BELIEVE - MY GENERATION ALL-NEW 2019 COROLLA HATCH! PASSION & PERSEVERANCE - MEET OLIVIA MCTAGGART TRNZ MAKES ITSELF HOME AT HAMPTON DOWNS - TOYOTA NZ
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Believe We believe good things stand the test of time MY GENERATION ALL- NEW 2019 COROLLA HATCH! PASSION & PERSEVERANCE – MEET OLIVIA McTAGGART TRNZ MAKES ITSELF HOME AT HAMPTON DOWNS ISSUE EIGHTEEN 2018
Contents 10 44 26 52 06 00 14 30 40 28 24 46 25 The sports that built our nation 40 Warehouse expansion 48 The home straight – Richard Gee 06 Passion and perseverance Excitement is starting to build for the 2019 Hilux New When Toyota commenced sales in New Zealand back in Toyota’s high-profile involvement in New Zealand motorsport is set National under-20 pole vault champion Olivia McTaggart Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North next March. The the 1960s, its service parts warehouse was located in to continue for a long time. Its motorsport arm, Toyota Racing New is a rising star in her field. The 17-year-old Aucklander and event, which drew more than 30,000 participants this year, Wellington. After relocating to Palmerston North in Zealand, is now well established at its Hampton Downs Motorsport 4:40-metre vaulter offers a glimpse of her world as we celebrates rural athletes and rural life in New Zealand. 1977, and with several expansions later, it is currently Park facility in North Waikato, where the fleet of Tatuus single-seater introduce her as Toyota’s youngest ambassador. undergoing its biggest extension yet. race cars used in the annual Castrol Toyota Racing Series (TRS) and 30 thankyouTM 44 some of the 86 sports coupes are based. 10 Body positivity thankyouTM is a social enterprise that commits 100 per cent of True Guardians The idea of talking to your kids about body image might feel as natural to you as flying to the moon. Yet, this is a its profit to help end global poverty. Its mission is to empower humanity to choose a world without poverty. Two years on from the launch of the Toyota Kiwi Guardians programme, more than 29,800 Kiwi kids have connected with nature and become guardians of 52 Peace of mind – Kellie Gillibrand Insurance plays an important part in people’s lives by taking away the worry and helping the whole community. It gives peace of mind, conversation that you don’t want to miss. Jo Batts from Parenting Place provides some useful starting points. 34 Power to the people With less than two years to go until the Tokyo 2020 the land and sea. allowing people to get on with their lives. Find out more about Toyota Vehicle Insurance and meet new CEO Simone Labady. 14 My generation The all-new 2019 Corolla hatch featuring a bolder, dynamic Paralympic Games, the focus for Toyota is shifting towards mobility for all society. Globally, Toyota has offered a US$4 million prize pool to uncover innovative and ground-breaking 46 Edge of your seat – Richard Gee The sixth Toyota 86 Championship will once again be a major focus for domestic motorsport fans, and will 54 Path to success For four years, four groups of graduates have embarked on careers exterior design and a more rewarding driving experience, is set to remain New Zealand’s best-selling passenger car. technology to assist people with lower-limb paralysis. unquestionably be the busiest and most closely fought with Toyota through the Dealer Graduate Programme, with the next championship in the history of the category. recruitment drive happening as Believe goes to print. We’re in our ninth year of Believe magazine and our circulation just keeps growing! It’s a great problem to have and already, please update your details at There are tips on how to talk to inspire people to push onward – past If you have an appetite for we want to keep sharing with our www.toyota.co.nz/webelieve. We your kids about body image – a topic their finish lines, towards their motorsport, there’s plenty inside as customers what’s happening in our think you too will appreciate that we that is important to myth-bust the impossible goals. See page 34. the season kicks off. As we go to print world at Toyota. In a bid to create are on a mission to save our planet barrage of messages we are faced 17-year-old Olivia McTaggart was the sixth Toyota 86 Championship a more sustainable future for the and reduce our carbon footprint. with about how good we need to look a competitive gymnast for 10 years is expected to start with a full field magazine, we’ve had to make some The cover of Believe represents a to be loved and accepted. Parenting before changing to pole vaulting. She of 17 drivers taking the track at the Kirsty Morris-Rickard changes