Headway NZ

14/10/2026

Last night Bryony Matthews told her story of traumatic brain injury and her “recovery” journey using story-telling, song writing and performing. It was powerful, emotional and beautiful. So much of what she said and sang echos what our community tells us - the struggle with acceptance, the crashes, the unbelievable fatigue, the finding a new normal. Listen to her album on Spotify - link in comment.

13/10/2026

Acceptance after brain injury isn’t about giving up or “getting over it”. It’s about finding a way to live well alongside the changes, and that can take time.

This month, Keith Woods (Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist) joins us for a short, practical talk on what acceptance can look like, and how people and whānau can start working towards it.

Thursday 22nd October, 12.30 to 12.50pm, online. Grab your lunch and join us.

Sign up using the link below.

https://headway.org.nz/resource/lunch-learn-acceptance/

09/10/2026

Today we presented at the National Youth Health Conference. We’re blown away by the amount of interest and engagement we had with schools from across Aotearoa. The korero that we had after the presentation reinforces that support and tools we are delivering are needed.

Thanks to the committee for the invitation and thanks to Freemasons Foundation for funding this mahi

06/10/2026

Brain injury is often invisible and misunderstood. We know that stories often do so much more to help people understand than facts and figures ever can.

That's why we are so excited that Super talented singer song-writer Bryony Matthews is performing Brain Storm in Auckland next week.

Brain Storm is an immersive live music and storytelling experience exploring the realities of traumatic brain injury and the long road to recovery. Byrony draws on her personal experience of a life-changing injury and tells her story of loss, resilience and a new way forward through music.

Don't miss out on the Auckland event 14th October and Hamilton 15th October.

Tickets from https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/103052/Bryony-Matthews-Presents-Brain-Storm.utr

See you there!

29/09/2026

Wayne Holmes and the Art out West crew will be exhibiting their art at this community event. The Art out West Group is a great example of community-led activities that create connection. It is made up of Headway NZ members as well as people from the wider community - truly inclusive.

Check it out this weekend and while you are there learn a bit more about Headway NZ.

Thanks New Lynn Community Centre for helping to build community and connections.

23/09/2026

Headway has been at four hui this month, connecting with nurses from South Auckland schools. Why?

Teens have the highest number of recorded concussions and we know many more never get diagnosed or properly supported.

Concussion can affect much more than the physical symptoms. It can impact learning, concentration, sleep, mood, sport and everyday life.

School nurses are on the ground and are often the go-to for students, teachers and coaches when concussion happens - in the playground, after the weekend of sport, at home.

We’re helping make it easier for school nurses to support students well through our Concussion in Schools Kit, staff training and community information sessions.

It’s all about early recognition, good advice, and effective recovery support for young people.

Reach out if your school would like FREE concussion information and support.

Grateful to FREEMASONS FOUNDATION for funding this mahi.

https://headway.org.nz/our-services/school-education/

21/09/2026

In case you missed it, we are sharing our most viewed Lunch + Learn session: Finding Calm and Focus after Brain Injury. Led by registered psychologist and good friend of Headway, Olivia Bloom, it is a short session giving practical tips and tools for finding a sense of calm.

Check out our website for the video and the downloadable resources. While you are there, why not check out some of our other sessions and resources.

Discover how you can reduce overwhelm to find calm and regain focus after concussion or brain injury with our guest speaker Olivia Bloom, registered psychologist and friend of Headway.

21/09/2026

Creative Arts x Concussion Awareness Collab
A spectacular sell-out show by the incredibly talented Raureti Ormond. Laughter, tears, feel good songs, rugby, pride, and the "concussionator".
Raureti generously shared his stage with Headway to raise awareness of concussion and give the full house some tools to make informed decisions.

The Arts has always played a leading role in changing hearts, minds and behaviours.
Let's do more of this!

18/09/2026

Here's a longer listen for the weekend from Toni Street's podcast. We wish every parent could hear Alyson Gofton's story of her son's concussion. Not to be afraid or to be put off sport but to remember to treat each and every concussion for what it is - a brain injury.

Concussions happen. It's what we do next that matters.

If there is a SUSPECTED concussion, take them to a GP for diagnosis.
Ask for the latest concussion advice in writing.
Remember: symptoms or changes may show up days later.
If they have any symptoms, are just "off" or not themselves at any point in the following weeks after a hard knock to the body or head, take them to GP or A&E and ask for a referral to a concussion service.
You are entitled to FREE concussion care in NZ - but you need a concussion claim lodged by a GP first.

If in doubt, check it out. You don't need to know it is a concussion - suspect, remove from immediate risk, and take them to GP or A&E.

Coast Breakfast with Toni, Jase & Sam

17/09/2026