Since 2008 the Attitude Awards have been celebrating the success and achievements of people who live with disability. Ahead of this years event we give you a sneak peak at some of the finalists being recognised, as well as looking back at highlights from the past 11 years.
ATTITUDE ACC EMPLOYER AWARD
Axiam Plastics Limited
Whanganui based, Axiam Plastics Limited is an engineering company with a clear strategy to recruit, train and retain disabled employees.
Manager Frank Oskam has created an accessible workplace. He’s adapted systems for staff who are deaf, blind, have lost a limb or are living with anxiety.
Axiam apply a solution based approach to physical challenges. A modification to his workspace allows Dene to take on a job that would have been challenging for someone with one arm.
Sudima Auckland
Sudima Hotels are leading the way as the only proudly accessible hotel group in Aotearoa.
They employee 24 staff members who identify with access needs and train all staff in unconscious bias and disability awareness. Sudima develops a three year career plan for each staff member.
Ifiti Hussain is hearing impaired. He began his career with Sudima as a Front Office Manager. Sudima have supported him to study and become a Hotel Manager. Sign language interpreters attend staff meetings and the team is encouraged to learn New Zealand sign language.
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
Dave MacCalman
Dave MacCalman is a team player. Now employed as a senior advisor for the Halberg Foundation. He’s been instrumental in developing new sports programmes across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.
In 2018 he collaborated with Achilles NZ, to introduce wheelchair athletes into the Auckland Marathon. Dave played basketball for Wellington then the Brisbane Bullets. He was on a basketball scholarship in California when he broke his neck diving into a shallow river.
Dave provides Inclusion Training at tertiary institutions, highlighting how disabled people can readily be included in sport.
Gavin Rolton
Client satisfaction is a key focus for any business. Drake Medox says Gavin Rolton is a “powerhouse “ employee who has delivered both improved client satisfaction and an increase in net revenue.
He‘s set the bar for workmates and been instrumental in developing a culture of diversity and empathy, critical to the services provided by Drake Medox.
Gavin is quadriplegic. A diving accident on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. At first he struggled to find a career post accident. Now he’s a leader, not just at work but in his personal life.
He’s co-captain of the Wheelblacks.
Rebecca Dubber
Even as she was coping with the intense demands of her Paralympic swimming career Rebecca Dubber knew she needed also to plan for a career post sport. Early morning starts were juggled with lectures and assignments.
Rebecca secured a media internship with ANZ bank and is now employed by the Halberg Foundation. She’s in a key role in marketing, communication and social media promoting Halberg’s nationwide events.
Rebecca’s knowledge of sport and disability provides Halberg with valuable insights into how to better deliver programmes to support young people with disabilities.
ATTITUDE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
AJ Pouoa
AJ has turned her passion for fitness into a successful business, Wheelie Active. A self confessed sports junkie, AJ played rugby league for Sydney and Christchurch. A fall from a balcony left her paralysed.
AJ focused first on her own recovery. She then studied to become a personal trainer. She’s now found her niche - training other disabled men and women. AJ is now is on the lookout for someone she can coach to Paralympic glory!
Bruce "Pics" Picot
Bruce Picot is the kiwi king - of peanut butter. He’s spread worldwide.
Picot started his peanut butter brand to sell at markets in Nelson. But the operation outgrew his home garage. Pics now produces twenty five thousand jars a day.
Pic has macular degeneration. His sight has continued to deteriorate but he still like greeting visitors and working on the factory floor.
Jeremy "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 shares his experiences and passion for adventure. He educates tourism operators, and showcases how to make adventures accessible.
Born and raised in the South Island Jezza had New Zealand’s adventure playground as his back yard.
ATTITUDE LEADERSHIP AWARD
James Wilson
James Wilson likes to weigh into things with passion. James was the only powerlifter to represent New Zealand in the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, 2019.
James follows a strict nutrition plan. When he won a nutrition challenge at his local gym, he suggested he run a series of workshops to encourage other athletes to eat, stretch and warm up correctly.
As a Global ambassador with Special Olympics James delivers speeches at public events to fundraise and promote Special Olympics. James loves describing his journey from water boy to international heavy weight!
Nigel Cash
As athletics coach for Special Olympics Nigel Cash prepares his athletes well. Nigel transitioned from being an athlete to coach in 2018.
Nigel’s been a volunteer for the North Taranaki Club for 28 years. He gives round the clock care to his athletes during competitions and manages the technical side of their events.
A tough task master Nigel relentlessly seeks improvement.
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.
His stance led to a ground-breaking change that allows people to access their Kiwi Saver before the age of 65. He argued that some people with congenital conditions can have a shortened life expectancy.