to who receives hard copies. vehicle iconic in New Zealand: the Place writer Jo Batts provides some was forced to rethink gymnastics Supercars Championship event at Editor In the past few issues we’ve worked Corolla. In fact, nothing’s changed great tips on nurturing healthy following a back injury in 2014. She Pukekohe Park (early November). hard to create a better user experience except everything in the 12th- self-esteem in your kids and about says she had to think of something There should be plenty of action Editorial with our Believe online version, which you can now view at www.toyota. generation Corolla. The foldout within shows some of the different generations loving the bodies they’re in. ‘Start Your Impossible’ is the else to do that would still deliver thrills and excitement. Her teammate had in this series. The Castrol Toyota Racing Series, which starts its 15th co.nz/believe-magazine-issue-18 throughout its 50-year history. We campaign that underlies the Olympic been pole vaulting, and while she season at Highlands Motorsport Disclaimer: Toyota NZ has made every We’d prefer you to receive our new believe that good things stand the test and Paralympic partnership that admits the sport was probably not the Park, Cromwell in the weekend of endeavour to ensure that the text details and specification information contained version of Believe online, but to do so of time. There’s plenty more inside Toyota has formed leading up to and best for her back, she gave it a go and January 12 and 13, also promises to in this issue of Believe are accurate as at 1 November 2018. Toyota NZ Limited reserves we need to ensure that our records about the all-new 2019 Corolla. beyond the 2020 Tokyo Olympic adapted. The rest is history. Now she’s be another exciting racing season. the right at any time to introduce any have your current email address, so Inside the pages of Believe we Games. As the Worldwide Mobility Toyota’s youngest ambassador. Her As we fast approach the festive changes deemed necessary to improve the vehicles shown or for any other reason. For we can let you know when a new issue have a mixed bag, which we’re sure Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic catch phrase is ‘I was told I couldn’t, season, we wish you and your further information contact 0800TOYOTA. is published. If you have not done so will appeal to a range of readers. Games, we share the vision to so I did’. Page 06 has her story. families safe and happy motoring. Believe 1
As we approach the end of 2018, it is an opportunity to reflect on the year ending as well as look forward to what the future might hold. I’m writing this at a time when the world in global oil prices, consumer behaviour per cent) reductions in emissions is recovering from some cataclysmic is starting to change significantly. compared with a conventional weather events: massive storms and Toyota’s sales of self-charging, electric internal combustion engine, but floods in the eastern United States and hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles have don’t have the range/recharging Indonesia, wild fires in western USA, risen by over 40 per cent in the past issues of a pure electric vehicle. and incredibly hot summers in Europe. two years; our sales of electric used Toyota believes that the best As Jacinda Ardern has said, climate vehicles imported from Japan have source of electricity for motor change is her generation’s nuclear-free tripled. Even more growth is expected vehicles may not be a conventional moment, and this certainly seems to in 2019 as we introduce additional lithium-ion battery at all. Ultimately, be the topic of the times. Several years electric vehicles. We are working hydrogen may be New Zealand’s, ago New Zealand made commitments towards having an electrified version and the world’s, best mobility at the Paris Climate Change Conference of every vehicle available by 2025. power source. To make clean and certainly 2018 has seen significant The electric vehicle is ideal for New hydrogen one needs water and government action to determine how Zealand because we are blessed with renewable electricity (things we we can meet those emission-reduction a high proportion of our electricity have in abundance) and when it commitments. There has been a being generated from renewable, powers an electric car, the only significant report from the Productivity low-carbon sources. We don’t have emission is... water. New Zealand Commission and a consultation on to burn coal to generate electricity. is starting to explore this as a restructuring the Emissions Trading Batteries still have some challenges future energy source. Toyota Scheme, and negotiations between in terms of range, lifespan and already sells a hydrogen fuel cell the parties on a Zero Carbon Act recharging times and infrastructure, car in some markets – this may are apparently well advanced. so our main focus has been hybrids: well be the way of the future. Meanwhile, with growing public self-charging and plug-in hybrids. awareness of climate change and a surge These still deliver significant (30-60 Alistair Davis TOYOTA’S SALES OF SELF-CHARGING, ELECTRIC HYBRID AND PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES HAVE RISEN BY OVER 40 PER CENT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS Prius Believe 3
