling me
that Men’s Shed Waimea has finally got premises in August
2011. I joined and paid my subs which were $25 per year.
So a couple of years ago I heard about the Men’s Shed
concept which started in Australia. There was a meeting
to establish a community shed in Nelson/ Richmond area.
The meeting was a full house of about 40 men. Mainly
retired guys who have lot of time on their hands perhaps?
The Men’s Shed concept is basically a community shed
where men can get together, build things like furniture
or even fix a car perhaps. Another function of Men’s
Shed is that often many men who are not working full
time, perhaps divorced or their partner has died, find
themselves needing contact and company of other men
while working on some worthwhile projects.
So this idea suited me well as after my injury as I have not
been in paid employment.
The official opening was on 25 of September 2011. Nelson
MP Nick Smith was speaking at the opening. Then there
was ribbon cutting on the shed door and there was also a
cake to cut. On top of the cake was a handsaw, a hammer
and some other tool made of sugar of course. A barbeque
followed with the usual Kiwi fare of sausages and steaks.
Now the membership has swelled to about 80 but it is
never too busy as every day you get from 2 to 10 people
using the shed at any time. There is a supervisor present
every day so I can ask for help using tools I do not feel
safe with. A table saw is one I leave to others to use
because of safety issues. The Good thing about Men’s Shed
is that I can get occasional assistance doing my projects.
There are plenty of older guys who are happy to share
their advice on woodworking and metal work etc. But
14

The shed door has a wheelchair accessible ramp and I use
that when I wheel in with my 4 wheel kick scooter.
Outside there is enough parking for several vehicles and
then there is the garden plot which is about 10 m by 10m.
The garden is producing potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes
and other veggies for members.
There is a toilet with holding tank because we have not
got sewerage pipes. Door should be wide enough to go
through in a wheelchair but there is no hand washing but
a sanitiser for hands.
when it comes to computers and electronics I am the
expert on those and can help others.
The main area of the Waimea Men’s Shed is a 15 m by
10 metre woodworking shed which has all sort of tools
which are mainly donated by companies and community
members in the Nelson/Richmond area.
Some of the tools had to be repaired and made safe to
use before the power was switched on.
Plenty of hand tools were donated but some of them
so old that they belong to the Men’s Shed Tool museum
which is a small room on the front of the building.
There is another room about 6m by 6m which has low
benches suitable for some craft jobs.
I have taken over a bit of bench space there for my
electronics projects but I try to keep it clean if anyone
else needs to use the space. The whole idea is to share
the space, tools, ideas and fun doing our stuff.
There is a kitchen with the usual stuff like fridge, cooking
range with oven, hot water boilers, microwave and sink.
None of them are wheelchair friendly as this building used
to be a kennel club and the kitchen is pretty much what is
was before the Men’s Shed took it over.
The coffee and lunch breaks often gather a few people
together for a chat and provide an opportunity to talk
about anything of concern with other blokes. Lately there
have been some younger members so it is not always talk
about the good old times.
There many other Men’s Sheds in New Zealand but I
can only talk of my experience of Men’s Shed Waimea
located at the back of Richmond A & P showground..
Our shed phone number is 022 6241562 during opening
hours which are Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5 pm and
Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm.
I have recently visited Kaikoura, Masterton, and
Whakatane Men’s Sheds. The Wairarapa Men’s Shed in
Masterton is the biggest and most up to date when it
comes to tools.
For more info about Men’s Sheds around NZ check out
the website www.menssheds.org.nz. The Men’s Shed
Waimea is not on there yet.
On the Men’s Shed website I counted 11 sheds in
Canterbury and many more around the country so get in
touch with your local shed and see if you can become a
sheddie!
Henry Van Campa
15

