SNN_August 2023 Issue_web3

August 2023 

Volume 26 / Issue 2 

Te Tarahiti Manaaki Tuanui 

SNNSpinal Network News 

BARRY CARDNO’S LOVE 

OF FLYING—“UP THERE 

I AM NOT DISABLED.” 

KICKING IT— 

JOHN MARRABLE’S 

FIGHTING SPIRIT 

RIDING HIGH—WE LOOK 

BACK ON THE TOUR OF 

NEW ZEALAND 

A Lasting 

Legacy 

We pay tribute to 

Dr Richard Smaill

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 2 

Contents 

3 

Editorial 

A road trip to reflect on change 

26 

Ageing Well with an SCI 

Phil Melrose reflects on the effects of ageing 

5 

Supporting Positive Futures 

Hans Wouters—CEO NZ Spinal Trust 

28 

Alan Pullar tribute 

We look back on his incredible life 

8 

Learning to Fly 

Barry Cardno’s story of resilience 

30 

Library 

New additions 

13 

The Right Man for the Job 

Meet Peer Support team member Brett Ladbrook 

32 

Buying a Car 

Hamish Ramsden’s column 

15 

Tour of Duty 

Taking on an incredible challenge to raise funds 

33 

Milner Mobility 

Gearing up to help the SCI community 

19 

Karate King 

John Marrable’s fight to help others 

35 

Funders and Sponsors 

22 

Tribute to One of the Greats 

Dr Richard Smaill 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

Peter Thornton (Editor) 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Peter Thornton 

Dr Bernadette Cassidy 

Tina Morrell 

Hamish Ramsden 

Jess Vallance 

Su Marshall 

Hans Wouters 

Bernadette Cassidy 

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING 

FOR IMAGES IN THIS MAGAZINE 

Hans Wouters 

Barry Cardno 

Su Marshall 

John Marrable 

Allan Pullar's family 

NZ Spinal Trust 

Hamish Ramsden 

Milner Mobility 

TONZ 

Su Marshall 

Patrons of the New 

Zealand Spinal Trust, 

Sir Tim Wallis (left) and 

Trevor Harrison (right). 

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS is 

published by the NZ Spinal Trust 

Send your contributions to: 

The Editor SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 

c/- New Zealand Spinal Trust, Private 

Bag 4708, Christchurch 8140 

Tel: (03) 383 9484 

Email: 

peter.thornton@nzspinaltrust.org.nz 

Web: 

www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz 

Copy Proofing: Bernadette Cassidy 

and Su Marshall. 

Cover Photo: A legend of the Trust, 

Dr Richard Smaill. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed 

in SPINAL NETWORK NEWS are 

those of its contributors. They do not 

necessarily represent the opinion 

of the members of the Editorial 

Committee or the policies of the New 

Zealand Spinal Trust.

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 3 

A Road Trip to 

Reflect on Change 

Peter Thornton 

Editorial 

HOME AWAY FROM HOME—We fell in love with Wellington in our three years living there. 

It’s pitch-black when the alarm goes off 

and it takes me a few moments to figure out 

where I am. 

The day we’ve been dreading has arrived. An Uber is here 

for Katie, the girls and Toby to get to the airport, and I 

have a nine-hour drive ahead of me, with our cat Murphy. 

After three years of living in Wellington, we are packing 

up to head north to our home in Mairangi Bay on 

Auckland’s North Shore. 

Living in the capital was better than we could have 

imagined. It was the best chapter of our family’s story so 

far. As I am driving through the dimly-lit streets of 

Khandallah for a final time, I reflect on the great 

memories we take home with us. 

Almost two years ago our boy Toby Mark Thornton was 

born here. Bringing him home, with Katie’s mum Trish 

waiting to meet him, is a moment we’ll always cherish. 

I think of Charlie’s first day at Cashmere Avenue Primary 

School. She was so brave. 

Change is hard. It’s 

unsettling. It puts you out 

of your comfort zone and 

challenges who you are. 

I smile when I remember the joy on Georgie’s face when 

she mastered riding her bike for the first time around 

Oriental Bay. 

I can hear the laughs and the banter across the road at our 

great mates’ Julia and Andrew’s place who hosted us for 

countless beers and pizza nights. 

Our church showed us what it means to be part of a 

community, and the friends we made there, are quite 

simply, friends-for-life. 

But just like that, it’s all over. 

—Peter Thornton


—Peter Thornton 

While there’s sadness to 

be driving away, there is 

also real excitement about 

what is next. 

living with a permanent injury or illness. The moment 

—as Andrew puts it—“when the chickens come home 

to roost”. 

HAPPY FAMILY—Our family have settled well back home in Auckland. 

While there’s sadness to be driving away, there is also real 

excitement about what is next. We’re moving back into 

our own home. We will be back with our family. We will 

ensure that for the next 15 years our kids are settled and 

secure as they make their way through their school. 

It’s time for the next chapter. 

Back to my cat for a second. Murphy spent the first two 

hours of our journey meowing like he’s only got a few 

moments to live. I remember the Vet’s advice who 

suggested ‘Give him the sedative right before you leave 

and after two hours he should be out like a light’. 

Moments later. Silence. Golden silence. He doesn’t make 

another peep until we hit the rush hour traffic 

approaching Auckland’s Harbour Bridge. 

After singing my heart out to Crowded House, Shihad and 

Foo Fighters’ back catalogue, I think about the concept of 

place. The places we spend our minutes, hours and days 

that capture our memories and feelings. They provide the 

setting for our lives to unfold—it’s impossible to recount 

those moments without the attachment to that place. 

Change is hard. 

It’s unsettling. It puts you out of your comfort zone and 

challenges who you are. 

As the kids, settle into their new school we’ve been telling 

them: ‘Be brave’, ‘Just be yourself’, ‘Take it one day at a 

time’ and ‘Never give up’. Sometimes I wonder when I’m 

telling them this advice, that deep down I am also talking 

to myself. 

We are back home and we love it. But it’s different. I 

realise that, I have it easy. I think of the many people who 

I’ve talked to about the hardest step in their rehab from a 

spinal injury—going home. 

Andrew Hall, who runs our Peer and Whānau Support 

team among many other things, summed it up so well. 

That is the moment when the reality hits people they are 

The physical rehab is one thing but the mental recovery is 

also complicated. The person isn’t the same as they were 

before their injury and all of a sudden navigating their 

own home is a huge struggle. It’s supposed to be their safe 

place, but there are barriers everywhere. 

They go from the best environment possible for catering 

to their needs—the Spinal Unit with help always available 

and care a push of a button away—to being at home. 

There are loads of bittersweet memories and no escaping 

the reality that now, life is different. And that’s not even 

mentioning going out into the world. 

It’s a hugely confronting moment. 

And the worst thing of all is no-one really gets it. Unless 

of course you have been on that same path yourself. 

Family still love them to bits. They are there for them as 

best they can be, but it’s not the same. 

It’s a lonely old road. 

But the good news is—as so many people will tell you—it 

only gets better. And the NZ Spinal Trust and Spinal 

Support NZ partnership with ACC to fund Peer and 

Whānau Support has been a ground-breaking push 

forward. It’s making a huge difference in formalising our 

community to support one another and help with every 

stage of life. I hope there is more to come. 

Of course, we can all help. We can all make conscious 

decisions to look out for one another, and create 

community wherever we are. 

For people with a spinal cord impairment, that support 

can be the catalyst to living an independent life or not. 

Every person who has come through the Spinal Unit and 

gone on to their own journey has been down this same 

path. They have faced their challenge head on, grieved 

when they needed to, and been supported and then 

supported others to live a life that is worth living. 

Change is hard. No doubt about that. 

But if you are on this journey, take your time and when 

you are ready, reach out for a chat. There will be someone 

waiting to help you, just like they were supported. They’ll 

help you find the next chapter in your story.


Supporting 

Positive Futures 

Hans Wouters 

CEO’s Column 

THE TEAM—The NZ Spinal Trust team catching up for one our culture club sessions in April with facilitator Jemma Balmer. 

Simon Sinek, an author I admire, says: 

“A team is not a group of people who work 

together. A team is a group of people who 

trust each other”. 

Having trust in a team requires individual personal 

responsibility, encouraged and supported by a culture of 

authenticity, empathy and sound logic. The culture at NZ 

Spinal Trust is fresh, healthy and current, and informed 

by 28 years of experience and influence. Influence from 

our founder Prof Alan Clarke and many, many others 

along the way. 

One wāhine whose influence was profound in our early 

days and whose input certainly added richness to our 

culture is Mere Hibbs. Mere is a humble kuia who has 

been the kaiwhakahaere of the Burwood Ranga Hauora 

service for more years than we can count. Our team along 

with the Burwood Academy team had the great privilege 

to honour Mere in a private event of thanksgiving upon 

the occasion of her impending retirement. 

—Hans Wouters 

The culture at NZ Spinal Trust 

is fresh, healthy and current. 

Everyday thousands of people enter Burwood Hospital 

and pass a highly significant whakapakoko (statue) that 

guards, welcomes and encourages healing and wellness of 

body and spirit. Mataamua is an impressive 

two-metre-high Oamaru stone carving created in 2003 by 

inpatient tetraplegic Rihare Welfare (Ngāti Porou). 

Mataamua would not be there if it were not for Mere and 

her profound work with Rihare. In early 2017 with great 

care and love Mataamua was moved to the new foyer of 

Burwood Hospital where it continues to cut an imposing 

figure today. The CDHB CEO at the time called Mataamua 

“The Heart of Burwood”.


—Julian Verkaaik 

An artist can't help but leave 

fingerprints on the work 

that they give to the world. 

Fellow supporter of Rihare's impressive work Julian 

Verkaaik said about Mere at our function “Mere, an artist 

can't help but leave fingerprints on the work that they give 

to the world. Look around you. Your fingerprints are 

everywhere. They exist in my own changed view of the 

world and of the value of te ao Māori (the Māori world). 

