Attitude

G In what has been a tough year for many, we celebrate the achievements of Kiwis living with disabilities and their supporters. Join us as we highlight some of our finalists from around the country.

G The Peita Boys keep their mum, Miranda's, hands full. Taonga, the youngest, was born with the extra challenge of Down Syndrome - but, as his name suggests, is seen as a gift to the family.

G For two teenage sisters living with OCD, the world can often be an uncertain and scary place. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, they lean on each other for support.

G Born with disabilities including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Ngā Hou now works as a baker at The Cookie Project - a social enterprise founded by her adoptive dad, Graeme.

G Living with cerebral palsy, Nikayla Wood never imagined she would skydive or ski. But with a new zest for life and a mantra to "feel the fear and do it anyway", she's embarking on the trip of a lifetime.

G Punk-rock frontman Cory Newman is creating big waves with his band. The award-winning 17-year-old, who was born with cerebral palsy, now looks ahead to leaving the comfort zone of home, and school.

PG 13-year-old refugee Kasem lost his leg and much of his upper arm in a bomb attack in Syria, which also killed his father and siblings. Now in Dunedin, Kasem is determined to live life to the full.

G Profoundly blind acupuncturist and radio enthusiast Ivan is 72 years old. He's never let his disability slow him down, and doesn't intend to let age do so either.

G Rufus lives in Kaikoura with his parents, but wants to live independently like his siblings. On a road trip to Christchurch he meets others with Down syndrome and gets a taste of the big city life.

G Four of the six Priestley family members live with Autism. Because they're able to function at a high level, their daily struggles often go by unseen or misunderstood.