Captions by Glenna Casalme, Ingrid Lauder and Desney Shaw. www.able.co.nz Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2017 (MARCHING MUSIC) (LEADER CALLS OUT IN MAORI) Kia rite! Kia mau! Ko wai ra? Ko wai ra? (ALL CHANT) (ALL CHANT HAKA) (APPLAUSE) Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we celebrate 10 years of the Attitude Awards. I'm Simon Dallow, and it's an honour, a privilege and a pleasure for me to be back again as we celebrate the achievements and the spirit of some remarkable New Zealanders who just happen to be living with disability. Tonight we have politicians, business leaders, stars of stage and screen. I'm dazzled. Truly, though, the real dazzle will be up here on the stage ` the roll call of amazing people for awards tonight. The first Attitude Awards were in 2008. Attitude CEO Robyn Scott Vincent and presenter Curtis Palmer came up with the idea. They'd been advised by many to organise a nice little afternoon tea. Their vision was much greater. Curtis Palmer, welcome. I'M GOING TO LET HIM GO OTHERWISE IS GOING TO SQUIRM OFF MY LAP. I'LL HAND HIM TO HIS MOM. The motivation, the inspiration to launch the awards, what was behind it? We wanted to have a small gathering, but after my meeting with Robin Scott-Vincent, we decided we would have a grand celebration. We have inducted nine people into our Hall of Fame. Thank you very much. We have outstanding talent. Let's begin with our presentation. Let's begin with our presentation that recognizes lifelong service to the disability community. The Attitude Hall of Fame is supported by the Lion Foundation, which was the founding supporter of these awards and continues to be a valued partner. Tonight we honour a man who has made his mark both in New Zealand and on the world stage ` Duane Kale. Here to read the citation about Duane's life, Julie Coney, representing the Lion Foundation. Duane Kale it's a man recognized for skills both here and overseas. Tonight we honor you and all you have achieved. Your spirit and commitment to improving the lives of others through work in the Paralympics Both here in New Zealand an internationally. Robin, the team at attitude, thanks very much thank you to the trustees to have made the decision. A person doesn't going to doing things in the community to think that they are going to be recognized. To have gone from the top of the world stage and sport and thinking that was as good as it was going to get. But that was just the start. Now I have just been privileged to leave the Paralympic games. It is pretty special to be able to create an environment for others to succeed. There is one other personthis actually wouldn't happen without, and that is my wife. (SOBS) I WOULD LIKE TO THINK MY FELLOW ATHLETES. Have a great night. Cheers. Employment is an issue for all of us, but jobseekers with a disability face more challenges than most. Often they're simply up against outdated attitudes and ignorance. What it takes is an employer who sees not obstacles but opportunities. Our next award celebrates such employers. The award is sponsored by the Accident Compensation Corporation, which has provided the support for many here tonight to be back in work. Please welcome to the stage, Dame Paula Rebstock, chairperson of the ACC board, and Black Ferns prop Aldora Itunu, fresh from victory in the World Cup. Kia ora tatou. Isn't she fantastic? Let's give her one more round of applause. What a star. Our finalists come from many, different businesses doing many different things. But as employers, they have one thing in common, and that is their goal to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by providing meaningful work. Talofa lava. I am honored to be here on behalf of the Black Ferns. The finalists are... It is our pleasure to announce that the winner is Fairfax media. Actions speak louder than words here at Fairfax. Fairfax actively drives diversity. It's coffee shop is run by Dave Burris does. Posters guide staff to order in sign language. It is important for staffing Fairfax. We reflect our communities. So we reflect that in our organization. Since this was launched in December 2016, they have served thousands of coffees and encourage the hundred 50 staff to use basic sign language. I really enjoy working here. I'm learning a lot about coffee and I'm sharing my deaf culture with them. Fairfax provides jobs for people with a range of disabilities. The intellectual disability or physical disability is not important. It's the passion to do the job that is what we were interested in. (FUNKY MUSIC) THIS AWARD IS REALLY FOR OUR EMPLOYEES PAST AND PRESENT. THE COMPANY'S WEEK CONNECT WITH OVER THE SERVICE PROVIDERS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. THEY HAVE HELPED US ON THIS JOURNEY. WE HAVE ALL SHOWN GREAT HEART IN STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE TOWARDS MAKING nEW zEALAND A TRULY DIVERSE PLACE TO LIVE. WELL DONE. I love my job so much. It's amazing. (APPLAUSE) This award recognises the leaders who make change by example, by raising their voices and by their actions. Tonight we acknowledge the work they are doing and the legacy they are creating. Datacom are a new sponsor this year. Please welcome Mark Ellis and the new Minister of Social Development and Disability Issues, Carmel Sepuloni. ON BEHALF OF DATACOM, IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO PRESENT THIS AWARD. Often a difficult path, leadership requires passion and sheer