They show in the sculpted forms of Mataamua as he 

stands guard over Burwood. They echo in the stories of 

Rihare Welfare and the many others whose lives you 

touched. Thank you for all you created through Ranga 

Hauora and in the other communities you served.” 

We owe a lot to Mere who unwittingly helped create our 

team culture and we will always be grateful to her for her 

lasting gift. 

Twice a year our entire team gathers for what we call 

‘Culture Club’ where we connect with each other, learn 

something important and solve a problem together. Our 

most recent culture club was facilitated by the impressive 

Jemma Balmer of Barrer and Co where we reflected on our 

‘Why, What, and How’ together to create the basis of a 

documented Service Delivery Model. It is so important to 

work together 'on' our organisation from time to time and 

not be restricted to work 'in' the organisation. 

Our two days together were punctuated by the funeral 

service of Dr Richard Smaill who was a hugely important 

person to us. I worked on Trust business with Rich for 

over 11 years enjoying many, many hours with him as we 

discussed how to support positive futures for individuals 

and their whānau living with the effects of spinal cord 

impairment. 

SPECIAL STATUE—Mere Hibbs with her son Dallas stand next to Mataamua, 

the statue that guards, welcomes and encourages healing of body and spirit. 

Our work, our mentors and influencers past and present 

all inspire me to live the most of every day that I am 

blessed to have. Our team believe this emphatically too 

and we do everything we can to have our positivity, 

optimism and grit rub off on the new patients we have 

the privilege of supporting and caring for. 

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui—be strong, be brave, 

be steadfast. 

Rich served on our board for 13 years and was a very 

successful chairman for nine of those—we will be forever 

grateful to Rich and his family for his dedication to NZST 

and the hard work and constant support he always 

delivered. Even after he left our board Rich held a keen 

interest in our work and Andrew Hall and I would pop 

over occasionally, with a quality Pinot of course, and talk 

shop. I am sure you will enjoy our tribute to this great 

man on page 22. We have had several other sad moments 

this year with the passing of the indomitable Alan Pullar 

whose 50 years in a chair was celebrated in our August 

2017 SNN (see page 28) and also the passing of George 

Scrimshaw’s beloved wife Kay. 

George is another mover and shaker from our formative 

days who still maintains a very keen interest in our work. 

Our hearts go out to George, Barbra and Paulette as they 

adjust to the loss of their life partner and look to a 

different future.

SPINAL 

Fadiel 

NETWORK NEWS 

New Zealand 

7 

Driving Hand Controls 

For those who 

High level assessment van now available 

Based at Braidens International in Carterton 

For more information contact Fadiel NZ 

on +64 98020897 or enquiries@fadielco.nz 

www.fadiel.co.nz


“Get on With It” 

Barry Cardno's incredible story of inspiration and resilience. 

CRASH SCENE—The Fletcher topdressing plane crash in which Barry's flying career was ended in an instant. 

Barry Cardno has no memory of the moment 

when his life changed forever on 8 May 1995. 

Barry was 21-years old, from Dunedin and 

was involved in a plane crash near Taupō 

while working as a commercial agricultural 

pilot. He became paralysed from the waist 

down, but the accident hasn't held him back 

from living life to the fullest. 

We caught up with the 49-year-old to reflect on his 

accident, being inspired by the Guinea Pig Club and the 

incredible feeling of getting back in the air again. 

Take me back to the day of your accident, 

what happened? 

I can’t remember the crash. But I remember getting up 

that morning, it was a fine day, as I set off to work with 

instructions over the phone from my boss. He should have 

been in the plane with me or supervising from the 

ground. My logbook shows that I had flown 30 hours less 

than what I should have to be out by myself in what is a 

high risk occupation. 

After topdressing a hillside at around 70 feet towards the 

west, it appears I pulled up to get some clearance before 

—Barry Cardno 

I was pretty upset. My lifetime 

ambitions appeared to have 

been shattered in an instant. 

turning the plane back on itself to do a run in the opposite 

direction. It was a tight triangular block, but pulling out 

of the turn the plane’s wings stalled and it slammed into 

the ground. 

I was lucky to survive. It took rescuers an hour and a half 

to get me out of the wreck. Unconscious, I was flown by 

rescue helicopter to Waikato Hospital. 

What were the doctors concerns on your arrival? 

They initially thought my aorta was severed so they 

cracked some ribs to get into my chest. It wasn’t. Stitched 

up, and in a drug-induced coma, I was wheeled to 

Intensive Care, where every two hours nurses rotated me 

for pressure relief. However, 27 hours later they said to the 

doctors ‘we think he might have a broken back’. They



The Director of the Spinal 

Unit, Professor Alan Clarke, 

was a huge inspiration and 

mentor for me. 

FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE—Barry 

with his mum in Waikato Hospital 

looked at the X-rays and realised that as well as a T12-L1 

fracture I had a broken neck at C2. 

They put a plate in my back and drilled my temples with 

the intention to keep my neck aligned and still. When Dad 

found out he was furious. He was a paramedic and 

confronted them. They admitted it was an oversight to 

not have picked up my spinal injuries and acknowledged 

that they could have killed me. 

It’s highly possible that extra and lasting damage was done 

to my lower back in those first 27 hours. Regular rotations 

were not the right thing to have done. It was unfortunate. 

What happened next? 

I stayed in Waikato Hospital for four weeks till my 

condition stabilised. Then I was flown down to the 

Burwood Spinal Unit where I would take up residence for 

five months. To start with I was mostly bedridden. Then I 

began a hard gym routine to get back fitness and 

flexibility, as well as meeting occupational therapists to 

learn how to do tasks from a wheelchair. 

In 1998 I moved to Wanaka, where I had begun life as a 

toddler. This was to take up an invitation of my childhood 

idol, helicopter and deer industry pioneer, Sir Tim Wallis, 

to work with him archiving his photographic collection. 

Sir Tim, partially paralysed in a 1968 helicopter crash, 

regained his licence to fly; but in 1996 he crashed his 

historic Mk XIV Spitfire on take-off and suffered a severe 

brain injury that would ground him for life. 

On finishing that work I took up alpine skiing and 

competed in America, Canada, Australia and Switzerland, 

but even high on the ski slopes of Colorado I can 

remember looking to the skies and thinking I miss flying. 

Tearing down a race course at breakneck speed wasn’t 

really in my heart. However, I skied recreationally here for 

a number of years and enjoyed it immensely. 

In 2011 I moved to Auckland to study for a Diploma in 

Shipping and Freight Logistics. For the next 10 years I 

worked in International Freight Logistics before taking up 

employment in a sales role for Melrose Kiwi Concept 

After three months, they felt I was ready to venture out of 

the hospital with an OT for the first time. Soon after that I 

did the same with my parents. 

You were 21, training to be a commercial agricultural 

pilot, how hard was it going to Burwood and losing 

your dreams? 

I was pretty upset. My lifetime ambitions appeared to 

have been shattered in an instant. I remember lying in the 

Burwood Spinal Unit in total disbelief of my situation. 

Looking around it didn’t take long to realise that there 

were many others in a similar predicament. 

But beyond the walls of the hospital I would hear about 

people with spinal injuries who had adjusted and 

achieved a lot, despite their disability, and in some cases, 

curiously, because of their disability. It was a case of 

embracing my limitations and not being limited by it. 

What was the feeling like when you went home? 

I felt very self-conscious. I felt different. My self-esteem 

was rock bottom. Initially I moved in with my parents in 

Dunedin. There I got to meet people in disabled sports, 

and I made a few trips to Christchurch for para tennis and 

basketball. I met wheelies who were not despondent, but 

happy and joyful. 

DOING GOOD —Cessna 172 loaded with wheelchairs, 

colleague Rachel Melrose and Barry making deliveries.


TOTAL FREEDOM—Barry with his two-seat Cessna 152 on the beach at Big Bay, South Westland. 

Chairs. This change in vocation I am loving, and getting 

to meet many wonderful people, colleagues, other service 

providers and clients alike. 

Were there people at Burwood who inspired you at the 

start of your journey? 

The Director of the Spinal Unit, Professor Alan Clarke, 

was a huge inspiration and mentor for me. He was in a 

wheelchair after a spinal injury in 1991. He had been a 

pilot prior to his injury, and regained his private pilot’s 

license with a bolt-on hand control to operate the foot 

actuated rudder pedals. While in Christchurch for my first 

reassessment, he took me flying in his Cessna. That was a 

turning point for me in realising that regaining my wings 

was possible. I wanted to emulate Prof Clarke. 

He was encouraging. Prior to the flight I was a bit 

apprehensive, but as soon as we were airborne the 

apprehension was gone. 

My biggest hurdle wasn’t the paralysis, it was the pretty 

serious head injury I had suffered. I needed time to recover. 

How did your head injury affect your ability to fly again? 

Internationally, Aviation Authorities have a minimum 

two year stand down for anyone who suffers a head injury. 

However, when the two years had passed, the New 

Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ruled that because 

I had been in a coma, I was above a 1 percent threshold for 

the risk of epilepsy. With regards to epilepsy, I would find 

out that statistically anyone on the planet could have a 

seizure, head trauma or not. In my quest to fly again, I 

paid for and obtained two neuro surgeons’ opinions and a 

neurologist’s opinion. They concluded that after five years 

the chances of me having a seizure would be negligible, 

well below 1 percent. ‘Just wait a bit’ they said. 


I am proud to be a pilot. And 

despite being in a wheelchair, 

it is very equalising. Up there 

I am not disabled. 

The CAA though would not budge, as their advisor felt I 

would be above the 1% threshold possibly for life. That 

was pretty upsetting for me. I felt I had provided the 

evidence that I was fit to fly again. 

There must be a way I thought…. 