od. However I was nearly pulled out of my wheelchair and
into the surf while trying to battle them.
Postcard to
Great Barrier Island
I was a little apprehensive about my virgin voyage to the
Great Barrier Island as I am a paraplegic following an injury
in a bus crash as a teenager. However once we drove onto
terra firma from the ferry after a rather rough trip across
high seas from Auckland all my concerns dissolved.
My husband, Dave, daughter Georgia age 3, three dogs, and
brother and sister in law were the crew for a week on ’The
Barrier’ and boy did it go quickly. We were well prepared
with litres of beer, lots of food (I know that doesn’t support
the local economy much – sorry!), a boat, two road vehicles
and my Argo which is a six wheeled amphibious off road
number. A kind woman had lent us her Bach in Medlands
tucked behind the sun bleached beach. It was very
accessible for my wheelchair and we soon made ourselves
at home. I took a plastic outdoors chair with me to plonk
in the shower along with a soft cushion to sit on and that
was all my needs solved. My husband lifted me onto my
hand controlled Argo and off we went down the beach. I
was highly excited to catch a shark and a sting ray with a
A highlight was fishing on the boat and winding in the
biggest snapper I have ever caught. It was out in the bay
from Tryphena and I’m sure some locals would have heard
me squealing with delight from the shore. Dave is a scuba
diver and we dined on crayfish and scallops which was
another real treat. I even got in the water to do some
snorkelling and was thrilled to see young snapper, kawhai
and other specimens among the kelp below me in Blind
Bay. I felt welcome wherever I went and met a couple with
a Bach on the main drag of Claris who took us along the
beach and pointed out the amazing range of flora – from
oyster catchers and dotterels to brown ducks and herons.
Now they are considering putting a ramp into their house
over the steps so other wheelchair users can holiday on
the Barrier, which is fantastic.
As I drive with hand controls I have one hand on the brake/
accelerator lever and the other on the steering wheel. I
am sure some locals must have thought I was very rude as
I didn’t have enough hands to comply with the custom of
waving to everyone along the road! I did try a few times
but it was a bit dangerous to attempt while winding up the
hills on dusty gravel roads towing my Argo on its trailer.
My husband’s great grand-father was a teacher and minister
on the island many years ago. He planted the big Norfolk
pine that still stands near the original school house in
Tryphena. We took a few photos of it and were thrilled
16

to see the old school house is still in good nick. The week
flew by and I didn’t get a chance to pop into Aotea FM. I’m
a radio journalist by trade and would love to return and
spend a bit of time in the station’s HQ as it looks like fun.
I listened to it regularly and really enjoyed the DJs music
choices, so how about someone sponsor my next trip and
I’ll spin a few yarns on-air?! We all enjoyed the smooth
ferry trip back to the Mainland with sun tans, smiles, sand
covered clothes and a chilly bin of fish fillets. The car-ferry
does not have disabled access so I stayed with the vehicles
on the deck as I obviously couldn’t go down the narrow
stairs on board, the bonus was I got a free fare. I was
talking to an elderly man on the boat who told me that
‘The Barrier is a man’s island.’ ’What do you mean?’ I asked
him and he told me there’s nothing for ladies like me to do
there as there’s no shops or anything like that. I got rather
fired up and said I certainly didn’t go there for a week to do
some #$%& knitting! Thanks to everyone who I met for
making it an enjoyable experience for us all and I hope to
return to catch BIGGER fish and see more of your beautiful
island.
Sally Wenley
17

PROGRAMMES
Garden Project
Something special is happening. It will
be a place that will bring a lot of joy
and peace.
Where you can literally stop
and smell the flowers.
This is the vision of The New Zealand
Spinal Trust’s Connecting People
Senior Coordinator Debz Mitchell. It
happened one day when all the main
players in the ‘Brains Trust’ had the
same vision simultaneously. The ‘Brains
Trust’ consisted of Debz, Shirley Stead
who was looking for a garden project
for Parafed youth and Landscape
Designer Les Gray.
The existing garden located between
the Occupational Therapy Department
and Physiotherapy Department at
Burwood Hospital was originally
designed for patients and staff but had
not been used as intended. It needed
redesigning to make it a valuable
resource for wheelchair uses that want
to either grow vegetables, flowers or
just relax in a setting that was restful.
Head of Occupational Therapy, Cherie
Porter got the thumbs up from the
CDHB for the use and redesign of the
garden area and brought a great deal
of joy to everyone concerned. A big
bouquet should be given to the CDHB.
Les came up with a plan after a
hilarious measuring up session with
Pat Edmonds. Imagine two tetraplegics
with measuring tape in hand, fumbling
through the garden working out
accurate measurements to the preexisting
garden. Needless to say it was
a time of mirth and frustration with a
great deal of inventive problem solving
thrown into the mix. He presented
his plan at the book launch of Bob
Parker’s book ‘Ripped Apart’ with the
proceeds for the book going to the
Connecting People Programme. The
plan was very well received.
Shirley and Les hooked into the
defoliation and were joined by Pat and
Debz in clearing out the unwanted
plants and weeds. With taskmaster
Les at the helm, Pat was made to
suffer lifting, dragging and digging up
shrubbery. Shirley was hard at work
tidying up a garden we had no hope
of reaching. Between the team we
cleared out a lot of unwanted debris
and although we had a smile on our
faces, we could tell by the aching
muscles that this wasn’t our day job.
Just like a good trilogy, the project will
continue…………
Debz Mitchell and
Pat Edmonds
18