Core strength relates to increased chassis stiffness and a lower centre of gravity, a more rigid body, new suspension systems and a greater use of high-strength steel to provide balanced handling and ride and a more engaging drive. This is to improve the basic performance of the core (or essential structure instead of parts) parts and raises the level of all Toyota vehicles. Under Mr Toyoda’s brief to develop designs that Neeraj says past Toyota designs had relied on consumer stir people’s emotions and make them want to drive a studies in its larger more conservative markets like the Toyota, the designers and engineers are working more United States and Japan and a high degree of internal collaboratively from the outset to develop vehicles that consensus at Toyota Motor Corporation. design connect on an emotional level, says Neeraj. “TNGA is providing more fun to drive cars and giving “It’s no coincidence this has started with the TNGA designers the freedom to produce stronger more platform that is the basis of the new vehicle line-up.” attractive styling,” says Neeraj. h e d TNGA HAS FIVE DOMAINS, INCLUDING s SATISFYING TO DRIVE BY EVERYONE: U nl e a 1 Driving Quality: Making vehicles that are satisfying to drive 2 Comfort: Making drivers want to keep on driving by creating an enjoyable sensory experience 3 User-Friendliness: Smart technology that enriches the daily driving experience – including everything from luggage space to fuel consumption 4 Pride of Ownership: State-of-the-art environmental performance teamed with sophisticated styling 5 Security: Creating a strong body that protects the driver and passenger, then adding world-class security features. New era of stylish, dynamic, emotional design at Toyota Toyota’s designers have been unleashed and given the freedom to produce stronger and more attractive styling, made possible by the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. The latest Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid, C-HR and Camry, and the recently launched new-generation Corolla, are a result of Toyota’s global president Akio Toyoda challenging the company’s designers to create cars that speak to people’s emotions. “Our designers are car enthusiasts and have answered Toyoda-san’s challenge, says Neeraj Lala, Up until recently Toyota had 105 architectural platforms. Now, thanks to TNGA, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Product and New Vehicle sales. the number of platforms has been reduced to five. Just as athletes build their core “They are devoting their working life to designing desirable cars that look great and provide an strength to maximise their performance, Toyota is working on improving the vehicles’ engaging driving experience for a new generation of motorists.” core components. To accomplish that goal and to enhance each model’s unique The TNGA platform has allowed styling freedoms such as lower rooflines and bonnets that weren’t features, these new platforms will share their highly functional core components. possible before, leading to visually distinctive designs with more appealing proportions. The goal wasn’t to deliver just functional benefits, such as driving quality or economic That’s because TNGA is built on two pillars: CORE STRENGTH AND EMPHASISED PERSONALITY. performance. Great focus was placed on more of the emotional value that cannot be measured, such as the feeling of excitement when looking at or getting into a car. 4 Believe Believe 5