Tim boldly challenged the rules on behalf of all Kiwis. Since the law was passed, Tim’s been working hard with plans to travel to Canada. He’s going to access his Kiwi saver so he can visit his brother, and spend time with a mate.
ATTITUDE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD
Eric Chuah
Eric Chuah never set out to work in the disability sector. Prior to moving to New Zealand he’d worked in the banking world. It was a chance meeting with a man who’d fostered disabled children that made Eric rethink his own contribution to society.
The Cookie Project has given disabled people work experience. But Eric’s real joy is seeing staff gain confidence or leave to take up positions elsewhere.
Jenn Hooper
Jenn Hooper began her advocacy work after her daughter Charley was born. Complications during birth had resulted in disability. Though she is not formally trained, Jenn believed she could help drive change.
Jenn pioneered, Changing Places, which begun building fully accessible bathroom facilities in public spaces throughout New Zealand.
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.
THE SPIRIT OF ATTITUDE AWARD
Carlos Biggemann
Carlos Biggemann likes to challenge perceptions! Carlos is a professional photographer with exhibitions in New Zealand, Bolivia and an upcoming exhibition in France.
People with Down Syndrome face a number of challenges including speech and learning difficulties. When Carlos moved from Bolivia to New Zealand he had to make new friends and learn a new language.
Carlos runs the Otago Down Syndrome Association, is a competitive swimmer, and writes for the Chat 21 magazine. He’s presented at both national and international conferences, including the World Down Syndrome Congress in Glasgow last year.
Ephraim Gudgeon
28 year old Ephraim Gudgeon turned a life changing accident into positive change in his life and now he is doing the same for others.
Ephraim was paralysed after jumping from a waterfall. A qualified personal trainer, he volunteers at the Gisborne Police training centre where he has adapted gym equipment so anyone with a disability can train. His goal is to empower people through physical strength and one day hopes to open his own gym.
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
Graeme Haddon
For 15 years, Graeme has dedicated his life to looking after disadvantaged youth. Seven years ago he met three young people with foetal alcohol syndrome. Graeme took them under his wings and into his care.
He made many personal sacrifices to advance the lives of his kids – much like a parent would do. But above all has built their self-esteem to believe they are worthy of love, and he’s shown he is a person they can rely on.
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.
Leah was in high school when she was asked to support a girl who had quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Maths tuition led to an enduring friendship with Alicia. Together they have travelled to New York, Miami, and the Bahamas. Leah pushed a wheelchair, pulled a suitcase and carried a shower/toilet seat on her back.
Leticia Tupua
Leticia Tupua tries her best to maintain the professional line of a caregiver, but she winds up embracing all her clients into her whanau.
Leticia has been supporting tetraplegic patients for Drake Medox for the past 17 years. Leticia looks after two clients, Reuben Harris and Rodney Williams. Food plays a large part in what Leticia reckons constitutes a good life.
ATTITUDE YOUTH SPIRIT AWARD
Cory Newman
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.
Living with cerebral palsy, Cory is also an academic superstar, receiving awards in English, Music and Religious Education.
Gabby Wright
Gabby Wright had a vision of playing for the Silver Ferns. She was playing representative netball when she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation that impacts nerves of the spinal cord.
Determined to find another way to satisfy her goal she trained as a netball umpire. Gaby was thrilled to get out of bed on cold winter days to umpire at the Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre. New Zealand’s first wheelchair umpire.
Kiringāua Cassidy
Kiringāua is most proud of his connection to his culture. He is carving a role for himself as an orator in both English and Te Reo Maori.
He’s also an accomplished singer and has released an album a collaboration with other young artists. Born with spina bifida Kiringaua pushes himself physically. He teaches Kapa Haka to the tamariki of Dunedin.
And he’s an aspiring paralympic skier!
My Perfect Family: Candle Dad
Raising four children alone is a challenge - more so, when two have Down Syndrome. Tony Sykes rose t...
My Perfect Family:Fragile X
To discover you’re the carrier of the genetic condition Fragile X only after your children are born ...
My Perfect Family: Twins
For young mum Nikki Stokes being a mother of five means there's never a dull moment. With non-verbal...
Whats Your Possibility? Muskaan and Red
Conversations about growing up with a disability. Red Nicholson and Muskaan discuss the changes we'...
My Perfect Family: Mahia & Tipene
Mahia and Tipene Stephens were born with a congenital eye disorder, causing their eyesight to deteri...
SheLift Part 1
Each year girls and women with various abilities and limb differences from all over the States meet ...
SheLift: Part 2
Each year girls and women with various abilities and limb differences from all over the States meet ...