19

Wheelchair users making tracks
One of the biggest frustrations for wheelchair users is the limits
of where they can take their wheelchair. A new product has hit
New Zealand shores, giving those with disabilities access to the
most challenging – and impossible terrain – sand, snow, gravel and
grass.
Designed in Germany by leading wheelchair manufacturer,
Ottobock, this product essentially comprises of a platform with
two caterpillar style tracks that allows it to be propelled over all
types of surfaces. Users simply push their wheelchair up on to the
platform, secure it in a couple of places and with a simple joystick
operation, it is all go.
While all-terrain wheelchairs are not something new in New
Zealand, due to its design the Scoutcrawler can be used by multiple
wheelchair users. There is the potential for organisations to
purchase this product and then loan or hire to users for particular
activities such as camping holidays or winter breaks at the snow.
The team from Allied Medical travelled around New Zealand with
the “absolutely fantastic” ScoutCrawler,
allowing wheelchair users to experience
it for themselves. The feedback from
people who gave it a go was all really
positive.
Signe Bell, who managed the event for Allied Medical said
“Everyone who saw it and tried it loved it. They all couldn’t get
enough of the feeling it gave them to experience the freedom of
going places they can’t usually go. One of our guests, Jason Barnes,
for the first time in ten years he was able to go to the beach. After
giving the ScoutCrawler a go, that all changed for him. He was just
ecstatic.”
Allied Medical is currently working with organisations and
disability equipment dealers throughout the country to make the
ScoutCrawler accessible for as many people as possible – so watch
this space! For more information on the ScoutCrawler, contact
Allied Medical on 0800 31 61 81 or visit
www.alliedmedical.co.nz/scoutcrawler
20

Christchurch Mayor
donates book royalties to the
New Zealand Spinal Trust
Christchurch mayor, Bob Parker released his book
Ripped Apart – a City in Chaos in early November and
nominated the New Zealand Spinal Trust as the sole
recipients of the royalties from the book. More specifically,
he has asked for the funds to be used in growing the
Connecting People programme.
The book was launched with a Books and Bubbles event
at the Allan Bean Centre on November 10th. Mayor
Parker spoke highly of the work the Trust does and his
passion for helping to raise awareness around the issues
faced daily by people with disabilities. He is a passionate
supporter of ensuring the city’s rebuild incorporates all
the elements that will make it an international example of
accessibility.
“One of the most important things we must do when we
rebuild Christchurch it to make it a place for everybody.
Regardless of a person’s ability to move, see or hear we
must build a better place for us all and our children to
follow. Christchurch must be a truly accessible city that
we can all share and contribute to equally.”
Mayor Parker has a personal connection to the challenges
those living with SCI face. Debz Mitchell, the Connecting
People Senior Coordinator is the mayor’s sister. She talks
of how Bob’s eyes were opened to the incredible network
Connecting People has and how it jumped into action
after the quakes, to support and care for its members. “It
really showed him the potential and power a network like
this has, and he got a deeper understanding of the issues
people with disabilities face – not just in times of crisis,
but in everyday life. Receiving these funds will enable us
to continue the work of growing the network, not only
in Christchurch, but extending it to all parts of New
Zealand.”
Mayor Parker described the journey of committing his
post-quake experiences to the page as a difficult but
cathartic journey. Ripped Apart reveals the arguments,
indecision, petty jealousies, power struggles and policies
that occurred within groups managing the city through
its crises. These are balanced with glimpses of dedication,
courage, compassion and a unique vision. It’s his story
about people behind the scenes and events that have
ripped apart Christchurch, not just physically, but
politically and emotionally.
“I have, and am, exposing myself by letting people into my
private space and thoughts. It is a judgemental time (in
Christchurch) right now and there are elements of what
has happened that I have struggled with.”
The New Zealand Spinal Trust feels privileged to have
been chosen as the recipients of the royalties from the
book. While the financial injection is welcomed, the
publicity that is generated from these projects is also
of great benefit to the Trust, says CEO Ben Lucas. The
New Zealand Spinal Trust is also the official charity of the
Benchmark Homes Festival of Cycling, which spans the
first weekend of December.
“To be able to increase the profile of the incredible work
and people within the Trust is valuable. We hope and are
actively working to increase our profile with the hope this
will lead to more fundraising opportunities.”
Ripped Apart – a City in Chaos is available from all
major booksellers or can be purchased online at www.
nationwidebooks.co.nz/product/Ripped-Apart-A-City-In-
Chaos. RRP $39.99.
21