National under-20 pole vault champion OLIVIA McTAGGART is a rising star in her O field. The 17-year- old Aucklander and livia was a competitive gymnast for 10 years 4:40-metre vaulter offers a before changing to pole vaulting. She was forced to rethink glimpse of her world as we gymnastics following a back injury in around introduce her as Toyota’s 2014. She says she had to think of something else to do, that would still youngest ambassador. deliver thrills and excitement. Her teammate had been pole vaulting and, while she admits the sport was probably not the best for her back, she gave it a go and adapted. The rest is history. While the transition was a hard one and she had to deal with her back injury, she says gymnastics helped. “In some ways, while it was hard dealing with the injury, the spatial awareness, strength and agility gained through years of gymnastics helped through this time, and I progressed pretty quickly.” After less than six months in the sport she competed at the Australian Junior Championships in the under-16 event, and won a bronze medal. AND PERSEVERANCE 6 Believe Believe 7
In 2017 Olivia broke the New Then more recently, three weeks out Since the Commonwealth Games Zealand under-17 record previously from the Commonwealth Games, I Olivia has competed in competitions set by Eliza McCartney. She broke tore a ligament in my ankle during a for two months in Europe. She the record previously set at 4:22 warm-up exercise at the nationals. was disappointed to not make then later at 4:30 and has since It was not so much the injury, but the podium, but also had some cleared 4:40, her personal best. learning how to deal with it.” She great personal achievements and “Winning bronze as an under-16 says that learning these lessons at a equalled her personal best. athlete at the Australian Junior young age has been an advantage. For now, Olivia is working on strength Championships was big for me The Commonwealth Games didn’t and speed for her New Zealand season, because I had been in the sport for produce the results Olivia had hoped for, and readying herself for another less than six months. I achieved a but they fulfilled a childhood dream to European season in 2019, in Italy and personal best in my first international return to her birthplace (the Gold Coast) then Doha, with her eye on qualifying competition and I followed it up by and compete, at only 18 years old. for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. winning gold at the nationals.” When asked what qualities are In terms of advice to Start Your It was about this time that needed for success, she says she Impossible, Olivia says to find Olivia realised she could go focuses on passion and perseverance. something you love, stick with it and a long way in this sport. She says you need to have passion push through the hard times – without As it is with any sport at this level, and love what you do, but alongside letting anything stop you. she says, there have been setbacks. passion is the need for perseverance She finishes by saying, “I was told I “Initially it was dealing with the and sheer grit and determination to couldn’t, so I did”. transition from gymnastics to pole push through adversity in the sport. vaulting and dealing with my injury. Photo Credit: Alisha Lovrich Photo Credit: Alisha Lovrich I was told I COULDN’T, so I DID. Photo Credit: 8 Believe Alisha Lovrich Believe 9
Toyota New Zealand and Parenting Place have partnered for more than a decade to build stronger New Zealand families with the values essential to a well functioning society and a successful nation. Toyota Family Journeys was launched just under two years ago, to provide roadie survival kits for Kiwi families on their road trips, packed with tips, tools and advice to ensure that parents have strategies to ease the stress of travel and make the most of family downtime for long or short car journeys. There are 100 conversation starters for The idea of talking to your children of all ages, ranging from, “If you had a superpower, what would it be?” and “If you were kids about body image in charge, what would your top five rules be?” to might feel as natural to you “How would you like to be remembered?” and “Is as flying to the moon. Yet war ever justified?” this is a conversation that Topics are included in the suite of resources Y you don’t want to miss. Not D available, which reflect current events and issues BO that could affect kids and teens today. embracing this one with Toyota Family Journeys is reactive to what is your kids leaves the door ‘current or topical’ for kids and has a range of popular topics in its ‘How to talk to your kids/ wide open for somebody teen about’ range, such as pornography, alcohol else to do it for you, and and drugs and online safety – all issues that are they won’t be nearly as relevant to youth. These online tools have some cues on how to talk to these topics and raise them invested in your children’s POSITIVITY in conversation, also providing an awareness of future as you are. the types of topic that are affecting kids/teens. There is also a treasure trove of downloadable activity sheets, videos, games and fun activities