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SEPT 2025 THE REVIEW | 11 FEATURE Thomas Chin 2022 When we introduced Thomas, he was 22 years old, living at his family home in Christchurch and working part time, while studying law. He was heavily involved with the Halberg Foundation and had a passion for advocacy. In 2024, Thomas, now 25, graduated with a Bachelor of Laws minoring in Māori and Indigenous Studies. He now lives in Whakatāne where he works as a solicitor. “My advocacy work has transferred into my mahi as a lawyer. I cover a wide range of legal areas including criminal law, conveyancing and wills and succession. “Although no longer specific to the disability sector, my focus on advocacy remains at the forefront of what I do.” Since moving to Whakatāne Thomas’ focus has been on trying to find his feet as a new lawyer “while combating the significant challenges of moving to Whakatāne where there is a lack of disability support and options in terms of accessibility and transport”. Kevin Botha 2023 Kevin, now 9, remains a determined young man. “Kevin is a very happy and positive boy. He does therapy daily and is eager and happy to do it. He is a hard worker and tough both in body and mind,” dad Shane says. When we first met Kevin he had recently learnt to spell his name by putting the correct letters in the right order. He is now able to sit unaided for a couple of minutes, he has started to pull himself into a standing position in an adapted standing frame, and can stand while holding himself up for over an hour. His language – using a communication book, a tablet and Sign Language – has continued to advance. Vaotane (Va) Filemoni 2023 When we chatted with Va she was working as a teacher aid at Mangere Bridge School – a position she has now held for six years. Ballroom dancing remains her number one hobbie – she attends weekly lessons and helps out at competitions. Va, 33, is working on perfecting the merrilyn and tangoette dances – especially rotating during a dance. “That’s the hard part of my dancing, because of my limited movements.” Earlier this year Va went to Samoa for a funeral. It was her first overseas trip in 22 years. She is now planning a trip to Italy for her uncle’s wedding in October 2026. Max Wymer 2024 When we met Max life was all about boccia and watching the One New Zealand Warriors. Not much has changed – except that boccia has “taken off”. Max went to Christchurch for the 2024 Boccia NZ Nationals where he and fellow Cerebral Palsy Society member Troy Robertson played doubles and won a silver medal. Earlier this year Max travelled to Wellington for the North Island regionals where he came second in the BC3. He is now training for this year’s Nationals in Christchurch in October and his international debut at the Canberra 2025 World Boccia Challenger in November. Opposite page: Kevin Botha, pictured with his dad Shane, and his family enjoyed a holiday in China earlier this year. Above, left-right: Thomas Chin graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 2024 . Va Filemoni is keeping up with her love of ballroom dancing, and has been in her role as a teacher aid for 6 years. One year on, life is still all about boccia and the One New Zealand Warriors for Max Wymer.