ACC Update
Spinal cord impairment strategy
ACC and the Ministry of Health are developing a national
spinal cord impairment strategy and implementation plan.
The strategy aims to get the best possible results for
people affected by spinal injury by providing the support
necessary to achieve maximum independence and good
health outcomes – whether in the home, community, or
at work.
The strategy kicked off by inviting key stakeholders
to take part in it’s development. Earlier this year five
advisory groups sought opinion and expert advice from
a wide range of stakeholders. Stakeholders included;
people with a spinal injury (including families, whanau, and
supporters), District Health Boards, spinal units, primary
and allied healthcare representatives, service providers,
employers, community support organisations, client and
family carer organisations. This stage of stakeholder
consultation is nearing completion.
The University of South Australia is carrying out a review
of the latest research evidence on facilities, treatments,
and rehabilitation practices that deliver the best results
for people with spinal injuries. Meanwhile New Zealand
market research company UMR is collecting qualitative
evidence from people with a spinal injury and their
families and whanau (including children and the aged). The
research stage finishes at the end of the year.
ACC Category Manager for Specialist Rehabilitation,
John Payne says the strategy is about making sure New
Zealanders have access to world-class spinal supports.
“It’s important we’re open and transparent about the
strategy’s development. A summary of progress so far is
on ACC’s website. We’ll post the research results on the
website when that stage is complete.” (Go to www.acc.
co.nz/SCI-strategy).
John says the next stage is considering what all this
means for the delivery of spinal supports. The strategy
working group is developing options early next year. After
testing and confirming the options through the advisory
groups, the draft recommendations will go out for public
consultation. “We expect the public consultation round
will occur mid-2013” says John.
For Sale -
$40,000.
1990 Fiat Ducato Campervan with rear access Wheelchair
lift. Sleeps 4, fully equipped kitchen and wheelchair accessible
shower/toilet.
Manual transmission so not self drive, but passenger seat
swivels around for transfer from wheelchair into cab for
journey.
Camper is 6.5 metres long, easy to drive, currently in
Whakatane.
Refer to TradeMe ad listing #510798951 for more photos
and full specifications.
Ph: Rosie 021 2446656 or email rosie@ohil.co.nz
22

Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit –
Black Friday Trust Deck Project
You may remember in 2011, the Black Friday Trust held a
Black Tie Dinner in Auckland in conjunction with the NZ
Spinal Trust, the NZ Rugby Foundation and Catwalk, with
the proceeds going to the Auckland Spinal Rehab Unit
(ARSU), and research or a cure for SCI.
It was this time last year that the NZ Spinal Trust and the
NZ Rugby Foundation donated a significant sum of money
to the ARSU from that event, and it was agreed that the
majority of the money would go toward building a new
deck off the dining room area to the West of the building.
We’ve had fantastic news from the ARSU that the
Counties Manukau District Health Board has signed off
on the plans for the new deck and they are now going
through the consent process with the local council.
The formation of the deck will further enhance the
patient experience and assist with rehabilitation by
allowing easy access to the gardens and the natural
environment away from the ward. This will mean
increased access to a variety of outside areas which will
allow for greater improvement in a patients function
and general well being. This area will be an appropriate
therapeutic environment which will provide more realistic
rehabilitation to enable patients to function within
their own community environment. It acts as a bridge
between the hospital environment and the patient’s own
community. It is a leisure area and will be used by patients
and their whanau.
The health system cannot fund projects such as this, but
by working collaboratively with partners such as the
NZ Spinal Trust and the NZ Rugby Foundation, we can
enhance the patient and their whaanau’s experience and
assist with better rehabilitation outcomes.
As you can see by the plans, the deck is of considerable
size, has fixed seating for visitors, nurse call points in the
‘unlikely event of an emergency’, and what is great is that
50% of the deck is shaded for those scorching summers
and rainy days.
The contractors are ready to go as soon as the building
consent is approved, and there is the aim of having the
deck started by January 21 next year.
For those of us who have gone through the ARSU over
the years, we recognise that this is the perfect spot to
sit in the evening sun, and to get outside with a lovely
outlook to get a breath of fresh air.
It is with huge thanks to the Black Friday Trust that this
deck is coming to fruition and we know that it will make
a huge difference to the lives of those with SCI staying in
the Auckland Unit, their friends and families.
23

