Spinal services in Greater Wellington

Kia ora! This page is an introduction to the regional team for the greater Wellington area, who support people with spinal impairments or injury. We work closely with patients through their transition home and for their ongoing care and clinical support. 

Community

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

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.

Our Regional Team

Tia Ikin, Regional Manager

Oversees the delivery of safe, high-quality, and person-centered support services across our region.   Tia supports our mission to help people live independently and thrive in their own homes and communities while supporting staff and fostering a positive, values-led workplace culture.   She will be your contact for urgent afterhours issues.  

Megan, Regional Clinical Manager

Has extensive nursing experience in both hospital and community settings and oversees a team of registered nurses and clinical professionals, maintaining high standards of clinical safety and quality. Megan works with Health New Zealand, ACC, and community agencies to facilitate seamless transitions of care from hospital to home. Megan actively promotes culturally safe and inclusive care practices, particularly for Māori and Pasifika communities. 

Lynn James, ACC Clinical Services Manager

Holds a varied role and is a key early contact for all our clients, from the Burwood Spinal Unit onwards.  Having worked at Burwood for 18 years as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Lynn has a good understanding of the challenges you have worked through.  Lynn works around the country for Access facilitating spinal cord injury training, supporting transitions home (including travelling with clients when needed) and ensuring a thorough handover to a well-trained and confident local team. Lynn remains available to clients throughout their time with Access.

Pauline, our Complex Care Coordinator

Is responsible for serious injury clients and works in our care co-ordination team. Care co-ordinators ensure that your services are responsive to your unique needs, with a care roster developed to suit you, and ensure you have the right support to live safely and independently at home.  It is likely that you will talk with Pauline, who leads the rostering of your support workers.