*Wow! another Attitude Awards done and dusted! A huge congratulations to all of the finalists, and a big thank you to all of the people who made it happen. Without further to do here are the winners of the Attitude Awards 2019.
ATTITUDE ACC EMPLOYER AWARD
This award recognises an employer who provides outstanding recruitment and retention opportunities for people with disabilities. The employer is confident with the integration of workers with disabilities into the workplace and demonstrates an exemplary level of commitment, innovation and support for employees with disabilities.
The Cookie Project
The Cookie Project is a social enterprise with a winning recipe. Founders Eric and Graham provide paid work experience for people with disabilities.
Eric and Graham met when Eric was delivering a speech to the migrant community. Sales volumes have never been their KPI. They measure success on the social impact of their cookies.
ATTITUDE EMPLOYEE AWARD
This award recognises an employee who has proven themselves to be a great contributor to the company or organisation they work for. They will have served as an inspiration to other disabled people seeking employment and/or to employers who might be reluctant to employ a person with a disability. Career opportunities available to people with disabilities are often limited by the willingness of employers to support them and their aspirations. The exemplary work ethics of people with disabilities who are currently employed only serve to encourage other employers to recruit from the disability community.
Gavin Rolton
Gavin is quadriplegic following a diving accident. At first he struggled to find a career post accident. Now he’s a leader, not just at work but in his personal life.
Described as a “powerhouse“ employee, instrumental in developing a culture of diversity and empathy, critical to the services provided by Drake Medox.
ATTITUDE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Celebrating a person with a disability who has developed his or her own business or social enterprise. This may be a cottage industry or a larger company. We seek to highlight the role that disabled people can play as employees, employers and entrepreneurs.
Jezza Williams
Kiwi adrenaline junkie, Jezza Williams has always pushed his limits. He was working as a canyoning guide in Switzerland when he slipped off a rock and sustained a spinal injury.
Through his business, Making Traxs, he now educates tourism operators, and showcases how to make adventures accessible.
ATTITUDE LEADERSHIP AWARD
For someone who lives with an intellectual disability and has shown leadership amongst their peers. Leadership comes in many forms: the person may be in a national governance role, or a leader in their community or they've simply led others by drawing attention to the rights of people who live with disability through their personal achievements.
Tim Fairhall
Tim Fairhall isn't afraid to stand up for his rights. Tim rocked the boat by presenting to a government select committee, questioning the rules around Kiwi Saver.
Tim boldly challenged the rules on behalf of all Kiwis and his stance led to a ground-breaking change that allows people to access their Kiwi Saver before the age of 65.
ATTITUDE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD
To recognise someone with or without a disability who has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of people with disabilities. This may be paid employment or they may work voluntarily, but this person must be making outstanding personal efforts beyond their job description or effectively be an unsung hero in their community. The entrant may have given up their time and energy to help other people. They may have influenced policy making at local government level, participated in local action, or otherwise made a difference which has benefited others in their community.
Paul Gibson
When Paul Gibson was studying for his Masters degree in he faced ignorance and prejudice but those challenges fuelled his future career. Paul is vision impaired. His degree is in public policy, making him perfectly suited to roles he has held – including Disability Human Rights Commissioner, and as a commissioner on the Royal Commission on Historical Abuse of those in state care.
SPIRIT OF ATTITUDE AWARDS
A person with a disability who has overcome hardship to achieve their personal goals. This award celebrates those who are truly embracing life and making the utmost of whatever abilities they have. The recipient of this Award will be someone who has risen to the challenges they face with a positive, ‘can-do’ spirit. This award serves to remind the NZ public of the thousands of people who live their life with positivity.
Juanita Willems
Despite a busy life raising two boys with epilepsy and being almost blind herself, Juanita is a lead person for Fostering Hope in Otago. Juanita has been going progressively blind, the result of an injury when she was a child. She’s lost 97% of her vision and turned to volunteer work after she lost her job due to her lack of sight.
ATTITUDE SUPPORT SUPERSTAR AWARD
This award is about valuing professionals who support people with disabilities to live their best life possible. Recent moves in the support worker industry have recognised and valued disabled people by placing emphasis on providing a higher level of care. While the award recognises a professional, we're looking for someone with the X-factor who goes above and beyond their job. This category is open to (but not limited to) support workers, carers, occupational therapists, physios and nurses.
Leah Stewart
24 year old Leah Stewart knew from an early age she wanted to care for others. As a rehabilitation coach and carer she works with adults and children with complex needs. Five year old Levi has severe cerebral palsy. Leah expert care has also resulted in her niece, who is blind, reaching milestones well ahead of medical predictions.
ATTITUDE YOUTH SPIRIT AWARD
This award is for a person up to the age of 20 who lives with a disability and who has made a significant contribution to improving society. It highlights the hard work and dedication shown by young people and the contribution they make to our society. Nominees may have excelled in the educational, sporting or artistic field, or they may be a strong advocate in the community.