for the long haul, with podcasts coming soon too. Toyota Family Journeys also covers making the most of school pick-ups and drop-offs, practical tips for making car time family time, and using travel and car trips to connect with teens. For more information on Toyota Family Journeys, visit www.theparentingplace.com/ Jo Batts, Parenting Place Toyotafamilyjourneys and download some useful tips. TE W H ANA U Q M C P O This body image stuff isn’t just for girls. Boys are equally part of this AŌ E I F discussion. Even as adults we have a pretty hard time swatting away V A ENG M T K L L H AER to H Q E J S V TE H thing H firstI C V O O A L G TheV ry below P D J Sily.S Y P Y R P S L fam sto in A H D B U as a nks of theT wo Ords I H U U ry O O J E the barrage of messages about how good we need to look to be loved. U the O F sto d trip the blaH Ywrite R W s roa to fill in rds, or N E R B T K E lou ridicu driver!) in the wo O C C importa O nt O H N K th a H T I C K Z up wi r than ry and the fill . It’s RendEfor B Q U A s or come he blank O Z very G W Z T G C Play knee is to car (ot , t the sto in the G Ufor the W R D V D B to B O How yourga me n in the Printthou rd to fill story E E F L E I E U . the A A good friend of mine often reminds me that“kids are great of the ve rso on a wo . Save at G L E ert ha er?one pe requir for.r a ed m ggest Y F your gre I J N E obthjec Thyoeu radeto thte speech rn etpe to su at this sta ge son Z I P B R T R siggena te pa ths? turn ppen N S X V M M R isuck parts of piece e in of er in out lou d R W ha V R J R K W lddo Wou ws st erup th six mon what rd, the R I the with on anoth memb ry out I Ythe wo E L Q T give ds fofamily d the sto find Y E r elbo d to P Gd crazy W Z L O order rather fris en each T rea t lou an H T O H H E on youwrite ask r ith es NO e tail, ry ou ative R W O W A R N V P P observers but poor interpreters”. By this she means that our kids ng ld t w r do sto re cre A A U O Q ythi e ac the T K B C ite rs ever WouTh cont wr ect! ve a ho read the mo F C S say all t the or tha ous eff er ha ed in, eak mber K U E U Z T W R J fill sp Z O G D K to ? s are me Z D have ? all hilari u rath blanknk g, or nking. Re R R C V B ays again inds sin D O T P alw ’s m ld yoallha nt tru . the to you thi T M A W A I L H ther r spea k yone Wou After elep d trip have get A K Y W R D S X u ra ever an ily roa ays to words ! w ing M I town T N V V W V Y K Down ve or fam er al hang C E are awesome at inhaling advertising yet not so awesome at calling ld yo or ne O T G H s read re? athfew ll be ple Wou mind to tu u ra story wi are oger h? Exam ch N R B O R Q F E Y able the fu Below a bo ur teet Spina Q L J N your be ver ld yor the ve M X B C E Q S er ow ne ou Wfun ym nie e? ha yo bin H K J B B Z en u ra th kn t or ays uck in ish Chick O D I B U E ays in rh alw Rubb ld yo or alw abou ther food st ilk, S V S K R T A T ed O K T S M ou m R E ra D L ip h P N W e, u , oreec e no Fly goss ld yo rtno olat Pia V H and sesp Y G tim the of H U G out the lies in some of the messages used to sell stuff. So if you learn be Wou yo choc im C J U L poor N A Sw ther Y Y Paur thing u ra all? or m eeze ce or m? G de F D A N H A M Z ld yo t at ugly, fro er snons? 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Adjec Wou hung tak fooding Ha ha ta live ltio with n toyo ld yo rson hatre ther in = Ac jai pid ly spor t er or Stu Wou test pe u raten, se ver or kura r hung yost or try past drive ar ld pa fore Quick ly waka sm end ou Ve rb the inun ild –| boot Hey k er ther it? W ld co ce a ch wo rd s truc ng ay u ra over pla wor be doing rm uff passe holid ld yo get ther es a d r ea w gear Wo Oi au u rascrib the en up and speak into the gap of helping them love the bodies they’re in. Wou or = De ver? wea whan t ev en ld yo ourb are‘ly’ on ve to ch time ge n or AdWve hat fo s s ha ion of Ou ro ther visio adul ten way press kore he r brot of u ra tele an er alort ex ld yo out ra=thA sh otion Wou with ur lif e? youn ughe ? r em nts lama ld tio pare er go of yo ot Exc Wourisno orpl e se th st l? u ra e re it al surpor a ld yo for th have Wou food l or it al junk know sper , ther whi z ld yo u ra able to s.co.n Wou be rney ly lyjou fami on ther out? u ra to sh nz ld yo able .co. Wou ly be on ur neys ilyjo or fam .nz .co ys ne o ur yj mil fa 10 Believe Believe 11