determination. Leaders at the heart of success and the unlocking of potential. Being recognized in this category is an achievement. Thank you, everybody for being here tonight. It is a privilege for me. I have had the honor of attending this event in the past. But this is special because I am attending as the minister for disability issues. I am very conscious of the importance of responsibilities that come with that. How the work we do as a government impacts people's lives. I'm looking forward to working with you, for you. I would also like to acknowledge Datacom. I was just telling Mark that I was expecting to see a rugby player. But I am not disappointed. He told me he lives in my electorate. Looking forward to the rest of the evening. Here to celebrate the accomplishments of our people. And the finalists for the attitude leadership award are... The winner is... Hamish Taverner (APPLAUSE) MINE MAIN GOAL IS TO HAVE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY HAVE THEIR SAY AND BE TREATED AS THE SAME. HAMISH HAS BEEN SPEAKING OUT ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS. HAMISH HAS BEEN A CENTRAL REGION president. FOUR PEOPLE FIRST TWICE. ANOTHER DAY. OF THE AIRPORT. A LONG-STANDING MEMBER OF sPECIAL oLYMPICS, HE IS A GLOBAL MESSENGER. HAMISH LOBBIED OVER THE MINIMUM WAGE EXCEPTION. AND HELP PROTECT DISABLED PEOPLE FROM BULLYING. IF I GET MORE ENCOURAGED TO SPEAK TO THE GOVERNMENT, THEN I CAN SPEAK UP. SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES. (RELAXED BIG BAND MUSIC) THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS AWARD. I FEEL VERY EMPOWERED AND OVERWHELMED. EVERYONE IN THE LEADERSHIP AWARD HAS BEEN DOING A GREAT THING. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY FAMILY, ESPECIALLY MY MOTHER. Thank you also to people first New Zealand for our opportunities. Also the special eventsNew Zealand for my role as a global messenger. Thank you to everyone I have been working with a lot over the many years. Thank you to Attitude. Have a good evening. (APPLAUSE, CHEERING) thank you. Next, a new award. From the start of the Attitude Awards, we've recognised Paralympians and their achievements. But behind every athlete, there is always the unsung hero, the coach. This year, for the first time, we're recognising those heroes. Along with this new award, we welcome Cigna Insurance to our family of sponsors. Presenting this award, from Cigna Insurance, Mark Kenning, and para-athlete and javelin thrower Holly Robinson. It is a great privilege to be here. This award recognizes someone in the sporting realm. Now she has coached countless athletes the national international success and given both her time in passion and spirit in seeing those athletes reach their peak. I'm delighted to have with me tonight one of those athletes she is coach. Javelin thrower Holly Robinson. Kia ora. At the Rio 2016 Paralympic games, we had a total of eight athletes winning nine metals. She managed his team and coach those for athletes. Raylene, to me and to many others you are truly inspirational. The work that you do behind the scenes allows many to shine. Could you please come now cup on to the stage and accept this award? Thank you very much. You are very naughty. You don't do things in life or awards. You do them because you love them and you are passionate. The pleasure is all mine. I get so much pleasure Out of not just seeing people achieving on the sporting field but grow as people. If you can have one tiny little bit of input into their growth as a person then you have succeeded and you have done something. Holly, It has been absolutely my pleasure to watch you grow into what you have as an athlete and as a young lady. This is a very very special award and I appreciate it. To my family, I know it is pretty tough sometimes the amount of time I'm away from home and the amount of time I spend with my athletes �And people in the community, but without your support I could not do it. Thank you very much. Tonight there are many incredible stories, and this is one you are sure to remember. Jennifer Bricker was born without legs and with her heart on the wrong side of her body. In Illinois, USA, she was adopted to a family who raised her with the mantra 'never say can't'. Her auto-biography is titled Everything is Possible. To see why, please cast your eyes to the centre of the room and welcome Jennifer Bricker, aerialist and acrobat from the USA. (applause) (orchestral music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic orchestral music) (applause) The Invictus Games are an international multisport event for injured and disabled military veterans. and this year New Zealand fielded a team of 24 athletes at the Games in Toronto. Some of who we met this evening at the start of tonight when they welcomed us with that magnificent haka. Please welcome to the stage Air Vice Marshall Tony Davies, chief of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, accompanied by former New Zealand SAS soldier ` and the only living New Zealander awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery ` Willie Apiata. Kia ora. The Invictus Games uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, support, rehabilitation and recognition amongst our wounded, injured and sick servicewomen and men. Tonight we honour one of the 24 New Zealand athletes who competed in the September 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. Kia ora. It is an honour and a privilege to be here tonight To present this award. I have had the uppermost privilege To share and be a part of Invictus Games As a patron to really special people. Tonight's award winner is a cancer survivor who was chosen for this award by her peers in the 2017 New Zealand Defence Force Invictus Games Team. She was selected for her personification of the spirit of Invictus through her resilience, courage and seemingly invincible nature. ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 2017 Attitude New Zealand Invictus Award is Able Communications Warfare Specialist Paulette Doctor. (applause) Kia ora. So naughty. I did not dream this could happen. Thank you very much. It is a great privilege to be here Among all the recipients and finalist for the awards. Thank you attitude for having us here this year. It really is an honour to be here. Thank you to my amazing Invictus Games whanau. Thank you for honouring me with this award. Thank you to my whanau, my husband Damien who is here tonight and a little boy Cutler who is home hopefully in bed. They have been through me with the darkest moments And now they are with me in the sunshine that basks my life. Thank you so much. The Attitude Epic Award, sponsored by Drake Medox, celebrates the unexpected ` people who are breaking preconceived ideas of what's possible when you live with disability by simply getting out there and doing cool stuff for the fun of it! It's a showcase for some truly interesting talents. Finalists for this award submitted video of their exploits, and our panel has chosen a winner. Please welcome longstanding supporters of the Attitude Awards, Drake Medox, represented by Gay Barton, accompanied by a man who has made a business out of getting out there, bungee jump operator Henry van Asch. For more than 40 years, Drake Medox has been supporting people with disabilities to live their lives to the fullest in New Zealand. We want to see more and more people with disabilities saying yes, I can. Good evening. It is a great pleasure to be here tonight to present this epic award. A lifetime of racing down mountains and taking bungee to the world, I know what epic means. These people in this award have taken epic to a new level. As the father of Amos, a 16-year-old who has Down syndrome, I know what it is like that with the right attitude, the incredible and epic can be achieved. I would like to announce the winner of the Attitude Epic Award is Evan Clulee. I want to thank the Attitude Awards for this new epic award. I want to thank Stuart Sexton in Wellington for introducing me to the Jubilee sailing trust And they launched a video of me being pulled up the mast. There was a thing called property of opportunity and maybe there still is for some people, But now it is more a poverty of attitude. We have plenty of opportunity to do really epic things. We are spoilt for choice. I want to encourage disabled people, old and young and in between, to take risks and of epic lives. There are plenty of organisations and people to support you to live your dreams and reach your goals. You only live once. Thank you. This award celebrates a young person who is just starting to make their way in the world and represents the positive spirit at the heart of the Attitude Awards. It recognises a person who's also made a significant contribution to improving the lives of other disabled youth. Barfoot & Thompson has been a long-standing supporter of these awards, and we welcome to the stage managing director Peter Thompson. Accompanying him is guest presenter and star of the latest Hugh Jackman film The Greatest Showman, Mr Sam Humphrey! Thank you Simon. On behalf of Barfoot & Thompson, it gives me great privilege tonight to be here at the Attitude Awards Presenting something that is very close to us the Attitude Youth Spirit Award. Some disability advocates do not enjoy being viewed as inspirational, I feel that inspirational is a fitting word to describe our three finalists. We are inspired by you because you show us how. Good evening. It is an honour to be here tonight. The three young people here show us that you are never too young to accomplish your goals. They have achieved amazing things. They have at their own challenges but they have overcome those challenges to make a difference in the lives of people around them. The finalists are... And the winner of the Attitude Youth Spirit Award is Eva McGauley. I am pretty lucky. Cancer affects my ability To do most things. Eva McGauley has terminal cancer and could be conserving energy Instead she is focused outward driving a campaign to end sexual violence. She has called it Eva's wish. I think it is absolutely terrible the statistics of how many young people will be sexually abused before their 16th birthday. I saw the impact of what happened to them when it was my friends. Eva has raised nearly $60,000 for survivors of sexual abuse and has campaigned for a free online counselling service. The foundation is also working to get guidelines in place for schools to manage sex offenders And introduce compulsory education about sexual consent. Even though Eva has based on going treatment for her cancer, she has put her next goal in place - Making a series of video of how young people can continue her legacy by becoming advocates For matters close to their heart. I want to create a world where I can feel safe leaving my love ones without me being there to look after them. Thank you so much. This is such an absolute honour. I