Cory Newman
Living with Cerebral Palsy, Cory Newman is the lead singer in the band Sit Down In Front, a Gisborne based punk rock band that won ‘best song’ at the 2019 SmokeFreeRockQuest, opened for Jimmy Barnes at his New Zealand concert in September and has had a number of songs with national and international airplay.
Attitude Awards 2019: Preview
The 12th Annual Attitude Awards celebrate the achievements of people making a positive impact in the...
Attitude Awards 2019: Preview
The 12th Annual Attitude Awards celebrate the achievements of people making a positive impact in the...
Paul Gibson
When Paul Gibson was studying for his Masters degree in he faced ignorance and prejudice but those c...
The Cookie Project
The Cookie Project is a social enterprise with a winning recipe. Founders Eric and Graham provide pa...
Jezza Williams
Kiwi adrenaline junkie, Jezza Williams has always pushed his limits. He was working as a canyoning g...
Jenn Hooper
Jenn Hooper began her advocacy work after her daughter Charley was born. Complications during birth ...
Jaunita Willems
Despite a busy life raising two boys with epilepsy and being almost blind herself, Juanita is a lead...
Kiringāua Cassidy
Kiringaua is carving a role for himself as an orator in both English and Te Reo Maori. He’s also an ...
Nigel Cash
As athletics coach for Special Olympics Nigel Cash prepares his athletes well. Nigel transitioned fr...
Corey Newman
Living with Cerebral Palsy, Cory Newman is the lead singer in the band Sit Down In Front, a Gisborne...
Leah Stewart
24 year old Leah Stewart knew from an early age she wanted to care for others. As a rehabilitation c...
Tim Fairhall
Tim Fairhall isn't afraid to stand up for his rights. Tim rocked the boat by presenting to a governm...
Gavin Rolten
Gavin is quadriplegic following a diving accident. At first he struggled to find a career post accid...
Axiam Plastics Ltd.
Whanganui based, Axiam Plastics Limited is an engineering company with a clear strategy to recruit, ...
Sudima Auckland
Sudima Hotels are leading the way as the only proudly accessible hotel group in Aotearoa.
AJ Poua
AJ has turned her passion for fitness into a successful business, Wheelie Active after a fall from a...
Dave MacCalman
Dave MacCalman has been instrumental in developing new sports programmes across the Waikato and Bay ...
Rebecca Dubber
Even as she was coping with the intense demands of her Paralympic swimming career Rebecca Dubber kne...
James Wilson
James was the only powerlifter to represent New Zealand in the Special Olympics World Games in Abu D...
Gabby Wright
Gabby Wright had a vision of playing for the Silver Ferns. She was playing representative netball wh...
Graeme Haddon
For 15 years, Graeme has dedicated his life to looking after disadvantaged youth. Seven years ago he...
Letitia Tupua
Leticia has been supporting tetraplegic patients for Drake Medox for the past 17 years. Leticia look...
Ephraim Gudgeon
28 year old Ephraim Gudgeon turned a life changing accident into positive change in his life and now...
Carlos Biggemann
Carlos is a professional photographer with exhibitions in New Zealand, Bolivia and an upcoming exhib...
Eric Chuah
Prior to moving to New Zealand Eric worked in the banking world. It was a chance meeting with a man ...
2019 Attitude Awards Night Special
The 12th Annual Attitude Awards celebrate the achievements of people making a positive impact in the...
2019 Attitude Awards Night Special
The 12th Annual Attitude Awards celebrate the achievements of people making a positive impact in the...
2019 Attitude Awards Night Special
The 12th Annual Attitude Awards celebrate the achievements of people making a positive impact in the...
Attitude Awards 2020: Preview
In what has been a tough year for many, we celebrate the achievements of Kiwis living with disabilit...
2020 Attitude Awards Special
The 13th Annual Attitude Awards, celebrating the achievements of Kiwis in the disability community. ...
2020 Attitude Awards Special
The 13th Annual Attitude Awards, celebrating the achievements of Kiwis in the disability community. ...
2020 Attitude Awards Special
The 13th Annual Attitude Awards, celebrating the achievements of Kiwis in the disability community. ...
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2015 Attitude Awards Night Special
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2018 Attitude Awards Night Special
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2011 Attitude Awards Night Special
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2010 Attitude Awards Night Special
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2012 Attitude Awards Night Special
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2021 Attitude Awards Special
Join Simon Dallow as we celebrate achievement in the disability sector. Wonderful stories, a stunnin...
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NZSL Feeling Good Performance - Attitude Awards 2021
Feeling Good performed in New Zealand Sign Language by Anushka Singh, Ysabel Mercado, and Martina Me...
