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Below: Stephen found happiness when he addressed his health, life and work balance. OUR LIFE Gary’s story: Overcoming obstacles and negativity to make the most of life When Gary Endacott turned five and was ready to start school, his mother sat him down and gave him some advice. Advice that put the youngster in good stead for his schooling years, and his entire life. “She said ‘this is what’s going to happen to you on your school journey – you’re going to be last picked for sports team, people are going to push you over, they’re going to call you names. Some people will even physically have a go at you.’ “And she said ‘just never give in and keep trying. It will get better’.” Gary, who lives with Cerebral Palsy and learnt to walk when he was 4 years old, never gave in – far from it. He has gone on to play Physical Disability Rugby League for New Zealand, won world titles in disabled tennis, completed four New York Marathons and was the first person with a significant disability to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. He is a public speaker, has a job he loves with the Ministry of Education as a Disability Facilitator, and is a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with disabilities. Since turning 50, Gary has noticed life with Cerebral Palsy getting harder – especially when it comes to the amount of concentration and effort required to keep his balance. Above: Gary’s determined approach to life has seen him achieve great things. invading my personal life. That impacted my mental health.” So, in 2017 Stephen made a small, but vital tweak to his work. He gave up his full-time work as a permanent ECE teacher and began work as a reliever for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. “It’s about a balance between health, life and work.” Stephen says he wants to educate people about disability. “I want to make people aware. If you’ve got a question – just ask. I’m very open.” Being a member of the Cerebral Palsy Society has “been amazing”, he says. “I’ve been able to access so much – gym memberships, financial help to get equipment to make life a bit easier, advice. “I’ve taken up the opportunity when I’ve come across other people with CP to advocate for the CP Society.” The full version of this article was published in the March 2025 edition of The Review magazine. “Doing everything is getting harder – getting up off the couch, moving around, climbing in and out of cars.” Life has thrown plenty of challenges his way, but Gary is well known for his positive attitude and ability to make things happen. “Some people look for reasons to justify where they’re at, and some people look for solutions. “I know that there are certain parts of my life that I’ll never change. But I don’t spend too much time on that. I’m a great one for worrying about what I can control, not what I can’t.” The full version of this article was published as part of the 2024 Be Green & Be Seen campaign. 2024-2025 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT | 19