ABI Rehabilitation

14/08/2025

🧠 ABI was proud to partner with the incredible team at Attitude earlier this year

My Fragile Brain, a three-part series, explores what brain injury truly looks like through the experiences of patients at ABI - not just of personal recovery journeys, but of the complexity of brain injury rehabilitation.

It highlights the profound impact on whānau, and the skill, compassion, and dedication of our kaimahi who walk alongside each person every step of the way.

We’re honoured to be part of this important kōrero.

We thank Hayden, Nikita, Jared and their whānau, who generously shared their journeys of recovery from brain injury.

📺 Watch the full series on YouTube or TVNZ+. Link to Part 2 of 3 :
https://loom.ly/gRZmdSQ

11/08/2025

🧠 ABI was proud to partner with the incredible team at Attitude earlier this year

My Fragile Brain, a three-part series, explores what brain injury truly looks like through the experiences of patients at ABI - not just of personal recovery journeys, but of the complexity of brain injury rehabilitation.

It highlights the profound impact on whānau, and the skill, compassion, and dedication of our kaimahi who walk alongside each person every step of the way.

We’re honoured to be part of this important kōrero.

We thank Hayden, Nikita, and their whānau, who generously shared their journeys of recovery from brain injury.

📺 Watch the full series on YouTube or TVNZ+. Link to Part 1 of 3 :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6hpV5MxI18

Over 14,000 Kiwis are affected yearly by an acquired brain injury, the impacts are largely unseen. Over three parts, My Fragile Brain explores what brain injury looks like through patients.

19/06/2025

🌌✨ Mānawatia a Matariki! ✨🌌

As the stars of Matariki rise in our skies once more, we take this time to reflect, connect and celebrate new beginnings. 💫

The Matariki theme for 2025 is "Matariki ki te Wai," which translates to "Matariki and Water". This theme centers around the cultural, spiritual, and environmental significance of water in Aotearoa (New Zealand).🌱

Whether you’re sharing kai, storytelling, stargazing, or simply spending time with loved ones — may this season bring you peace, renewal, and inspiration. 🌟

Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori.

03/06/2025

🩵 Jammies for June – Let’s Collect Together!

Across the Evolution Healthcare Group, we're joining forces to support Jammies for June – helping keep tamariki warm with brand-new pyjamas this winter.

🛏️ Drop off new PJs for children aged 1- 14 years to one of the collection sites - https://loom.ly/1j52V5g

Let’s make a difference together – one pair of jammies at a time!

02/06/2025

As Aotearoa’s major provider of rehabilitation for those with brain injury including concussion, the ABI Rehabilitation team views the recent death of a young New Zealander with extreme sadness. He was 19 and had his life in front of him. Our heart goes out to his whānau and friends.

They participated in a recently invented sport in which he and his friends did not understand the true risks. This activity, now known as Run-It Straight, is being glorified across social media platforms and, even more concerning, participation in official events comes with significant financial incentives.

What the organisers and promoters of this activity fail to disclose is the reality of the medical consequences. Running head-on into another person at high speed, without protective gear, is not just dangerous—it can be deadly. The forces involved in such collisions far exceed what the human brain and skull can withstand. Even with medical staff on hand, the damage caused in an instant can be irreversible.

The risks include:
• Concussion, which may seem minor but can cause long-term cognitive issues, memory problems, and emotional dysregulation.
• Second impact syndrome, where a second blow to the head occurs before a first injury has healed—this can be rapidly fatal.
• Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can result in permanent disability, impaired motor and cognitive function, and impairment of speech and memory.
• Cervical spine injuries, which may cause paralysis or death.
• Intracranial haemorrhage, where bleeding in or around the brain may require emergency surgery, often results in lasting impairment.

No amount of supervision, medical presence, or event regulation can eliminate these risks. Brain tissue does not heal like muscle or bone. Once injured, the impacts can last a lifetime—or end it.

ABI Rehabilitation’s message is clear and urgent: Run-It Straight needs to stop—immediately. We cannot allow young people to be lured by viral fame or prize money into activities that put their futures, and their lives, at such devastating risk.

13/05/2025

🧠 National Psychology Week | 12–18 May
Theme: Kotahitanga – Uniting for Collective Wellbeing

This week, we’re celebrating the incredible mahi of our psychologists and the powerful impact psychology has in everyday life. From brain injuries and concussion to cognitive changes, trauma, pain, and behavioural challenges—our team works across clinics, homes, and schools to support kiritaki of all ages.

