Permobil Power in the Park

On Tuesday 20th June 2023, Permobil New Zealand, in partnership with Eden Park Trust, held a whole community open day known as ‘Power in the Park’. This was a first for Auckland, a first for Eden Park and a first for Permobil.

The aim of the day was to ensure the experience for all was accessible, welcoming, thoughtful and that visitors left feeling safe, connected, and enthusiastic.

The event was a community ‘open day’ where everyone was welcome, to engage with Permobil, Eden Park and selected partners via community awareness and education. Through sessions and opportunities, people (disabled and able-bodied) engaged with various aspects of mobility and disabilities to increase their knowledge and confidence in products and services that are available to users, families and community members. The day catered for varying levels of interest and needs - from new users to clinical therapists, from those in wheelchairs to those with vision impairment. We did not discriminate – everyone was welcome and could come for an hour, or two, or stay the whole day. The aim of the day was to ensure the experience for all was accessible, welcoming, thoughtful and that visitors left feeling safe, connected, and enthusiastic. Permobil (as the organisers) wanted to create an event where people felt they belonged, not that it was hard work to be there. And that they recognise Permobil as a company that innovates, ‘changes the game’ and genuinely cares about each and every user.

Eden Park is a special place to many New Zealanders. It is known as New Zealand’s national stadium and if you’re a rugby or cricket fan, you’ve probably seen it on your screen or more recently been able to attend a concert, cultural festival or arts exhibition. It has a long history of being innovative and a major part of key moments of New Zealand history. Permobil New Zealand is very proud to announce a three year partnership with Eden Park Trust – joining them to enhance the live entertainment experience for all fans. We’re establishing Permobil comfort zones which will be fully in place after the FIFA Women’s World Cup. They come fitted with replay TV screens and heaters to ensure maximum comfort for users and their carers offering an accessible journey “your street to your seat”. Therefore, holding the event at the park was a natural fit. Events on the day included a two-hour demo session of wheelchair rugby with members of New Zealand’s national team, ‘The Wheel Blacks’, after which they did a Q and A session with Andrew Short, Country Manager, hoping to inspire more to try the game. There were also screenings of a docu-series ‘The Wheel Life’ about one of Permobil’s end users – Sophia Malthus – and the relationship she has with her cousin/carer Indy. Part of the filming was carried out at Eden Park on the roof, which Permobil supported. And Richie Barnett, a former professional rugby league player and captain of the national team and ex-Permobil employee, spoke about mental health and supporting this for those with disabilities and their family.

Alongside this, Permobil products were out on display with people engaging in have-a-go sessions and understanding the benefits Permobil chairs offer through parkour courses and different parts of the stadium itself. Permobil’s tech team ran a service and advice desk. There were clinical education and information sessions covering topics such as powerchair users, disability and the law, access mechanism and user stories. There were alos a number of charity partners who made themselves available all day with resources, information and advice to provide guidance for those navigating living with a mobility or any disability issue. There were hand-cycle simulators stations which created a lot of fun competitions. And FIFA were there to support ahead of the upcoming Women’s World Cup that will be held across New Zealand and Australia. The day raised awareness amongst many – not just about Permobil or Eden Park, but about the need for inclusivity in all that we undertake in our communities. Those in attendance were from our government funders, politicians, local councillors, families, iwi, representatives from varying community groups friends and family. Permobil will continue to promote its commitment and products through activities with Eden Park. Planning for Power in the Park 2024 is already under way! Click here to watch The Wheel Life.

Article and pictures courtesy of Permobil.