Spinal services in Auckland and Northland

Kia ora! We are the regional team for the Auckland region and Northland who support people with spinal impairments or injury. We work closely with Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (ASRU), working with patients through their transition home and then for continued care and clinical support in the community. 

Community

Disability sports, community connections and more!

NZ Spinal Trust

Access is proud to be the exclusive partner of the New Zealand Spinal Trust’s Whānau Peer Support programme.

NZST empowers people with spinal cord impairments and their whānau to build strong futures through support, information, and connection. Their Peer and Whānau Support team offers lived-experience guidance to those navigating life after a spinal injury.

At Access, we’re committed to this kaupapa. Our support workers and nurses assist tāngata with spinal injuries across Aotearoa, and we match donations to NZST’s annual appeal dollar for dollar, up to $25,000

Disability Sport Auckland

Disability Sport Auckland (DSA)  is a key Access partner supporting inclusive sport across Tāmaki Makaurau. We’re proud to support events like the Halberg Games and the DSA Awards, which celebrate disabled athletes and community leaders.

DSA creates opportunities for people with all types of disabilities to get active and involved — offering sports like swimming, wheelchair basketball, and even a stunt school. Their monthly events help members try new activities and build connections in the community.

Access also provides volunteer support for DSA’s regular programmes, helping ensure disabled people can participate, compete, and thrive through sport. We’re proud to work alongside organisations that empower people and foster inclusive communities.

Partnership with Eden Park

Eden Park is more than just our National Stadium — it’s a place that welcomes everyone. Through our partnership, Access proudly sponsors the Sensory Room, helping create a more inclusive experience for people attending live events.

The recent clash between Samoa and Scotland was a highlight for our Access whānau, including patients from the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit, friends at Spinal Support NZ. Pictured is a current Access client and one of the Spinal Support NZ peer supporters — who joined us for the night.

We’re proud to work with Eden Park to make unforgettable experiences more accessible to all.

Spinal Support NZ

Spinal Support NZ is a valued Access partner, providing peer support to people with spinal injury or impairment — both in hospital and in the community. Our sponsorship helps them continue this important mahi, offering connection, encouragement, and lived experience to those navigating life after injury.

We also help sponsor Spinal Gatherings across the motu — regional events that bring people together to share information, build relationships, and strengthen community.

Pictured: Round the Bays event, where Spinal Support NZ members came together to participate and connect. We’re proud to support initiatives that bring people together and make a real difference.

Welcome to our Regional Team

The Northern Regional team is led by Julie Rangitaawa, our Regional Manager. Julie brings over 30 years of healthcare experience and joined Access Community Health in early 2025. She leads the delivery of safe, high-quality, and person-centred support services, and is known for her strong leadership and commitment to empowering kaimahi. Julie is also the one you'll hear from after hours when urgent support is needed.

Alisha Cossar is our National Service Delivery Manager. Alisha's will ensure  your team is well-prepared to meet your needs, particularly when transitioning home from the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit.  With 20 years experience as a frontline paramedic and leading a national team of nurses, Alisha understands the complexity of spinal cord injuries and the importance of having a care team that's confident, capable, and compassionate. 

Leonie, our Regional Clinical Manager. With a nursing background and experience in both hospital and community settings in Aotearoa and overseas, Leonie has spent the past three years shaping clinical strategy in the Northern Region. She's a passionate advocate for culturally responsive care and works closely with funders and partners to ensure smooth transitions from hospital to home.

Heidi, our Regional Operations Lead. Heidi joined Access in 2016 and brings over a decade of healthcare experience. She supports care coordination, admin, and support worker teams, and is known for her sharp operational mind and commitment to continuous improvement and excellent service.

Together, Julie, Alisha, Leonie, and Heidi oversee care delivery across the Northern Region, supporting our nurses, care coordinators, support workers, and complex care navigators to help people live independently and thrive.