In 9 June 2006—which was eleven years, one month and 

one day since my crash—I returned to the air as a pilot on 

my own flying a microlight-certified two-seat Tecnam. This 

I flew for twelve months. I went back to the CAA to query 

why I was allowed to fly a two-seat microlight anywhere by 

myself or with a friend, but couldn’t fly a General Aviation 

certified Cessna. They finally relaxed their nonsensical 

opinion based ruling and ever since I have been flying twoand 

four-seat Cessnas. Freedom at last! 

What is the feeling like flying a plane? 

It’s immense satisfaction. I am proud to be a pilot. And 

despite being in a wheelchair, it is very equalising. Up 

there I am not disabled. 

Nowadays I fly a four-seat Cessna as a member of a 

syndicate, many of whom are airline pilots who fly the


plane for fun. It’s great to have this camaraderie and 

fellowship. They all say I can fly as well as them and have 

even encouraged me to get my commercial license back. 

What’s it like providing opportunities for others with 

a disability and having them experience flying? 

I love to fly for fun and to share the freedom, joy and 

accomplishment of flying with other people, especially 

disabled people. Maybe what I have achieved will 

motivate them to not give up on their own dreams. 

Tell me the story behind the Guinea Pig Club? 

In 2006 I saw a documentary on the Guinea Pig Club. 

Membership was limited to pilots and aircrew from World 

War II (1939-1945) horrifically burned and injured in 

crashes who had been treated by pioneering plastic 

surgeon Sir Archie McIndoe (who was knighted in 1947). 

McIndoe referred to his patients as his guinea pigs. Early 

in the war, hospitalised Battle of Britain pilots decided 

that if they were his guinea pigs, then they would make a 

Guinea Pig Club. By the end of the war, 649 pilots and 

aircrew had qualified for this exclusive club. 

I realised that, like Sir Archie, I had grown up in Dunedin 

and had gone to the same high school, Otago Boys High 

School. My plane crash was curiously on the same day as 

the 50th anniversary of V.E. Day (Victory Day in Europe). 

And thinking back to when I was in the Burwood Spinal 

Unit, on my first outing I bought a book written by one of 

Sir Archie’s patients. 

On realising these coincidences, I felt I had to go to 

Britain to meet surviving members of the club. In March 

2006, I did just that and visited the late surgeon’s 

daughter, Vanora Marland, at her London home. 

At the invitation of Guinea Pig Club members I made two 

more trips to Britain (2006 and 2007) to attend their final 

Emblem of Kiwis Can Fly 

two annual reunions where they paid homage to Sir 

Archie, and reflect upon their shared experiences. 

The Guinea Pig creed was: ‘If you are feeling sorry about 

yourself and your situation, take a look around, there is 

always someone worse off than you who is doing ok. Get 

on with it’. 

Despite their disfigurements, despite their disabilities, 

despite their geographic separation they stuck together. 

They looked after one another. Their brotherhood was 

something special. I see a similar thing amongst wheelies, 

an understanding between us. 

After almost 30 years in a wheelchair what advice 

would you offer others? 

When archiving Sir Tim Wallis’ photos I noticed a plaque 

on a wall which read: ‘Don’t be distracted by what you 

can’t do’. That has always stayed with me. In some ways I 

feel I have got off quite lightly. It is humbling to meet 

others more disabled than me, and to see the challenges 

they have. It gives perspective. I have the greatest respect 

for them and many who just get on with it. 

You only get to play this game of life once, so you better 

give it a good shot. The older you get the more you realise 

that the cogs of time don’t stop. 

I am indebted to a lot of people and I am grateful to 

everyone who has supported me in my life. 

SPECIAL TIMES—East Grinstead, England. Guinea Pig Club annual reunion with Sam Gallop, Bill Foxley, Geordie Holloway, and nurse Kitty Hutchinson.


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Meet Our Team: 

Brett Ladbrook 

We learn more about our Peer Support worker's drive to make a difference. 

Never be scared, hold 

your head up. You can do 

anything you want to. 

—Brett Ladbrook 

The big memory was cold-calling on newly injured 

patients and I had forgot what it was like to be a newly 

injured patient, getting back into remembering how it 

was, and the challenges that you face. 

They were the first memories, and also the first BBQ we 

organised as well! The BBQs were a get together for all 

the patients down in the dining room. It was the first time 

I had helped organise anything like that! It was a little bit 

daunting, just making sure it runs properly, but 

it worked out ok. 

Why did you want to work for the NZST? 

HELPING OUT—Brett is always one of the 

first people to put his hand up to help others. 

Every team needs a guy like Brett Ladbrook. 

He is often the first person to put his hand up 

to help others and the last to leave whatever 

activity or experience he is running. Brett 

Ladbrook is a Senior Community Support 

Coordinator for the NZ Spinal Trust. 

We recently celebrated his 10 years providing peer 

support to people with SCI. Brett is a T12, L1 paraplegic 

following a motorbike accident. His lived experience of 

SCI enables him to support new inpatients and their 

whānau. We caught up with Brett to reflect on the 

milestone of working at the New Zealand Spinal Trust for 

10 years, and what motivates him to help others. 

When did you first start at the NZST and what are your 

memories of that time? 

I first started in 2013, and it was just after the quakes and 

our building—the Allan Bean Centre—was still damaged. 

I had been in and out of the motorcycle industry in parts 

and accessories, as well as the wheelchair industry doing 

measure ups, repairs, wheel welding and parts. I had 

always been working around other people in chairs and 

meeting people in chairs. I enjoyed seeing what people 

were getting up to, what they were doing with their lives. 

Deb Edmonds had contacted me about a job for a peer 

supporter, and I had heard a little bit about what the 

Spinal Trust does, but not a heck of a lot! I didn’t know a 

great deal, so I was coming to meet her and meeting the 

team and just seeing what they were doing and how they 

were helping. 

What makes working at the NZST special for you? 

Putting a positive spin on what is a pretty ‘shitty’ 

situation. While it is tough going for a start, any spinal 

impairment no matter whether you’re using a chair for 

mobility or walking, semi-walking, it isn’t as bad as it can 

be portrayed. 

Especially in the media where the chair is looked at as a 

limiting factor, where the chair is something for you to be 

able to get out in the community, and go to work, meet 

people. There’s just so much out there that people can do. 

That always blows me away, with the level of impairment, 

as to what people do get up to. So yeah, it really is just 

helping people through in a tough situation and seeing 

them grow, six months, a year, two years down the track.


What is the story with your accident? 

I had a motorcycle accident at the age of 16. I’d moved up to 

Auckland for work. During work hours I was out and didn’t 

negotiate a bend. Apparently, a truck was partly on my side 

of the road and I just dodged it, so it was a slow accident, 

damaged T12 and compression fracture of L4/5 and I’m 

about a T12, L1 paraplegic as a result of the accident. 

What was your experience in the Spinal Unit and 

were there people who mentored or supported you 

on your journey? 

I went through Ōtara Spinal Unit, and I had a pretty quick 

time. Six weeks bed rest, because I didn’t get rods put in, 

so they let it heal, then I had six weeks rehab, and then I 

got sent home, which I moved back down to Invercargill 

for family support. That was a real eye opener. I got sent 

home on my own, which doesn’t happen now-a-days, you 

always have someone going with you. 

I had a stopover in Wellington Airport, and was wheeling 

around there. After that hour or so stop over, I just sort of 

realised, yeah, I can do this, it’s not that hard! So, that 

actually did help, and it made me self-sufficient! 

I then started coming back for reassessments. I came to 

Burwood Spinal Unit for six months, and then yearly after 

that for about five years. And I got meeting other people, 

and in those days you’d get wrangled into helping at 

dinner, with any of the people that couldn’t feed 

themselves, or pick a drink up. Again, that was nice to be 

able to help out where I could. 

Were there any experiences in the Spinal Unit that 

stayed with you? 

I suppose one thing I did learn was from a guy in his 40s, 

that was on six months bed rest at the time with a 

pressure area, and it was just healing. That really scared 

me into really looking after myself, it was a real eye 

opener, and it really stuck with me. 

What roles have you held in your time with the NZST? 

So, I started off as a peer support worker on the ward. 

Currently I’m a Community Support Coordinator, which 

involves a team of people from Christchurch South, who I 

catch up with, who are our Peer Supporters in the 

community in certain areas. My role covers the South 

Island, but I do help my work colleague with our get 

togethers in the bottom of the North Island. 

What do you love about Peer and Whānau Support 

and helping others? 

It’s the kick I get seeing people after six months and 

seeing how they’ve adjusted. And then, the difference 

from them leaving the spinal unit as a newly impaired 

patient, to someone that’s getting on in the community 

full-time, part-time, or getting themselves fit and keeping 

themselves healthy and in good check. 

How has the funding from ACC and new partnership 

made a difference? 

It has given us a lot more scope to be able to have people 

in the community that can catch up with newly impaired 

—Brett Ladbrook 

It’s the kick I get seeing 

people after six months and 

seeing how they’ve adjusted. 

patients as well as some of the old timers, that don’t get 

out as much. So that’s made a big difference, because we 

used to rely on volunteers and you would start feeling 

uncomfortable using the same volunteers all of the time. 

So we get to connect with more people and let them know 

that there’s someone to talk to if they ever need it. It’s 

proven very worthwhile, especially for gatherings, where 

people swap stories about their impairment, and how 

they’ve been dealing with it and getting on in life. 

You are always taking people to experience awesome 

things - like going to a Crusaders rugby game or to 

Highlands Park - what do you enjoy about taking 

people out of their comfort zone? 

Going to the rugby games is incredibly beneficial for people 

to integrate into the community. It’s always hard when 

you’re first using a chair with feeling uncomfortable in 

these situations and hoping that me being there, navigating 

big crowds to get to your seats is a help for people to show 

them that it can be done, and it’s not a biggie. 

The Highlands Park is giving people the opportunity to 

do something totally different, maybe out of their 

comfort zone, drive a performance car in a safe 

environment. You’d never get that chance anywhere 

else in New Zealand. 