Whether it’s through assessments, therapy, or interventions, our psychologists work at the heart of our interdisciplinary teams. With expertise in neuropsychology, behaviour support, clinical / therapeutic and paediatric care, they help people return to the things that matter most. 💙

Our team of Psychologists at ABI are a valued team of the wider IDT. We are amazed by their mahi, passion, expertise, and commitment to kiritiaki, whānau and team. If you see one of your Psychology Team this week – make sure to give them a high five. Ngā mihi nui koutou – Kath, Christina and Sarah.

Join us in recognising their vital contribution during Psychology Week. Free public events are happening nationwide – check out what’s on near you!

https://loom.ly/PbXXCSE

13/05/2025

Allied Health Provider / Registered Nurse – Vocational Services

Are you passionate about supporting kiritaki to return to work after an injury, working with employers and in workplaces? Do you have experience in vocational rehabilitation? Join the team at ABI Rehabilitation and make a real difference in the lives of New Zealanders.

💥 Full-time preferred, part-time considered
💥 Work on Stay at Work and Back to Work ACC contracts
💥 Be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team
💥 Ongoing professional development and extra wellbeing days
💥 Discounts with leading NZ retailers

Ready to guide kiritaki back to independence? Apply now to join a leader in community rehabilitation.

📝 Apply here: https://loom.ly/tGaWQHc

11/05/2025

Celebrating International Nurses Day - Monday 12th May 2025💙🏥

To every nurse making a difference - thank you. 💖👏

Tag a nurse who inspires you! 🩺✨

28/04/2025

🌍 World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 🌍

Today, we recognise the importance of creating safer, healthier workplaces for everyone. Whether you're in an office, on a worksite, or working remotely, safety starts with awareness, action, and a commitment to well-being.

✅ Prioritise mental and physical health
✅ Follow safety protocols
✅ Speak up about hazards
✅ Support a culture of care and protection

Together, we can build a future where every worker goes home safe and healthy.

💙💼

18/04/2025

🌸🐰 Happy Easter Weekend! 🐰🌸

Wishing everyone a wonderful long weekend. Whether you're spending it with family and friends or heading away for a holiday, stay safe and enjoy the break.

✨ Safe travels to those on the road, and may your weekend be as bright as a basket full of Easter eggs! 🥚🚗💛

24/03/2025

🧠 March is Brain Injury Awareness Month – Neuropsychological Assessment 🧠

A neuropsychological assessment is often recommended for kiritaki following a brain injury if they’re experiencing changes in thinking, memory, or behavior. This assessment is completed by Psychologists with specialized postgraduate training in neuropsychology.

The assessment includes an interview and a series of tests designed to identify both strengths and weaknesses following a brain injury. It measures and evaluates thinking, mood, and behavior through observation, testing, and personal interviews.

Why is a neuropsychological assessment important?
* Helps guide rehabilitation and therapy programs
* Aids decisions on returning to school, study, driving, work, and other key areas of life after a brain injury

Insights from Chris, one of our Neuropsychologists:
“Neuropsychology plays a critical role in TBI rehabilitation, with specialist skills in understanding how brain injuries or illnesses affect cognition (thinking), emotion, and behavior.

Often, people think of Neuropsychologists as simply administering a big test after a brain injury. But neuropsychology isn’t just about tests — it’s more like how a mechanic uses a spanner: a tool that helps get to the heart of the problem. While we could probably do the job without them, the tests add another layer of information, making the job easier and more thorough.

Neuropsychology sits at the intersection of mind and body, scientist and practitioner. As a scientist, I aim to understand what neuroscience tells us about the brain, how it works, and how it shapes what we do. As a practitioner, I apply that knowledge to specific clients or situations, helping them understand what’s happening and how they can better manage it.

It’s rewarding because, as the saying goes, knowledge is power. Translating complex scientific research into everyday ideas empowers people to understand themselves and their brains, giving them more control over lives that might feel like they’re spiraling out of control.”

20/03/2025

🧠 March is Brain Injury Awareness Month – Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury 🧠

In New Zealand, there are approximately 36,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBI) reported annually, with around 1,700 of those being in the moderate to severe range. Many individuals with these types of brain injuries will experience long-term or possibly lifelong impairments.

In 2024, 264 people with moderate to severe TBI received intensive inpatient rehabilitation at ABI Rehabilitation. The focus of this rehabilitation is to:

* Provide regular therapy to regain and improve physical and cognitive skills
* Offer coaching and education about brain injury
* Assess and review progress
* Guide and advise on what to expect in the coming months
* Practice newly learned skills in therapy sessions before returning home and re-engaging in life roles

Our ABI Intensive Services team includes a range of specialists, including Rehabilitation Medicine Physicians, Rehabilitation Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Neuropsychologists, Social Workers, and Kaiārahi Kaupapa Māori.

While most clients with severe TBI will need ongoing rehabilitation at home after discharge, the intensive inpatient rehabilitation provides a crucial foundation for continued recovery.