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? EMBRACE YOUR EMBRACE YOUR EMBRACE YOUR Too much screen time has been shown to have OWN RELATIONSHIP OWN RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP negative impacts on kids. Studies show: WITH YOUR WITH FOOD WITH TECHNOLOGY 0 hours OWN BODY Food is fuel. Our Earth generously I can feel the contradiction even now, Children under two should gives us this bounty of fuel that as I check my Instagram feed between It’s pretty simple, really. If our kids have no screen time. powers us through our days. Food paragraphs while writing this. But when see us obsessing about our weight, our is a gift for us to enjoy. So teach you look at the hours our kids clock up diet, how we look in our jeans, how we kids about the diversity of taste, on their devices, drinking in sumptuous want to look in our jeans, we send them balance, nutrition, energy and screenshots of biceps, bums, boobs 2 hours the message loud and clear that we are flavour. Show them how to enjoy and bikinis, it’s little wonder that their Children from two years not enough. So instead of a long lecture food so that it becomes their friend mental health has taken a hiding in the old to teenagers should about self-acceptance, just try saying and not their enemy. So instead of past decade. ideally have only two hours something really positive about yourself cursing the calories or gorging with of screen time a day. next time you are standing in front of a guilt, let your kids see you thanking the mirror – and let your kids hear it. Earth, sky and sea as you take great Spending too much time in front of pleasure in savouring what sustains the screen can lead to: Nine out of 10 Kiwi kids your body. • Negatively affected sleep patterns aged between 10 and 14 gaze at screens for longer • Attention problems than the recommended • Anxiety two hours each day.* EMBRACE • Depression YOUR • Obesity RELATIONSHIP WITH *Jamie Morton, Science Reporter, New Zealand Herald OTHER PEOPLE’S BODIES It’s pretty darn easy to slide into the role of commentating on how others are, or are not, taking care of themselves. But stop it. Just stop it. Stop Measurements of EMBRACE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH LANGUAGE ? commenting on weight gain, weight loss, calories, toy male action YOU KNOW what they are eating, what you are not eating. Zip. figures exceed even those of the biggest When it comes to talking about body image with our kids, it’s really as much Nothing. Instead of cussing the few kilos you would like bodybuilders. about what not to say as it is about what to say. Our kids really do have a radar to drop or gain, or even celebrating the few kilos your 40% that picks up the nuances of our actions and our language, so paying special friend has dropped, turn instead to kind acceptance DID attention to what we are saying and how we are saying it really does matter. of kilos full stop. Put the scales in the bin and give of mums don’t think yourself a warm hug and choose to value your they’re beautiful † (and their) relationship with your heart, health Instead of saying: Try saying: and wholeness. Every morning on 91% the way to preschool “I should not be eating this.” “I am treating myself today.” I get my daughter to repeat this “I am off the carbs “I am making of girls say their motto after me: I am strong. I am at the moment.” healthy choices.” mums are beautiful † smart. I work hard. I am beautiful. I am respectful. I am not better than anyone “I feel massive in “I am rocking else. Nobody is better then me. I am these jeans.” this outfit.” † Connecticut Children’s Medical Center amazing. I am great. And Mummy and “I feel fat in these jeans.” “These jeans are not comfy.” Daddy love me no matter what. - Palmerston North mum “I am watching my weight “I’m going to look after this right now.” precious body.” “I need to go on a diet.” “I am taking good care of myself.” EMBRACE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH IMPERFECT Brought to you by: Our economy needs us to be dissatisfied so that we keep on spending. From an economic point of view this makes good sense, but from a mental health Kids are swimming in the idea that ‘you have to be beautiful to be loved’. perspective, especially for our kids, this is troubling. How can we ever arrive at Yet we, as parents, hold the keys to challenge that narrative and to truly enough when the bar keeps moving? Teaching our kids that there is an industry define the meaning of beauty with a quiet whisper of truth into their young dedicated to optical illusions can help them navigate the terrain between fantasy ears and hearts, over and over again, with a message that says, “Your and reality. Throwing a floodlight on the myth of perfect opens up a path towards beauty is within. You are loved just as you are – imperfect and beautiful”. loveable imperfection, which is a far broader and more life-giving track to do life on. 12 Believe Believe 13