would like to say a massive congratulations To the other finalists In all the categories but particularly in the same category as me. You guys are amazing. I would also like to say a big thank you To my friends and family for always being there to support me. Most of all I would like to say thank you to attitude for this award. And also the chance to highlight the issue of sexual abuse in New Zealand. Our world is facing a terrible epidemic of sexual violence And as time we as a country stood up and did something about it. So to all of the wonderful and strong survivors across New Zealand, this one is for you. The Attitude Awards Trust was established as a platform The Attitude Artistic Achievement Award is given to an artist who has shown excellence in his or her chosen field. Sponsoring this award - Manawanui InCharge. This is an agency that handles individualised funding and enables many in the community to live good lives and make their own choices. We welcome Marsha Marshall, representing Manawanui Incharge, and actor Ido Drent to present this award. It is such a pleasure to be back here again this year. This is my sixth year Attending the awards and it is such a feelgood factor. We are extremely privileged to sponsor this award. As an actor I know that making an impact in the arts is an incredibly difficult thing at the best of times. It takes a huge determination and courage. Our finalists tonight have shown that. The finalists are... The winner Of the artistic achievement award Is Stephanie Green. When I grew up I was a victim of bullying. Mostly because of my disability. Books were a place I went to hide. Born with limited vision and colourblindness, Steph is legally blind. She withdrew into a child's fantasy world after being alienated from other children. This led her to writing. Writing enables me to visit new and exciting worlds that I would not usually get to visit outside of my own home. I get to slay demons and vanquish dragons and fall in love a thousand times. It is the most fun you can have with computer. After facing endless rejection when trying to get a job she took to self publishing her books. Today her books around the New York Times bestseller list. Steve has written and published 18 novels, Poems, creative guides and a staggering 3000 online articles Under her pen name Stephanie Holmes. Diversity literature is exceptionally important to me. Anyone who reads my books, whatever disability or skin colour they have confined themselves in one of my characters. The author Chuck Wyndeck Wrote once you should be cruel to your characters, kindness begets boredom An boredom and a book is tantamount to a big bloodied death filled death. With that in mind I would like to apologise to all of the friends and family who have inspired the characters. To which I have been so hideously cruel. To my parents and my sister for sticking by me for 22 years of ridiculous obsessions, my teachers my friends, my mentors and most of all always and forever, my husband, James, who believes in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you so much. The Attitude Making a Difference Award recognises someone who has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of people living with a disability. Sponsoring this award is the Ministry of Health, represented by Jill Lane and Dr Lance O'Sullivan, well-known GP and former New Zealander of the year 2014. What a fabulous occasion this evening is. It is a great pleasure for me to be here. This award recognizes the dedication of people with disabilities to live their own lives to participate in their chosen activities and contribute to their communities. I want to congratulate all of the finalists for their achievements. It is truly a privilege and a pleasure to be here. My pleasure to announce the finalists for the attitude making a difference awards. The winner of the 2017 attitude making a difference award is Wendy Duff. Supporting other families, for me, it gives me great satisfaction to see a family come through crises. Wendy is a leading champion of families with children with autism. When you see a mother have a smile back on her face again. Her families functioning as it should be, it gives me great satisfaction. Wendy's son has autism, but she has devoted her life to raising awareness and money to support other families. A founding member of autism New Zealand, she received national recognition in 2013 when she was made a member of the New Zealand order of merit. Most recently, when he was a key force in establishing a much needed facility for young men with autism. Young people requiring residential. I think if we are entitled to something I will fight for it. Wow. That's all I can say at the moment. Thank you very much the ministry of health for supporting this award. I would like to thank my husband who is being the dad while I have spent 18 years in the conferences and meetings around the world and around New Zealand. As I try to help families with autism. Thank you very much. In every community there are left-fielders - people who take the hand they're dealt and up the stakes. We celebrate tonight three brilliant business operators in the Attitude Entrepreneur Awards. Westpac Bank is the sponsor of this award, generously supporting it with a cash prize, and we welcome to the stage head of learning talent and culture Westpac NZ Jennie Ryan and former head of Ryman Healthcare, now co-founder of Braveheart, a social media channel dedicated