My Perfect Family: Southland
Southland Disability Enterprises employs over 80 people who live with a disability. For Mary-Ellen J...
Being Me: Rachael Leahcar
Australian singer-songwriter, Rachael Leahcar, was born with retinitis pigmentosa and at 25-years-ol...
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 ...
Impact: Stroke
A medical stroke impacts the lives of more than 9000 New Zealanders every year. Here, we visit Middl...
Special Olympics Speed Skater: Evan James
Small for his age and bullied at school, most thought Evan James wouldn’t amount to much … things ch...
Ese The Blind Musician
Music isn't just something you listen to; some people feel it emotionally and spiritually. Music is ...
The Mums: Diagnosis
Right from diagnosis, the journey of parenting a child with a disability is full of unknowns. Expect...
The Mums: Diagnosis
Right from diagnosis, the journey of parenting a child with a disability is full of unknowns. Expect...
Special Olympics Figure Skater: Meg
Meg was mesmerised by the sparkly dresses when she first watched figure skating on TV. After her 9th...
Beauty Queen with Down Syndrome: Aubrey the Amazing
Aubrey Armstrong is a 13-year-old from Mississippi and she is full of sass! When she's not bossing h...
The Mums: Education
All children deserve an equal opportunity to education. But for some parents of children with disabi...
The Mums: Where to Seek Help
The process of simply seeking out help when you have a child with a disability can be a complicated ...
The Mums: Looking to the Future
There are a lot of unknowns when raising a child with a disability. In the final episode of our pare...
The Mums: Friendships
Like every other child, kids with disabilities want to fit in and find ‘their tribe’. In this episod...
Kids with Disabilities: Winnie
Winnie is a gutsy nine-year-old who gives everything a go. She usually gets around in a wheelchair b...
Kids with Disabilities: Luke
Luke has Down syndrome and is one of the most compassionate and funniest nine-year-olds in Canterbur...
Kids with Disabilities: Destiny
Destiny is an eight-year-old with cerebral palsy. In her own words: ‘CP is a thing in the legs, the ...
Kids with Disabilities: Harper
Harper is six years old and full of life! Despite some health challenges, he gives everything a go a...
Tiny Houses Jason Gillard
Jason has autism and never fit in with his peers at school. But it's his quirks and attention to det...
Mouth and Foot Painter: Grant Sharman
At 15 years old Grant broke his neck playing rugby and became tetraplegic. After his injury it was p...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 3
There’s only four days until the Miss Amazing 2018 final, and Jordan’s on a tight schedule with no r...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 3
There’s only four days until the Miss Amazing 2018 final, and Jordan’s on a tight schedule with no r...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 3
There’s only four days until the Miss Amazing 2018 final, and Jordan’s on a tight schedule with no r...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 3
There’s only four days until the Miss Amazing 2018 final, and Jordan’s on a tight schedule with no r...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 1
This year, 17-year-old Abby returns to Miss Amazing as the reigning winner, after having a life-chan...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 1
This year, 17-year-old Abby returns to Miss Amazing as the reigning winner, after having a life-chan...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 1
This year, 17-year-old Abby returns to Miss Amazing as the reigning winner, after having a life-chan...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 1
This year, 17-year-old Abby returns to Miss Amazing as the reigning winner, after having a life-chan...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 5
Gigi fights her nerves, and makes it on stage for her first appearance. Mum’s Lisa and Christine sh...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 5
Gigi fights her nerves, and makes it on stage for her first appearance. Mum’s Lisa and Christine sh...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 5
Gigi fights her nerves, and makes it on stage for her first appearance. Mum’s Lisa and Christine sh...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 5
Gigi fights her nerves, and makes it on stage for her first appearance. Mum’s Lisa and Christine sh...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 2
Miss Amazing created positive change for Abby, but see how the pageant has changed the life of her m...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 2
Miss Amazing created positive change for Abby, but see how the pageant has changed the life of her m...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 2
Miss Amazing created positive change for Abby, but see how the pageant has changed the life of her m...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 2
Miss Amazing created positive change for Abby, but see how the pageant has changed the life of her m...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 4
Contestants arrive at the Miss Amazing 2018 pageant in Chicago, the ballroom is still getting decora...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 4
Contestants arrive at the Miss Amazing 2018 pageant in Chicago, the ballroom is still getting decora...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 4
Contestants arrive at the Miss Amazing 2018 pageant in Chicago, the ballroom is still getting decora...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 4
Contestants arrive at the Miss Amazing 2018 pageant in Chicago, the ballroom is still getting decora...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 6
Gigi’s friends come to the rescue when the pressure of performing and being on stage almost becomes ...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 6
Gigi’s friends come to the rescue when the pressure of performing and being on stage almost becomes ...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 6
Gigi’s friends come to the rescue when the pressure of performing and being on stage almost becomes ...