What is the moment like when people with an SCI 

realise that they can do these things and you help 

ignite their passion? 

Huge satisfaction seeing someone do their first wheel 

stand, do their first transfer into the car, or off their bed, 

to know that they will be able to handle it, and that they 

can do it. That sense of achievement they get is massive 

and it’s a bit of a buzz. 

What advice do you offer to people at the start of their 

journey with SCI? 

That life after a spinal impairment, is totally doable. If 

there’s anything you want to do, no matter how crazy it 

may seem, there’s always someone else that’s done it 

before you. 

So, never be scared, hold your head up. You can do 

anything you want to, whether it’s work or travel, sport, 

it’s just done a little bit differently. Having an SCI makes 

you look at things a bit differently, it makes you problem 

solve, and if you can’t do it how do you do it? Nothing is 

beyond the bounds of your capabilities. Just do it!


All for a Good Cause 

The bi-annual Tour of New Zealand never disappoints. We were there 

again to compete and raise funds and awareness for the Trust. 

DETERMINATION PERSONIFIED—The spirits were always high in the Permobil NZ Spinal Trust Team throughout the TONZ. Photo credit: TONZ. 

The Tour of New Zealand (TONZ) is a 

weeklong cycle ride along some of 

Aotearoa’s most beautiful roads through 

stunning scenery. 

Over 100 enthusiastic riders—some highly competitive, 

mostly enthusiastic amateurs, all of them highly 

motivated by raising money for a favourite charity—to 

take on a challenge that can tick off a bucket list item or 

two. And the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s West 

Coast and Alpine areas just adds to the overall glamour 

and uniqueness of this event. 

However. 

On the day the TONZ officially kicked off, in the delightful 

alpine village of Arthurs Pass, the Permobil NZ Spinal 

Trust team of 15 riders were not so enamoured of the view. 

In fact, they could barely see the view. The rain was so 

heavy that the view was obscured, and concentration was 

all about staying upright on the bike as they traversed the 

viaduct. “This wasn’t in the brochure” might have been 

grumbled a few times … 

—Su Marshall, support person on TONZ 

Fortunately, all 15 riders 

made it safely to Hokitika 

and could look back on the 

experience as an adventure. 

Fortunately, all 15 riders made it safely to Hokitika and 

could look back on the experience as an adventure—after 

hot showers and a possible bevvy or two. There is nothing 

like a good soaking and a death defying descent down an 

alpine pass to build a strong bond amongst a group of 

relative strangers. The Permobil NZ Spinal Trust team 

were tight—a new whānau has been forged. 

Our whānau came from across Aotearoa—Auckland to 

Roxburgh—as well as one from overseas (Canada) but 

they all quickly formed a strong bond. They all shared a


GREAT EXPERIENCE—The camaraderie amongst the NZST team makes the TONZ a great bonding time. 

can-do attitude, an appreciation for the opportunity, a 

remarkable ability to remain cheerful, and a commitment 

to supporting the NZ Spinal Trust. A little bit of 

competitive spirit was woven in there too. It was awesome 

to have people within our team who had their own lived 

experience with spinal cord impairment (SCI). The 

evening before we all set off the bikes were checked over 

by Liam Keenan who sustained his SCI in a biking 

accident. Everyone was on board with what we were 

supporting—positive futures for people with an SCI. 

It was this commitment that got everyone back on their 

bikes the next day for the Ross to Franz Josef leg … in the 

rain. At Ross we found that the start was pushed ahead to 

Hari Hari—apparently rain wasn’t a problem, but the 

threat of tornadoes and hail in the forecast gave pause for 

thought. Crikey! That wasn’t in the brochure either! The 

team smiled through it and pushed on. Some 68 soggy 

kilometres later they all arrived safely in Franz Josef and 

a big shout out to the support team: Andrew and Ian (with 

help from Niki whose bike had suffered a mechanical 

failure) had hot soup and chocolate biscuits waiting for 

everyone in the accommodation lounge. My job was to 

welcome them to the finish line and direct them to the 

warm, dry lounge. I could not believe that they could 

all—every single one of them—arrive at the end of this 

stage … soaking, freezing, exhausted and STILL be 

smiling and enjoying themselves. I thought we might 

have been up for a mass mutiny at this point. Also at this 

point I realised that the lack of an umbrella was very poor 

planning on my part. 


Also at this point I 

realised that the lack of an 

umbrella was very poor 

planning on my part. 

While we spent a few hours at Franz thawing out toes and 

drying out cycling kit (and a few even made use of the spa 

pool), another awesome example of how wonderful this 

group of people there was playing out. Philly had 

arranged for a friend to deliver (from Christchurch!) her 

back-up bike for Niki to use the rest of the Tour. Wow. 

Day Three—Fox Glacier to Haast—dawned grey, damp 

and cool … but not actually raining. Huzzah! Still, it all 

seemed too good to be true so everyone still donned all 

their wet weather gear. 

Without the distraction of persistent downpours the 

different preparation approaches of different team 

members became more obvious—Hans took it upon 

himself to be team cheerleader (although whether he 

truly boosted spirits or just baffled was unclear); Simon 

and Topher diligently ensured their social media account 

was updated (although they tended to finish well in each



Honestly, I don't think 

I could meet a more 

awesome, committed, 

crazy and generous 

group of people. 

it. A couple of them just scraped in at Makarora and had a 

miniscule 20 minutes of recovery time before starting the 

second phase. But they did it. And then they battled their 

way to Hawea—a more stoic, determined effort I have 

never seen. 

In a heartwarming scene, our team were there to welcome 

the last riders in—our two AND two from another team— 

with a roar of welcome like they were first over the line. 

This was the spirit that defined our team’s Tour. 

Dinner that night in Wanaka was not the quiet affair one 

might have expected—the elation of having conquered 

that Pass was palpable. It was a night to celebrate! But 

also to get to bed quite early because the Tour wasn’t 

over yet. 

stage so I presume some serious cycling prep took place 

around the photography); serious map and topography 

study was always undertaken by Karen and Ken as they 

decided where I should wait with the backup battery 

(although I always worried I’d be at the wrong spot and 

leave Karen hanging); Andrew felt the need to inspire at 

every opportunity and delivered motivational speeches 

(although I personally felt my speech of “well done, keep 

going … it’s sh*t ahead” was more motivating than 

anything he said). 

The day stayed grey but the rain only ever showered 

lightly so everyone took that as a real plus and this stage 

instantly became everyone’s favourite so far. Niki took the 

time to celebrate with a roadside ice cream on the way, so 

I think we all knew she was enjoying herself! 

On day four everyone was stunned and amazed to see a 

burning fire ball in the sky and seriously considered 

running for cover shouting “The sky is falling! The sky 

is falling!” Fortunately one of the whānau elders had 

witnessed such a phenomenon before and wisely 

announced “The sun has returned—we may all wear 

our sunglasses”. And there was great celebration 

and amazement. 

Truly though, the sun couldn’t have returned on a better 

day because this was a stage of two parts – Haast to 

Makarora and (after a bite to eat and a quick rest up) 

Makarora to Hawea. A total of 130km, climbing to a height 

of 1,178m … this day was not for the faint hearted. And 

bless them—Every. Single. One. Of our gorgeous team did 

Day Five—And the last day arrived—a fabulous Central 

Otago golden day … perfect for riding up a mountain. 

Yes—only 55 kms but up the Crown Range! The road was 

deceptively hilly to begin … and then there was no 

deception at all—it was straight up leg burning steep. All 

of our team got there though. Did some get a wee lift up 

over a couple of the worst bits? Yes. Did one throw herself 

off her bike in order to get a lift with the ambo guys? Also 

yes (she’s fine by the way—broken cheek and massive 

black eye, but fine and had a great time … it wasn’t really 

deliberate, a tyre blew out). Did a few reach the top, regain 

their breath, re-fuel and warm up, then bike back to 

encourage other team mates? Yes again. And was I the 

loudest, proudest Camp Mother as each one came over the 

summit and across the finish line? You bet I was! 

And then, as the united whānau this group of individuals 

had grown to be, they all hopped on their bikes again and 

rode down the other side to Arrowtown. 

Crazy. 

We joined with all the other riders and support crew for 

prizegiving and dinner at Queenstown’s Skyline 

Restaurant. Beers flowed as well as a few tears for our last 

night. Several of our whānau were in the top five 

places—woohoo! But that was never the main goal for this 

crew. They never, ever lost sight of the fact that they were 

raising funds to support positive futures for people with 

spinal cord impairments. They also knew, every day and 

every kilometre, that this was a ‘bucket list’ opportunity. 

Winners, every single one of them, in all the ways that 

truly matter.


And now I’m going to take the opportunity to thank some 

people: Honestly—I don't think I could meet a more 

awesome, committed, crazy and generous group of 

people: Bruce, Chris, Hans, Hayden, Jack, Karen, Ken, 

Lesley, Matt, Niki, Philly, Simon, Steph, Ted and 

Topher—I am the proudest Camp Mother. EVER! 

Andrew and Ian—absolutely couldn't have wrangled this 

motley crew without them ... I am grateful for their 

solutions-oriented thinking and ability to find humour in 

any given situation. (And the ‘Rolls Royce’ of bike trailers!) 

To our sponsors and partners in crime: Permobil New 

Zealand, ETCO—The Electrical Training Experts, 

Dynamic Controls and The Bike Shop ... thanks for 

manifesting your belief in our work in such a practical 

way with money, vehicles, fuel, gear, social media 

backing, support for staff on our team, enthusiasm and 

passion for the cause. 

There was lots of talk about this being the final ever TONZ 

as Pete and his crew had finally run out of puff after seven 

of them—and who could blame them? But just lately there 

have been whispers … maybe we’ll do it again after all? 

GOOD MINDS—The NZST team were solutions focused 

and had an ability to find humour in any situation. 