to sharing the stories of the unsung heroes of Christchurch, Simon Challies. What a great privilege to be here this evening. Westpac is incredibly proud of of our support of the Attitude Awards. A partnership founded on on a shared passion of celebrating New Zealanders who are achieving amazing things against the odds. Two are finalists, you are all awesome. A huge congratulations. Good evening, everybody. It is my pleasure to be here. I've got a confession to make. My hand is shaking a bit. I got Parkinson's. I love situations like this. (ALL CHUCKLE) ESTABLISHING A NEW BUSINESS IS HARD AT THE BEST OF TIMES. YOU NEED TO BE OPTIMISTIC AND RESILIENT AND HAVE A PASSION FOR YOUR WORK AND BE A ADAPTABLE. Here are the finalists. I am delighted to announce that the Attitude Awards entrepreneur award is Robbie Francis. (CHEERING) I learned to walk on this artificial leg because I couldn't say prosthesis or artificial limb. It just became known as Lucy leg. Lucy leg has carried her along for 28 years. She has traveled the world making a difference to people with disabilities. She is the director of Lucy foundation, promoting employment. He is currently in Mexico supporting the locals in growing and exporting coffee beans. People can interact in a meaningful way whether they have disabilities or not. 12 Mexican families are aligned on the income they earn from this coffee. You can buy it here too. Robin is studying towards her PhD and supporting asylum-seekers and contributing to a variety of disability groups. I hope by leading by example, other young people with disabilities might think they can be bold and beautiful too. Goodness gracious. First of all I want to say thank you to Westpac for sponsoring this award and Attitude. My biological family, my family and friends, I'd like to thank everyone herein New Zealand in Mexico. I would like to dedicate this award to Donna Alicia. She is a mother of two adult men with disabilities. We work with her in Mexico. They live in poverty. A couple of days ago she passed away from diabetes. A lack of education and medication when she wasn't able to fight it. I just wanted to say thank you to Donna. It may seem like a world so far away from this beautiful dinner and celebration we're having tonight, but we had a chance to ask Alicia what it meant for her working with Lucy foundation, and she replied for the first time in her life that her adult sons come home with their heads held high and she died knowing that they belong. So rest in peace. Muchas gracias. The spirit of Attitude sits at the core of this whole night. Nominees are people who've overcome their personal challenges to realise goals that many would have thought beyond anyone living with a disability. I am delighted to be here this evening on behalf of HealthCare NZ. This award celebrates exceptional people who inspire others, and in doing so make a remarkable contribution to the communities. I am incredibly honored and privileged to be here tonight. It is very inspiring and humbling. I hope to live my life with as much courage and determination and passion as they possess. And the finalists are... and the winner is Geneva Hakaria-Tino I have desires, dreams and aspirations like any other person my age. As I am nonverbal, many people often make the assumption that I must be mentally disabled. This really motivates me to lead a successful life. Geneva was born with cerebral palsy. Despite living with complex physical challenges in being nonverbal, she has chosen to undertake a communications degree. Just months from graduation, she is casing agencies for a job. I am here for a meeting with Deborah. It might seem a tough career choice, but Geneva is emphatic. She is a young Maori woman with a unique voice. She strives to model what people with disabilities are capable of. It's about changing assumptions of people with in society about disability. It's about letting them know that even though we have a disability we are just like our able-bodied peers. She is also a voice in the Mara is and represent men and women who have never been heard before. She is an ambassador for the TalkLink communication device and aims the device communicates with a New Zealand accent and in te reo Maori. This will be a first in the world. They will be able to communicate in their native tongue. Anei purotu! Kia ora koutou ka nui toku hari. No reira tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award. I would like to thank my family and friends for the love and support, care throughout my life. Finally, to my number one supporters, my parents. Mom and dad, thank you for your love and support. Without your love and support I would not be the person I am today. Someone special made it here to see her. Geneva's whanau have come onstage tonight. We want to acknowledge them. Geneva's father is terminally ill with diabetes and heart condition. He wanted to be here tonight and support his daughter. It is a surprise to Geneva. She did not know He was coming tonight. (applause) I dedicate this awardto my daddy. Thank you. I don't know the microphone picked it up but she said she dedicated this award to her father. (applause) (CHANTS HAKA) (BOTH CHANT HAKA) (applause, cheering) congratulations, Geneva. Tena koutou to the whanau. (applause) what an amazing young woman. The pollen count is pretty high tonight. Excuse me. Right! Five years ago we introduced the People's Choice Award which gave all of you the opportunity to have your