A Day at the Races
The third annual Pukekohe Race Day
was the best yet in terms of funds
raised and fun had. 150 people had
a great day out this year, with nonstop
entertainment and comedy from
our incredible MC, Aaron White, a
delicious three-course lunch that left
everyone stuffed, and a full programme
of races organised by Counties Racing.
Sheryl Viles organised a truly tempting
array of auction prizes, including a
Trelisse Cooper dress and Casey
William’s Silver Fern jacket, and helped
raffle off the signed Warriors shirt
donated by Sir Peter Leitch. The room
buzzed throughout the whole event,
although you could have heard a pin
drop when Trevor Harrison’s daughters
stood up and gave an impromptu
tribute to their dad, telling the tale of
how he came by his spinal cord injury.
They told us how much the support
of the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation
Unit and NZ Spinal Trust means to
them in terms of ‘getting their dad
back’. Trevor is one of NZ Spinal
Trust most enthusiastic and consistent
supporters, and the Race Days most
certainly would not happen without
his hard work and enthusiasm for our
organisation. The day raised $13,200
– the highest amount from the event
yet, which will go towards supporting
the Kaleidoscope – Partnering People
into Work – Programme in the North
Island.
A collection taken at Tauranga Race
Course on our behalf raised $700.
Our special thanks to Don Patterson
at TRAC for trying to get the ‘Mills
Reef Ladies Lunch’ off the ground,
with NZ Spinal Trust as the beneficiary
charity. Don did a huge amount of
work and the publicity was magnificent,
and it’s a very great shame the event
didn’t go ahead. Our gratitude goes
out to everyone involved and we hope
we can try again next year.
Our thanks to:
Prize donors
Catwalk Clothing
Footloose Shoes
Liddells Pharmacy
Top Drawer Lingerie
Caci Clinic
Flower and Gift Shoppe
Love to Learn Toys
Michelle Ann Wool Shop
Hobbies@Pukekohe
John Fleet
Ray Fowler
Sir Peter Leitch
Casey Williams
The Meat Co Matamata
Rosco’s Homekill
Race Sponsors
Drake Meddox
Graeme Thomson Antique Jewellery
Veterinary Associates Equine & Farm
Collett Racing Stables
IRT
Michael Synott Charitable Trust
Professionals Osborne Realty
Trevor Harrison and daughters
Organisers
Trevor Harrison
Karen Blanchard and the
Counties Racing Team
Sheryl Viles
Aaron White
24

Thanks to our
Sponsors/Funders
SkyCity Auckland Community
Trust – $25,000
Will support careers coaching for
people in the Auckland area, and
building relationships with new
recruiters and businesses with work
placements in 2012
TRAC (Thoroughbred Racing
Action Consortium Incorporated)
$700 received from generous race
meeting attendees on 1st September
Trac.png
ANZ Staff Foundation - $5,000
For national Kaleidoscope costs
ANZ.png
COGS – $11,327
Supporting Kaleidoscope costs
nationally. Funds received from the
Coastal Otago, Marlborough, Hutt Valley,
North Taranaki, Tairawhiti, Mataatua,
Hauraki, Waikato West and Papakura/
Franklin Committees
John Ilott - $1000
For Kaleidoscope projects helping
women back to work
John Ilott logo.jpg
Lions Club of Te Kauwhata & Districts
For generous support at the Pukekohe
Race Day and ongoing interest in our
organisation
Lions Club.png
Counties Racing - $13,200
Will support Kaleidoscope in the
North Island
Counties Racing.png
25

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