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Man on a Mission 

John Marrable has shown incredible fight to become a 

black belt in karate and help others with a disability. 

LOCAL LEGEND—John Marrable loves making a difference. 

John was on holiday in Scotland with his 

mother, father and older brother. They had 

been stuck in their caravan all day because of 

the rain and he was keen to get out that 

evening when the rain had finally stopped. 

John had no idea that a simple play activity 

of climbing a hill was about to change his 

future forever. 

Climbing the hill that day with his elder brother Mark, 

suddenly, the hillside gave way, sweeping John away with 

it. He tumbled, fell and fractured his back. His next 

recollection was of flying away in a Royal Air Force plane. 

While the flight for a young boy was quite the adventure, 

the outcome after landing was a nine-month stay in Stoke 

Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, England. 

This wasn’t anything he or his family had planned on. It 

was the late 1960’s and the world then was not as 

wheelchair friendly or sympathetic to the needs of 

disabled people as it is today. 

—Tina Morrell 

John had no idea that a simple 

play activity was about to 

change his future forever. 

John celebrated his 11th birthday in the hospital. After his 

discharge, he was treated in his community as a person 

with a intellectual disability, with people deliberately 

slowing their speech, or not acknowledging him at all. 

He was determined to show them he was just like them. He’d 

lost the use of his legs, not his brain or intellectual capacity. 

His brother Mark was a staunch ally, when they were in the 

street when people would ask him “How’s John?” Mark 

would turn to look at John and ask “How are you, John?” 

John would reply to Mark, and Mark would relay the 

response “My brother is feeling great, thank you for asking.”


—Tina Morrell 

John quickly discovered the 

people who saw no differences 

and they were the ones who 

became his friends. 

karate club leader said: “If you think you can do it then 

come along!” Up until then, he was busily begging for 

karate books and borrowing them. He would sit on the 

toilet reading them and practicing moves! 

Being the first person in a wheelchair to receive his black 

belt he comments “I don’t think gradings are any easier 

for me, some of my fellow karate colleagues are actually 

harder on me because I’m in a wheelchair.” 

Further adding “they hit harder and that is quite good because, 

on the street, people are going to be hard on us anyway.” 

FIGHTING SPIRIT – John Marrable helps people find their “Amazonian warrior”. 

Surprisingly for John’s parents, having to shift from their 

two-storied council house was not the only change they 

had to navigate. They also had the unexpected social 

losses of losing friends as a result of his disability. The 

loss of friends was more difficult to come to terms with, as 

John explains “because their friends didn’t know how to 

relate to them, suddenly they had a disabled child, how do 

we speak to them?” 

John quickly discovered the people who saw no 

differences and they were the ones who became his 

friends. Adaptability was something that John became 

adept at in a world that was not wheelchair accessible. 

Newly out of the hospital, John would use calipers and 

crutches to walk up their hallway and would inevitably 

fall over. John’s father would make light of it saying, 

“While you’re down there, John, do you just wanna touch 

up the skirting boards?” 

John’s parents were hugely instrumental in building 

John’s social and psychological capacities for facing the 

world, his mother would caution “you can’t go out looking 

like that, people will look at you strangely”. John’s father 

would counterbalance with “they’re going to look at you 

anyway John, go and give them something to look at!” 

It was John’s father, who fostered a curiosity in John for 

Asian martial arts. As an officer in the Royal Navy, he was 

well-versed in self-defence with his training. When the 

Kung Fu series started on television his father would 

encourage him—“Hey John, watch this!” John’s first 

attempts in the UK to join a karate club were 

unsuccessful. 

It was not until his family emigrated to New Zealand, and 

settled in Dunedin that he was invited to come along. The 

While he has celebrated the tremendous success of 

achieving a black belt, he describes with tears and a great 

sense of humility, feeling that it was a great honour. 

It was the first step on a progressive pathway with the 

Shodan discipline of degrees, with his latest achievement 

being the Shodan sixth degree! The achievement is highly 

prestigious, being six out of a possible 10 of which few 

people in the world ever achieve. 

The rewards for John and for those that he teaches, are 

many and varied and surpass just the benefits of physical 

fitness. John enjoys witnessing the journey first hand of 

the growth of confidence that people display by finding 

their inner strength. 

He encourages people to find their ‘switch’, transforming 

their stance from a shy, scared person and activating their 

inner “Amazonian warrior.” 

One day John was coaching and encouraging a woman to 

find her own inner “Amazonian warrior” as she was 

attacking the tackle bag with growing aggression. “That’s 

it, you’ve done it” he said, “you’ve found your inner 

warrior, now you need to learn how to dial it back”. 

Finding that inner discipline and self-control to turn that 

switch “on” and being able to self-regulate and turn “off” 

that switch is just as important. 

He has had his nose broken twice and been knocked out 

of his wheelchair. He explains that for the able-bodied the 

benefits of being able to use leg techniques and vary the 

load on their bodies helps them when practicing karate, 

whereas in a wheelchair he has to continue using his 

arms, sometimes for up to two – three hours. 

Despite his battle scars he finds it rewarding to see the 

people he coaches develop and grow in their confidence. 

Watching them transform from when he first meets them 

and leaving with a newfound confidence. “I love 

empowering people” says John.

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A Lifetime of Helping Others 

We pay tribute to the life and service of Dr Richard Smail. 

FITTING TRIBUTE—Richard was presented with a well-deserved 'thank you' on his final retirement from 

the NZ Spinal Trust Board. Board member Noel Walton and our CEO Hans Wouters made the presentation. 

Dr Richard Smaill passed away on 31 May at 

his home in Christchurch surrounded by 

family and friends. 

The 64-year-old had a short stay in hospital. He was 

mostly lucid leading up to his final days and had many 

family, close friends and colleagues around him. Richard 

is survived by his wife Paulette and two adult children 

Tim and Jessica. He will be greatly missed. 

Richard was born in Balclutha the youngest child of five 

siblings to the late Charles (Charlie) and Gertrude (Trudi) 

Smaill. A funeral was held for Richard on 7 June with 

moving tributes from family and friends, he was well 

respected and very much loved. 

Friends that had known Richard for more than 50 years 

spoke of his friendship and support. Some of those friends 

went on to John McGlashan College boarding school in 

Dunedin. They vividly recounted Richard’s rugby accident 

at the age of 15 resulting in a spinal cord impairment (SCI). 

When he returned to boarding school following his 

accident, the boys used their ingenuity to help him navigate 

classrooms and school grounds. These were the days before 

ramps and other accessibility features were considered. 

Jess, Richard’s daughter, spoke of a loving father, and how 

she never saw the chair. Tim spoke about a dad who was 

honest. When they were young children, they would ride 

on the back of his wheelchair to kindergarten and 

primary school. 

“I knew I was in trouble” 

—Hans Wouters 

We mourn a great man 

whose work and legacy will 

live on for many years to 

come. Rest in peace Rich. 

Richard became a tetraplegic when he broke his neck in a 

rugby tackle. “Fortunately, or unfortunately, I used to be a 

pretty good rugby player,” Richard said remembering the 

day of his accident. 

“I was playing against some 17 and 18-year-olds. We were 

playing St Peter’s College from Gore. It was a head on 

tackle, and I slipped just as I was looking to tackle the 

chap. “He was one of those guys who lifted their knees 

very high when they ran. I slipped and stuffed it up, and 

my head hit his knee. I knew I was in trouble.”


—Dr Richard Smaill 

One thing is clear if you 

don’t look after yourself 

and your body then you 

are going to pay the price. 

He left the health services in 1993 to become 

self-employed establishing a business in career 

counselling as well as a variety of consultancy work. 

Further health issues set him back but he was fortunate to 

be granted a Health Research Council Disability Research 

Placement Award. 

Overcoming challenges to make a difference 

PERSPECTIVE—Dr Richard Smaill never looked at what he couldn’t 

achieve, he always focused on what was possible and set about living his life. 

That was 49 years ago. In 1974 New Zealand was a very 

different place for Kiwis living with a disability. Medical 

professionals were only just gaining the knowledge on 

how to keep high level tetraplegics alive. 

Never giving up 

Still, Richard did not complain. He never looked at what 

he couldn’t achieve, he always focused on what was 

possible and set about living his life. 

He went back to school to gain University Entrance, went 

on to study Psychology at University of Otago becoming a 

registered Psychologist in 1984. And in 2015, he completed 

his PhD at the University of Otago. Richard worked for 

many years in the health services in a variety of positions 

in research, planning and senior management. 

During this time, he completed a Diploma in Health 

Service Management and was also awarded a Winston 

Churchill Memorial Fellowship to study health 

information systems in Great Britain. 

“It was a huge opportunity, but it came at a terrible time,” 

remembered Richard. 

“It was back in the day when there weren’t emails or 

things like that. I used a fax machine to work out and plan 

my itinerary. The Health Reforms were starting to take 

place and I had a conversation with my Area Health Board 

boss who said if you want to go, you better go now as I 

can’t guarantee you will have a job in six months. 

“I remember getting communication when I was over in 

Britain which basically said all Third Tier Managers 

would be made redundant. In a funny sort of way, they 

did me a favour as I left and set up my own business 

doing career counselling and strategic planning for 

different organisations.” 

In 2000, Richard had an unexpected setback. Over Labour 

Weekend he lost about 35 percent of his movement 

overnight. He went back to hospital and then into the 

Spinal Unit and they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. 

“They worked out that where I had my original injury was 

still quite unstable and it had moved and caused more 

damage to my spinal cord,” he said. 

That illness inspired Richard to study again. His doctoral 

thesis ‘Ageing with a spinal cord injury in New Zealand’ 

was completed in 2014 and was recognised by the 

Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago as being 

of exceptional quality. 

Richard said the question is often asked at what point is 

someone with a disability ageing or are they aged and 

disabled? When does it switch over? 