The Road to Miss Amazing 2018: Part 6
Gigi’s friends come to the rescue when the pressure of performing and being on stage almost becomes ...
What's Your Possibility? Olivia Shivas
Olivia Shivas is a young disability advocate living with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Shakti h...
What's Your Possibility? Josh & Sophia
Sophia and Josh have very different disabilities. Shakti asks some tough questions about growing up ...
What's Your Possibility? Emma & Lizara
Shakti discusses growing up with a disability with friends Emma and Lizara.
Question Time: Sam
In this episode of Question Time, Sam answers a few questions about being short statured and his big...
Question Time: Living with Muscular Dystrophy
In our new series, we answer some of the commonly asked questions relating to disability. This week...
What's Your Possibility? Rebecca Dubber
Rebecca is an accomplished Paralympian swimmer, with 4 medals over her career. Shakti and Rebecca ta...
Question Time: Living with a Prosthetic Leg
In this episode of Question Time, we are asking Robbie about living with a prosthetic leg. Made wit...
Question Time: Septicaemia Survivor
Five years ago Korrin's life turned upside down when she contracted sepsis which resulted in amputat...
Question Time: Down syndrome
Question Time is a segment where we ask questions you've always wanted to ask a person with a disabi...
Question Time: Surviving Meningococcal
In our new series, we answer some of the commonly asked questions relating to disability. Thanks t...
Love Is Blind: Korin & Craig
When Korrin lost her hands and feet to septicaemia, Craig was by her side the whole time. Korrin had...
Love Is Blind: Ese & Sarah
It was a hug at a staff BBQ and Sarah was instantly smitten with Ese. Despite judgements from other ...
Love Is Blind: Don & Rosemary
Don and Rosemary have been married for more than 60 years. Although they are both vision impaired, t...
Love Is Blind: Tim & Helen
Tim was a professional athlete with the Wheel Blacks and didn't want a girlfriend. But when Helen he...
Love Is Blind: Loren & Mark
Loren and Mark met at university 4 years ago and have now become each other's person. In this specia...
Love Is Blind: Mike & Rebecca
Mike and Rebecca have learning disabilities but that hasn't stopped them from getting married and li...
Phil's Life Was Changed in a Moment
Phil Spring broke his neck in a scrum over 40 years ago, since then he's had a full life making impo...
Nafi's Life Was Changed in a Moment
Nafi Tefono was 'young and bulletproof' and a talented rugby player, but one day a misplaced tackle ...
Sophia's Life Was Changed in a Moment
Sophia was training to be a jockey when she was thrown from her horse, breaking her neck. She tells ...
Parveen's Life Was Changed in a Moment
Parveen lost his sight in a car accident at 25. He thought life was over, but he was soon to learn i...
O'Connor's Life Was Changed in a Moment
O'Connor sustained a traumatic brain injury in a motorbike accident. His mother thought he'd never g...
Tanya's Life Was Changed in a Moment
Tanya Black was left paralysed after a simple fall in her home 12 years ago. She never thought she'd...
Casey's Life Was Changed in a Moment
It was just over a year ago that Casey broke her neck while training for an upcoming motocross event...
Iziyah: Kids with Disabilities
"Sometimes I'm the same and sometimes I'm a bit different." Iziyah deals with some unique medical i...
New Zealand Fashion Week: Sophia's First Runway
The last time we checked in with up and coming model Sophia Malthus, she was representing All is for...
New Zealand Fashion Week: Sophia's Casting
In a New Zealand Fashion Week first, All Is For All models captivated the casting call with kiwi bra...
Inside Outside: Jesse Coles-Hart
Jesse Coles-Hart has started his first paid job as an assistant baker, but he still makes time for t...
Disability System Transformation and Accessibility
Minister for Disability Issues, Carmel Sepuloni and the Minister of Health, Andrew Little are announ...
My Perfect Family: Harper Ahern
Since being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age four, 10-year-old surfer Harper and his family ...
What's the Disabili-Tea - Finn Hitch
Finn Hitch (They/ Them) recently moved to Tāmaki Makaurau and they are keen to connect with the quee...
What's The Disabili-Tea - Ari Kerssens (with Audio Description)
Advocate for blindness and low vision, Ari Kerssens is jazzing up his cane in the hopes to promote a...
Jonathan Mosen Audio with Captions
Jonathan Mosen - Audio with Captions
Being Me: Bailee Lobb
Installation artist Bailee Lobb uses her colourful works to explore lived experience of disability, ...
