SNN_April 2023 Issue_web

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 24
MAKING CHANGE—Lee Taniwha is passionate about making a difference for Māori. Photo credit: Shane Wenzlick.
grief. They became the stars we know as Matariki,
Tupu-ā-rangi, Waipuna-ā-rangi, Waitī, Tupu-ā-nuku,
Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi.
“Having a blind god is the reason for the Māori New Year.
That was a big eye opener for me—a different perspective
for how I should see myself. I can create big change.”
And he is.
Going full circle
Lee works for Spinal Support NZ, a not-for-profit based at
the Auckland Spinal Unit, as a Peer Support worker. The
organisation wanted staff at the spinal unit to talk to
patients about their journey and support them. Lee was
always at the gym working out and talking to people, so
he was a natural fit.
“It’s a huge privilege for me,” he says. “You are meeting
people at a life changing moment. It’s good just to be able
to listen and make a difference. I try to help them find
hope again.”
During his recovery Lee says the staff at the Auckland
Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (ASRU) knew what he was
going through. They also delivered some tough love.
“When I was in rehab, it was a crack up time. They would
say to me loudly ‘You don’t belong in nappies. That is not
what you are here for’,” he says with a laugh.
Lee wants to help change lives. “I know I could’ve died
that day, so I want to dedicate myself to helping others.
When you have a bad accident, life will be hard, you can’t
get around that, but you can still have a great life, just
keep fighting.”
Making a difference for Māori
Lee has seen the work ACC is doing first-hand both as a
client and as a provider. “The support of ACC has made a
huge difference to my life. Everything that I got in my
rehab was provided by them and they gave me a chance to
start my life again.”
Alongside covering all aspects of his rehab, during the
early stages of his injury, Lee couldn’t use his arms so
Life will be hard, you can’t
get around that, but you
can still have a great life,
just keep fighting.
—Lee Taniwha
ACC provided him with a computer. This was a huge help
while he was at school.
And that association has continued in his work for Spinal
Support NZ. In 2021 Lee was invited to a meeting with
ACC on managing pressure injuries. They wanted a Māori
perspective to understand how they could improve access
to the support and care that is available to them if they
got injured.
“Having the opportunity to speak to how ACC can
improve has been hugely beneficial and it’s nice to see
them reach out, hear the Māori perspective and show they
really care.”
Being part of a fair and equitable health system is
something that Lee is passionate about. He knows that
not all Māori have had his experience. ACC data shows
Māori are twice as likely to experience a serious injury,
but around 18 percent less likely to make an ACC claim.
“We acknowledge this inequity,” says Michelle Murray,
ACC’s Tumu Pae Ora (Chief Māori and Equity Officer). “We
have set the stage for increased trust and meaningful
change—a new chapter in ACC’s relationship with Māori
that has already begun.”
Lee is proud to be part of the solution and pass on his
experience. “The time I have had with them has shifted
my perspective. It was clear they listened, and they care.
It’s an amazing system and we need to ensure everyone
gets the help and support they need.”