He says internationally there has been a massive amount 

of research in this space. Most of the research indicates 

that someone with a spinal cord impairment, if they look 

after themselves, can live a 90 – 95 percent lifespan of an 

able-bodied person. “That was certainly not well 

documented before. It is not saying that you are not going 

to have a variety of complications along the way,” he said. 

“One thing is clear if you don’t look after yourself and 

your body then you are going to pay the price. There is no 

in between there. In the end whether you are abled bodied 

or disabled we all end up in the same place. We all end up 

getting old and getting stuffed.” 

He also played a leading role in setting up the New 

Zealand Spinal Cord Impairment Registry (NZSCIR), 

which was hugely important work. 

“When I started my research, it became clear that no one 

in New Zealand actually knew how many SCIs there were 

in New Zealand,” he said. 

Richard realised there were several people who had 

passed away who were still on the registry. “It’s been a bit 

of a journey, but a number of people are working towards 

fixing it, which is great.”


Life is but a journey and 

you only have one shot at 

it, so you better give it a 

pretty damn good shot. 

Giving back 

—Dr Richard Smaill 

Richard has voluntarily been involved in a variety of 

charitable organisations at a governance level. He was a 

trustee and then Chair of the Board of Trustees for the St 

John of God Services (2001-2005), trustee and Chair of the 

New Zealand Spinal Trust for many years (2002-2020) 

trustee of Burwood Academy Trust for 10 years, and 

trustee on the Waimairi School Board (1998-2004).During 

his period as Chair of the NZST he was a mentor and friend 

to CEOs Andrew Hall and Ben Lucas. As board member of 

BAT, he provided support and advice to researchers. 

“We mourn a great man whose work and legacy will live 

on for many years to come. Rest in peace Rich,” says Hans 

Wouters, the NZ Spinal Trust CEO. “Richard leaves 

behind a lifetime of work where he helped others.” 

Around 2008 Richard, the then Chair of Board of 

Trustees, and Andrew Hall who was CEO, conceptualised 

an innovative service. It would see people with an SCI 

receiving assistance and support to return to the 

community by putting them in contact with other people 

with an SCI as well as following up on how well they were 

doing. It was also envisaged that those people who had 

lived with an SCI for many years could be contacted to see 

how they were going. 

This vision came to life. Last year a nationwide network of 

Peer and Whānau Support workers was created. It has been 

run by the NZ Spinal Trust and Spinal Support NZ in a 

two-year pilot funded by ACC, and been hugely successful. 

Richard’s philosophy on living with an SCI. 

“Life is but a journey and you only have one shot at it, so 

you better give it a pretty damn good shot. You need to 

make the most of every day. It gets harder as you get older. 

I am coming up to 62 [at the time of talking to him] and I 

am finding that it’s not my biological age, it is my age 

since the injury. 

Hamish Ramsden’s tribute 

to his good mate. 

When did I meet him? Hell I can’t remember when, 

He had a presence about him a certain Zen, 

Although he wasn’t one to worry about that, 

He didn’t have to pretend. 

His knowledge and wisdom could not be surpassed, 

He would happily offer it when he was asked, 

This didn’t mean that he would hold back and not a 

comment make, 

There was no chance of him being called a fake, 

He had his accident many years ago, 

But that did not mean he put his life on slow, 

He went back to school a teenage boy at the time, 

The effort to do this would have been prime, 

Years passed and he married Paulette a joy to behold, 

Then Tim and Jess were to join the fold, 

A family unit with one to explore, 

A house in Wanaka let them do it some more, 

Working hard and involved in the health sector, 

A PhD was to entice him more work don’t you fear, 

A doctor he became would he study any more? 

Hell no he said on those resources he would not again 

have to call 

In the latter years a regular lunch we would take, 

He was always there that appointment he would 

not forsake, 

Sometimes grumpy, sometimes happy as well, 

But it was important to him for us friends all to gel, 

His drive his determination always looking to do good, 

He had it in spades you didn’t have to look for it under 

the hood, 

So when did I meet him that answer I will have to sever, 

As with good friends you feel like you have known 

them for ever. 

The research shows that time since your injury has more 

of an impact than your biological age because you are 

sitting down, your bones aren’t as strong, you are more 

prone to arthritis, more prone to obesity which leads to 

cardiovascular problems and respiratory problems. 

All of that is a result of the fact you can’t physically 

exercise in the same way. But you can live a full life—it is 

all up to you.” 

GOOD MATES—Dr Richard Smaill leaves behind 

a lifetime of work where he helped others.


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Ageing Healthily with an SCI 

We all feel the effects of time and getting older but how does ageing 

impact someone with a spinal cord impairment? 

TIME TO REFLECT—Ageing is hard for 

everyone, even more so with an SCI. 

It is difficult to think about getting old, when 

you are still young. The concept is clear, but 

until you start to slowly experience the 

changes which come with age, it is too hard 

to imagine. 

Mix in a spinal cord impairment and the consequences of 

ageing can be problematic and challenging. You have 

already worked incredibly hard to overcome the 

challenges you faced with an SCI, and found ways to live 

your best life. 

You may have raised a family, had a meaningful 

vocational role and enjoyed participating in sports, but 

now, with ageing, your body is letting you down, again. 

How do you face that change? What advice would you 

offer to a younger person with an SCI? What would you 

have done differently? 

To answer some of these questions we talked to Phil 

Melrose, founder of Melrose Kiwi Concept Chairs, sports 

enthusiast and experiencing the effects of ageing. 

Phil sustained his T9 spinal injury on 27th January 1991. 

He was off shore power boat racing when the accident 

happened. “I thought you just sit in a wheelchair and can’t 

move your legs. Well, I was wrong about that,” he says. 

“I was lucky to have the best team of nurses and doctors and 

people around me. And when I was doing my rehab, playing 

basketball, I met a guy from the West Coast … and the rest is 

history. We would be swimming, doing yoga, tennis, 

basketball, lifting weights and playing table tennis.” 

Surround yourself with 

people who see you for 

who you are. 

—Phil Melrose 

Phil describes his accomplishments in those early years: 

“I used to take the ‘newbies’ up town and show them life 

doesn’t change. I learned as much from them as they 

learned from me. 

“Sports were important, I loved playing tennis and met a 

lot of cool friends. I went back to racing speedway for a 

few years (and) really enjoyed that. I asked a mate to build 

me some frames out of titanium, but after a while he was 

too busy building microlite planes. I’d met Mike a few 

years before my accident, racing in Te Awamutu.” 

Phil decided to build a wheelchair for himself out of 

titanium. This was so successful he gradually had more 

built as he sold them to friends and acquaintances. His 

small part time garage interest has grown to a business 

that designs and fabricates custom wheelchairs and 

sports chairs as well as other mobility products and 

employs around 50 people in NZ and California. 

Phil credits his success as a parent in those early years to 

Annette and reported that his young daughters adapted 

to his mobility needs early on. Having meaningful


relationships, occupations and accomplishments played 

an important part in defining Phil’s place in the world. 

In recent years Phil has noticed the following changes in his 

day-to-day routines and abilities: “Everything takes longer! 

I have to think first before I transfer or do an activity 

because seemingly minor problems can be so much harder 

to overcome now.” It’s harder to maintain fitness and health 

with issues that could previously be tolerated. 

For example, Phil explains that the combination of an 

insidious increase in neuropathic pain, sleep apnoea and 

shoulder injury limitations now affects his sleep. “Some 

days are better than others, depends on life”—stress, 

mood, well-being, and life events, can “sometimes get on 

top of you.” 

Phil reports that health issues and weight gain have been 

challenging factors. His ability to engage in sports and 

exercise has gradually decreased with age and injury and as 

a result his health and weight has been harder to manage. 

He recounts how a major surgery that went wrong, 

coupled with a shoulder injury impacted on his ability to 

carry out direct lift transfers, resulting in development of 

a shear related injury a couple of years ago. “I was lucky I 

noticed there was a difference and had my mirror. If I 

hadn’t checked and gotten help from my nurse it could 

have been so much worse.” 

The most frustrating and debilitating changes that Phil 

has experienced, and which impact on his ability to get on 

with daily life are: “Without a doubt, the most frustrating 

and debilitating aspect of ageing with a spinal cord injury 

is coping with a shoulder injury because it can affect 

everything from transfers, propelling the wheelchair to 

lifting heavy pots on the stove.” 

Maintaining a regular exercise routine can be challenging 

and Phil admits he struggles with motivation. “If I had a 

personal trainer to encourage me every day, I know I 

would be much fitter and healthier” His advice is to find 

activities you enjoy doing, or something to help distract 

you while you do exercise and to establish a regular 

routine if you can. Contact your local authority or 

ParaFed organisation, they will often have opportunities 

for adaptive sport and exercise. 

In Christchurch ParaFed have a Functional and Adaptive 

Movement (FAM) programme on Sunday mornings. It’s a 

great place to meet with friends and exercises are 

designed around individual needs. 

Phil utilises the following strategies to assist him to 

counter the challenges of ageing: Surround yourself with 

people who see you for who you are. 

Be willing to ask for help, “sometimes it is a struggle to let 

others help”, you’ve worked hard over the years to prove 

you can do things, and it is hard to let others help with 

those tasks you were managing to do yourself. 

Check your skin regularly—“I’m more aware of my skin 

now.” Phil reports he doesn’t want to miss out on life 

through having to be on bed rest, “When I was younger, I 

took it (skin integrity) for granted and didn’t think twice if 

I carried out poor transfers. Now I’m more careful. 

ADJUSTING TO CHANGE—Phil credits his success as a parent 

in those early years to Annette and reported that his young 

daughters adapted to his mobility needs early on 

Phil offers the following advice on promoting health 

maintenance… Accept the offer of colostomy as early as it 

is offered—“Manual bowel routines took up so much of 

my life and stopped me from doing things because of the 

fear of having an accident.” 