say in the judging. Votes are placed via the AttitudeLive web platform, and the winner has been chosen by popular vote. Our sponsor for this award is also the people's choice, Air New Zealand, and we welcome to the stage diversity and inclusion manager at Air New Zealand Charlotte Downes, and social inspirer, spreading his Waiirua across New Zealand and now globally, William Waiirua. It is an absolute privilege to be here on behalf of any New Zealand. And to present the People's choice award. We have been sponsors since 2008 and this partnership is really fitting for us as we see the value that diversity and inclusion brings. It is the inner strength and power and humility that create these really amazing organisations. Anna creates a stronger and kinder society. Well said. I just called her Shaz. She didn't know I would do that. It is an honour to be here. I could not see anything in the glasses. I thought there was a bit of applause there but I will keep going. (applause) Oh! I fished for that one and got it. It is an honour to be here and a privilege and share the special evening with everybody. Everybody in this category has done the mahi and tonight they will get the treats. So without further ado, Shazza, back over here. Thanks, Wills. The winner of the attitude People's choice award is Daryl Brougham. I was not expecting an award so I brought the menu up to make it look like I had a speech. Just try to find the right page to go to. And I find this page, a blank page. I am in shock. I don't know what to say. I come from a life of 6000 days in care with over 130,000 hours of lived experience. For every child no matter what they go through, they deserve a blank Page to create their own life. Congratulations Daryl. Great achievement. Just one thing remains ` to find out who is our supreme winner for 2017. The judges select one person from the seven category winners to receive the ACC Supreme Award. Please welcome to the stage, representing ACC, the new Minister for ACC, Iain Lees-Galloway. To refresh our memories on who those category winners are, let's take another look. Make sure people with learning disabilities have the right to have their say. My goal is to create a world where I can feel safe leaving my loved ones. Anyone who reads my box whatever disability they have confined themselves in one of my characters. I have a fight. If I think we are entitled to something. I will fight for it. It is the ability to do the job, not the disability. I hope by leading by example other young people with disabilities will think they can be bold and bright and beautiful too. It is about changing assumptions of people within society about people with disability. We are just like our able-bodied peers. Hello finalists and guests and friends and family. What an amazing evening. This is the first Attitude Awards I have had the privilege to attend. I have found it an outstanding event. It will not be the last one I will attend. And deciding who will be named attitude ACCs supreme award winner, The judges are attitude trustees saw the person who has achieved great things through their strength, determination and talents. Geneva. (applause) Geneva, you above all others remind us that we must never judge what is possible for anyone. Despite your considerable physical challenges you have chosen to be the very best version of yourself. Geneva, congratulations. Kia ora. Geneva only prepared one speech. She did not want to pLay that one again. I suppose, as you can tell she is really ecstatic about receiving this award, the supreme award. What an absolute honour. There are so many people that have made Geneva. The recipient before Geneva explained how it takes a village to raise an individual. For Geneva it took an iwi, a nation to help her make her she is today. I hope I have said enough Geneva. Anyone you want me to thank? No. She really wants to thank you her mum I suppose. I will take the glory while I can. And of course her father. An absolute treasure to have her dad here today. He struggled to get out of the house. It took us an hour and � to get him ready to be here. Congratulations Geneva. Congratulations to everybody else who was made a finalist and have one your categories. Thank you very much. Geneva we honour and salute your courage and your achievements. Congratulations Geneva. Ladies and gentlemen, we appreciate your time here tonight. By your attendance, you make these awards possible ` awards that celebrate the human spirit and the determination of people to transcend limitations and make a difference. We close tonight with a group of young people who are equally determined to shine! It's the StarJam performers accompanied by Encore Entertainment dancers Alana Drake and Coby Morgan, and our Air New Zealand cheerleaders! You will be cheering them along as well. When the world leaves you feeling blue, you can count on me. I will be there for you. When it seems all your hopes and dreams are a million miles away I will be there for you. We have got to all stick together, good friends are there for each other, I have got you and you have got me. Reach for the stars Climb every mountain higher Reach for the Climb every mountain higher. Reach for the stars. Know your heart's desire. Reach for the stars. When a rainbow is shining over you that's when your dreams will come true. Captions by Glenna Casalme, Ingrid Lauder and Desney Shaw. www.able.co.nz Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air.