“Preserve your shoulders if you can!” Ask your therapist 

for individualised shoulder exercises. “Keep doing things 

that you enjoy and make life worth living”. Phil loves to 

cook. He makes lots of food in one sitting and enjoys 

sharing these meals with some of his elderly neighbours. 

“I just need help to lift the heavy pots out of the oven.” 

“I’m lucky in that I live in an area where most things are 

within pushing distance, but I have a ZX1 power assist 

that I use when my shoulder is painful or I know I’m going 

further afield.” 

Phil attributes a positive attitude, social contacts and 

doing things which are important to him to give his life 

meaning and promote his wellbeing. “Don’t let a spinal 

injury stop you from living! Being busy, getting a job and 

doing things that you enjoy and spending time with 

likeminded people are a great distraction and give your 

life purpose and focus.” 

Phil advises that he feels lucky that he was surrounded by 

family and friends within the SCI community who helped 

him to live his best life, encouraged him when he needed 

encouragement and shared in his successes. “Life’s about 

helping people and caring for more than just yourself!” 

You can look up the FAM Exercise group through ParaFed 

Canterbury - FAM or email Charlotte Pawson, Junior 

Sports Manager for more information: 

cpawson@parafedcanterbury.co.nz 

Apply for a Hāpai Access card: hapaiaccesscard.org.nz 

As well as getting a better customer experience from 

participating businesses there is the opportunity to save 

on entrance fees, and tickets, hot drinks, equipment hire 

and free entry and tickets for an essential companion. 

Costs $30 for three years.


Gone Too Soon 

We look back on the life and achievements of Alan Pullar. 

MILESTONE—Alan Pullar 

celebrating his 21st birthday. 

In 2017, the SNN published an article on Alan 

Pullar. Alan was a firm believer that you 

make your own luck in life, his was a life well 

lived. He was the oldest surviving person 

with a spinal cord impairment (SCI) in 

New Zealand, having spent 57 years in a 

wheelchair. Sadly, Alan passed away after a 

short illness in April at the age of 77. 

In 1966, he sustained his SCI following a rugby accident 

when he was 20 years old. Alan’s injury occurred long 

before ACC was established, however the Waimate 

community rallied around him and raised enough money 

to help with his return home following his rehabilitation 

in ward 13C. While in 13C he passed his final exams and 

became a qualified plumber. 

While in the spinal unit, Alan met the late Graham Tapper 

and was impressed with Graham’s car and the home made 

hand controls. Alan had to sell his beloved Riley, but when 

the Waimate Rugby Club offered him fundraising money, 

he bought a Ford Cortina automatic and had hand controls 

fitted. He also designed a hoist that he could use to get his 

Alan’s injury occurred 

long before ACC was 

established, however the 

Waimate community 

rallied around him. 

wheelchair in and out of his car. Alan’s father knew a local 

engineer who made the hoist for him. 

The car gave him independence and enabled him to move 

to Canterbury university to study law. However, studying 

at the university was problematic, this was in the days 

before campuses were accessible with ramps, lifts and so 

on. Alan asked the Dean for a dispensation to sit his final 

exams but was refused, consequently he was unable to 

finish his course. Instead, he left university and enrolled 

for a diploma in business administration at Christchurch


Polytechnic now called Ara Institute of Technology. It was 

around this time that Alan met Barbra his future wife. 

They hit it off immediately, but Alan was worried about 

the impact an SCI would have on their life together. While 

Alan was studying, Barbra worked as a nurse which 

enabled them to save enough money to build their first 

house. Alan and Barbra got married in July 1971. 

Nine years after his SCI in 1975, Alan and Barbra went on 

their big OE where they lived in London for four years and 

travelled throughout Europe in a campervan, a 

Volkswagen automatic with hand controls. They travelled 

through Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Greece and Austria, 

despite accessibility issues nothing was a problem and 

they worked around any challenges that arose. 

On returning home to Christchurch, Alan worked with 

friends who owned a construction business. Sometime 

later Alan started his own business hiring out shipping 

containers to be used for storage. It was a very successful 

business which grew exponentially throughout 

Christchurch. In April 1983 and December 1984 Jessica 

and Emilie were born making the family complete. By the 

time the girls had started primary school Alan had set up 

an office at the back of the garage so that there was always 

a parent at home. 

In 1992, Alan had an operation on his neck to relieve a 

cyst that was forming - which proved worse than his 

original injury. It made him not a complete quadriplegic 

but close enough to it. In Alan’s words “I wasn’t 

independent anymore which was hard to take…” 

Through all the adversity that he faced Alan wasn’t one to 

give up, he always found a solution to any problems that 

arose and he took huge pride in his family and what he 

had achieved. 

“I was never frightened to be seen in public in my 

wheelchair and that is something that people in 

wheelchairs have to get over. I don’t care where I go. It has 

never worried me. I have always wanted to get on with my 

life and that has always been my attitude”. 

Book Review: 

My Story 

by Alan Pullar 

—Alan Pullar 

I was never frightened to 

be seen in public in my 

wheelchair and that is 

something that people in 

wheelchairs have to get over. 

‘My Story’ tells the 

remarkable life of Alan 

Pullar who was the 

oldest surviving person 

with an SCI in New 

Zealand. Alan wrote his 

autobiography in 2022, 

before he died in April 

2023 after a short 

illness. He had a 

wonderful philosophy 

on life, “From the day of my injury I said to myself, ‘don't 

look back, otherwise I will not go forward’. 

While playing in a rugby scrum for the Waimate Rugby 

club in June 1966 he sustained an SCI. In his book he 

describes how his life flashed before his eyes and that he 

had made peace with himself before he was taken to 

Timaru hospital. Little was known about spinal cord 

injuries in those days, but Alan did reflect on what the 

outcome would have been if he had immediately been 

flown to Christchurch hospital for treatment. He stayed in 

the newly established Spinal unit, Ward 13C for 10 months. 

Eventually in October 1966 Alan left the Spinal Unit to 

return home to a new life. Ward 13C became Ward 13B and 

was then relocated to a standalone centre at Burwood 

Hospital in 1971. 

In the 1980’s the New Zealand Rugby Foundation was 

founded ensuring that every person seriously injured in 

rugby would be supported for life and considered a VIP— 

or very injured person. Alan was VIP number one, there 

are currently 99 VIPs. 

At the end of his memoir Jessica and Emilie wrote an 

afterword describing their dad as a great role model and 

the big part he played in their lives. 

FAMILY—Alan with his daughter Jess and grand-daughters.


What’s new in the 

Resource Centre 

August 2023 

Unwell women: a journey through 

medicine and myth in a man-made 

world by Elinor Cleghorn, 2022 

Unwell Women: A Journey Through 

Medicine and Myth in a Man-Made 

World is a 2021 non-fiction book by 

Elinor Cleghorn. Cleghorn provides 

a cultural history of the impacts of 

misogyny on western medicine and 

western medical practice. 

Packed with character studies of 

women who have suffered, 

challenged and rewritten medical 

orthodoxy—and drawing on her own 

experience of un-diagnosed Lupus 

disease—this is a ground-breaking 

and timely exposé of the medical 

world and women's place within it. 

Neurotrauma: a comprehensive 

textbook on traumatic brain 

injury and spinal cord injury 

edited by Kevin K. W. Wang, 2019 

Neurotrauma is a comprehensive 

textbook on traumatic brain injury 

and spinal cord injury which aims to 

bring together the latest clinical 

practice and research in the field of 

traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal 

cord injury (SCI). This volume details 

the latest research and clinical practice 

in the treatment of neurotrauma, in a 

comprehensive but easy-to-follow 

format. Neurotrauma is a valuable 

resource for any clinician involved in 

caring for TBI and SCI patients, 

clinical research professionals, 

researchers and nurse specialists. 

The myth of normal: trauma, 

illness, and healing in a toxic 

culture by Gabor Mate with Daniel 

Mate, 2022 

Over four decades of clinical 

experience, Dr Mate has found that 

the common definition of 'normal' is 

false- virtually all disease is a natural 

reflection of life in an abnormal 

culture, as we grow further and 

further apart from our true selves. He 

also shows us the pathway to 

reconnection and healing. Filled 

with stories of people in the grip of 

illness or in the triumphant wake of 

recovery, this life-affirming book 

shows how true health is possible. 

The Girl Who Fell from the Sky: 

an extraordinary true story of 

resilience, courage, hope and 

finding lightness after the heaviest 

of landings Emma Carey, 2022 

When Emma Carey was twenty, she 

fell from 14,000 feet and survived. 

Emma tells her inspirational story of 

how, she found her truest self. Emma 

teaches us the importance of courage 

and resilience. This heartfelt book is 

more than a memoir, it's a call to 

action that reminds us not to take 

our lives and abilities for granted—to 

live every day like it could be our last. 

Just one thing: how simple 

changes can transform your life 

by Dr Michael Mosley, 2023 

Based on the popular BBC 

programme Just One Thing, Dr 

Michael Mosley shows how changing 

one small thing in your daily routine 

can significantly benefit your health. 

Learn how standing on one leg can 

have huge health benefits, a hot 

shower before bed can help lower 

your blood pressure, and eating 

chocolate is good for your heart. 

These simple things might surprise 

you—but they really can work.


Journals/magazines 

Dynamics of Human Health 

Vol 10 issue 1 2023 

Forward UK SCI: 

Fundraising Challenge 

Issue 171 Summer 2023 

New Mobility 

Issue 346 Jan/Feb 2023 

Spinal Network News 

Vol 26 no. 1 April 2023 

Topics in Spinal Cord injury 

Rehabilitation 

Vol 29 no. 2 Spring 2023 

Check out our catalogue! 

Visit the Resource Centre catalogue 

abc.mykoha.co.nz 

All of the listed items are available 

to loan from the Resource Centre. 

We are located on the way to the 

spinal gym, call in and see us! 

Contact Bernadette Cassidy for 

more information 

bernadette.cassidy@nzspinaltrust.org.nz 

or phone: 022 600 6630 

Go further, do more with 

a Freedom Mobility hire 

With the largest mobility rental fleet in NZ, and 24/7 nationwide roadside 

assistance, Freedom Mobility gives you that holiday feeling from the moment 

you turn the key. Our personalised service means you get the perfect vehicle 

for your needs, and a perfect experience every time. 

So get in touch and we’ll get you on the road. 

freedommobility.co.nz 

0800 864 2529


Buying a Car 

Hamish Ramsden is back with another informative and engaging 

column. This is his take on getting a car sorted with ACC. 

—Hamish Ramsden 

It takes a lot of energy to object 

to a decision... but I decided to 

go through with the process. 

WELCOME—Hamish Ramsden has recently 

joined the NZ Spinal Trust Peer Support team. 

Published author Hamish Ramsden is a 

regular columnist for the Spinal Network 

News. He has a unique take on life and a very 

dry sense of humour. 

How long does it take to get a new car? Well in my case 

about six and half years. Let me tell you the story. 

Having had an accident with the resulting C5/6 

tetraplegia I am fully behind (obviously) the whole ACC 

system which caters for funding for my injury related 

needs. It has helped me maintain a lifestyle that is 

proactive and interesting, motivating me to get out of bed 

each day. So, what about the car? 

Just over 20 years ago I applied for funding for a modified 

car, a Kia Carnival, which was basically a people mover 

with a lowered floor. I don’t have enough strength to drive 

but just sitting in the passenger seat would be sufficient. 

Fortunately, having been declined funding I was in the 

position to add the cost of the car to my mortgage and so 

self-funded my car. It really was worthwhile doing as it 

opened up a whole lot of opportunities for me and helped 

avoid taking taxis unless really necessary. 

So about six years ago with the old Kia, the Turtle as I 

called her, (as it really was like winding up or winding 

down a tank each day, but why “her”?) I applied for 

funding for a new vehicle. 

The process was thorough, but unfortunately, I was not 

successful as ACC decided that the Turtle still had a few 

years left in her yet. So, I waited a couple more years and 

with the maintenance bill steadily rising I applied for 

another vehicle. 

Again, the process was very thorough, with the final 

verdict being that ACC would fund me a Mercedes van. 

Good news on the face of it but it would barely fit down my 

drive, certainly wouldn’t fit in my garage, or any of the car 

parks that I frequented and was basically a commercial 

vehicle being suggested for a residential situation. 

It takes a lot of energy to object to a decision, including 

the possibility of mediation, but I decided to go through 

with the process. In my mind, the other more realistic 

option, was to obtain funding for a VW Caravelle. 

Again, another type of people mover with the floor 

lowered. It would have to come from overseas as at that 

stage there were no companies in New Zealand altering 

cars like this. This wasn’t a problem to me but would delay 

the process and obviously increase costs. 

I got to the stage where I prepared for mediation whilst 

ACC had their law firm set up to object and argue their 

side of the case. I didn’t want to get into a tit-for-tat 

argument and thankfully after researching a lot of 

information, thoroughly arguing my case, along with a 

little outside help, I managed to get the decision 

overturned and funding approved for a Caravelle. Then 

everything was all set to order the vehicle. Although a 

number of years after my second application. 

Thanks to COVID-19 and production and supply delays, it 

took another year for the vehicle to arrive, but the 

problems did not finish there. The car arrived in 

Christchurch, but the electric doors didn’t work. This 

situation took some time to be resolved and I am now 

fully operational. 

So, what are the take-home messages from this and why 

have I told you of my experience? 

I guess the point is, if your claim is injury related then 

don’t always take no, or the first option offered, for an 

answer. If you have the ability and the desire to do further 

research and argue your case, it can be very worthwhile. 

There may be help and funding available for this as well. 

Ask ACC, they’d love to put you on the right path! 

Now what do I call my new car? Mr…


Making a Difference 

Milner Mobility have a history of helping New Zealanders. 

HAPPY TEAM—Darren Milner and Katie Milner are proud to run a great company. 

Darren Milner has practically grown up in 

the automotive industry—his Dad Rod 

started Rod Milner Motors over 40 years ago, 

and 30-odd years ago started importing 

adapted vehicles. 

It’s always been personal for the Milner family—when 

Rod’s wife Lee needed to use a wheelchair, they learned 

first hand of the difficulties in buying a suitable vehicle 

With a move to an impressive new premises in Mount 

Wellington, Rod and his son Darren decided to change the 

name to Milner Mobility to better reflect what they offer 

and help take a bold step toward the future. 

Darren says “We wanted to have everything on show and 

available without accessibility issues getting in the way. 

We’ve got everything indoors so the weather’s not an 

issue; everything’s on one level; the doors are automatic; 

there’s multiple accessible toilets; and there’s enough 

room for chairs of all types to move freely around the cars 

on display. It was really important to us to provide a 

‘normal’ car sales experience.” 

—Su Marshall 

Their personal commitment 

to providing a quality service 

is what gets them up each day. 

In the showroom are vehicles in a variety of styles and 

sizes with various ramp, hoist and swing out seat options. 

There are new and pre-owned, and vehicles perfect for 

private or commercial use. So there’s plenty available to 

check out a variety of options, find possible solutions that 

will work best for the individual … do a bit of “tyre 

kicking”. Take away ideas to discuss with Occupational 

Therapists (OTs) that they’ve been able to try out in real 

life. Darren accompanied by his wife Katie (who looks 

after all things Marketing in the business) try to head 

overseas once per year to ensure they’re bringing in the 

most practical, cost-effective range of specialist new 

vehicles to give people choices that didn’t exist when 

Darren’s Mum needed a wheelchair-friendly car.


In addition to sales, they do adaptions on-site including 

hand controls and left foot accelerators, plus chair lifts, 

winches, etc. They also have a service bay and run a 

rental vehicle service across several centres across the 

country, working closely with ACC, OTs, funders and 

clients to help achieve a win-win for everyone. 

It’s a lot to be doing but their personal commitment to 

providing a quality service is what gets them up each day. 

“We’ve heard horror stories of people waiting for 

months—years even—to have a vehicle adapted, and then 

they finally get the car and it’s just not what they’d have 

chosen for themselves. Why should the buying experience 

be so different for someone because they’re using a chair? 

I get to go to a showroom and look at my options, take 

them out for a test drive, compare the pros and cons … 

we want to provide that same level of opportunity and 

service for wheelchair users. And just as I might try out a 

vehicle at one sales yard but eventually buy from another, 

we understand not everyone’s going to be able to buy from 

us … but we’re committed to ensuring they have the same 

opportunities as able-bodied folk to see what their 

options are.” 

HISTORY—Rod Milner imported his first wheelchair accessible vehicle 

almost 30 years ago to give his wife and family more independence. 

What you do is your history. 

What you set in motion is your legacy. 

A spinal cord impairment—whether it happens through injury or 

illness—can be a sudden life changing event. It can feel as though your 

life has stopped. It can be challenging, confronting, daunting, scary. 

It can also be the start of a new, positive, unexpected and fulfilling 

life journey. 

A decision to include a gift in your Will for the work of the NZ Spinal 

Trust supports people across Aotearoa NZ as they learn to embrace 

a positive future with spinal cord impairment. 

If you are considering writing or amending your Will and would like 

an information brochure on how to include NZST, please email 

Su Marshall (su.marshall@nzspinaltrust.org.nz). 

If you would like to chat about who we are and who a bequest 

would support, please contact Hans Wouters, CEO 

(hans.wouters@nzspinaltrust.org.nz) or phone 03 383 6881 

www.nzspinaltrust.org.nz 

Te Tarahiti Manaaki Tuanui 

“Having the Trust there to help navigate those first 

few weeks or even the first few months was just 

incredible, because it’s extremely overwhelming.”


Thank You to Our 

Funders & Sponsors 

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

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

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

Permobil is a global leader with over 50 years experience in providing advanced 

medical technology and state-of-the-art healthcare solutions. Today, those 

solutions include the sale and rental of power wheel chairs, manual wheelchairs, 

power assist and seating & positioning products. 

Access Community Health has been at the forefront of keeping people healthy 

and safe in their homes since 1927. Today our nationwide team of skilled nurses 

and 3,000 support workers make over three million visits per year, ensuring 

people can remain active and independent in their own homes and community. 

Able Axcess are the leading suppliers of aluminium mobility ramps for 

residential and commercial disability access. We also manufacture rubber 

threshold ramps and level shower inserts, at our factory in Feilding. 

Milner Mobility is a family owned and operated business. Our vision is to give 

people independence and assist as many families as possible into mobility 

vehicles. With expert knowledge and support, we can assist you in your 

adaption, service, sales or rental requirements. 

Avonhead 

Rotary 

Rehabilitation 

Welfare Trust 

The Elizabeth Ball 

Charitable Trust 

Burwood 

Volunteers Trust 

Deluxe Box 

Riccarton Rotary 


Crusaders 

Canterbury Masonic 


Cube Design 

The Palms Shopping Centre 

A F W and J M Jones 

Foundation 

Fresh Choice Parklands 

Rotary Club 

of Christchurch 

Hyman Marks 


JBS Dudding Trust 

Are you a subscriber? 

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

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

support the positive futures of people with spinal cord impairment. 

Go to our website and click 

on the red ‘Donate’ button 

www.nzst.org.nz

Alan has the freedom 

to say yes when he 

wants to go camping 

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To request samples, please contact: 

0800 678 669 or 

email NZCustomerservice@libmed.co.nz 

Code: VPPSNN 

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

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

Hollister, the Hollister logo, VaPro and VaPro Plus Pocket are trademarks of Hollister Incorporated. 

©2023 Hollister Incorporated. AU-00168 AUHC336SNN. July 2023

SNN_August 2023 Issue_web3

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