T he next-generation Corolla hatch is built on an innovative Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that gave designers the freedom to create a strikingly distinctive look that reflects its new-found dynamic performance capabilities. “This all-new Corolla has soul and personality,” says Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of my Product and New Vehicle Sales. “New Zealand’s car of the decade has received its biggest upgrade, with a sharp new design that looks amazing and feels fantastic to drive. “It’s a premium and more stylish car that places a priority on the highest active and passive safety standards,” says Neeraj. “These improvements have been made possible through the TNGA platform, which is integral to the company’s mission to build ever-better cars that will All-new excite a new generation of buyers.” The chassis is clothed in a body that is lower, wider and longer than the current model, creating an uncanny Corolla blend of balance, composure and feel. The new 12th- generation Corolla hatch is imbued with a lower stance hatch resets and more appealing proportions. It has an athletic, muscular, yet sophisticated style, with the lower grille emphasising the increased width the small car and LED headlights wrapping around into the front guards. Chiselled character lines link the front and rear, with the rear design more rounded, strengthening the benchmark! GENER ATI ON visual relationship between front and rear while a rear upper spoiler completes the look. 14 Believe Believe 15
The TNGA platform allows for a lower THE NEW TWO LITRE The new Corolla features a more centre of gravity, trailing wishbone advanced Toyota Safety Sense independent rear suspension and a ENGINE ADDS TO THE technology package with class-leading more rigid body that contributes to better handling and stability without FUN TO DRIVE pedestrian and cyclist detection across the range. compromising ride and comfort. “Corolla hatch is Toyota’s most ATTITUDE OF THE NEW “Customers crave novelty, change technically advanced compact car,” and excitement, but at the core want COROLL A says Neeraj. “The full range of Toyota security, solidity and consistency. Safety Sense technology is the same The Corolla DNA has remained the uses highly responsive gear change on every grade. The pedestrian and same for 50 years, while evolving control technologies cultivated from cyclist detection is a great piece of in terms of the latest technology automatic transmission technology. technology to protect more vulnerable and styling,” says Neeraj. The SX and ZR petrol variants road users. “The new two-litre engine adds add paddle shifters while all petrol “Customers will have peace of mind to the fun-to-drive attitude of variants can access a 10-speed with this high level of active safety.” the new Corolla,” says Neeraj. sequential manual shift mode. Toyota Safety Sense includes an THE NEW Its 2.0-litre Dynamic-Force direct- “The upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive active Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system injection petrol engine adopts the system in the Corolla complements the that incorporates autonomous COROLL A BRINGS latest in Toyota technology for gains car’s new-found dynamic capability emergency braking with pedestrian UNPRECEDENTED in power and fuel efficiency and while providing the optimal balance detection (day and night) and cyclist cleaner emissions. The 2.0-litre petrol between fuel economy, low emissions detection (day only), all-speed LEVELS OF engine has 21 per cent more power and performance,” says Neeraj. dynamic radar cruise with indicator (125kW) and 15 per cent more torque (200Nm), yet is more economical. The all-new Corolla Hybrid features the latest self-charging petrol hybrid linked control, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, which includes lane ADVANCED Even with the extra performance, electric powertrain from Prius. The departure alert with steering assist, SAFETY TECHNOLOGY the new Corolla’s combined fuel 1.8-litre petrol engine has a combined lane centring and sway warning, and consumption has improved by 0.1 system output of 90kW, with a combined road sign assist. litres to just 6.0 litres per 100km. fuel consumption of 4.2 litres per Other standard safety features A new dynamic shift CVT is used in 100km, and efficiencies are gained with on every new Corolla hatch include TO THE SMALL conjunction with the 2.0-litre petrol a change from the required 95-octane a reversing camera with static CAR CL ASS engine, featuring a gear and belt fuel to 91 octane in the new generation. guidelines, and seven air bags. New drive system to facilitate improved “We’re committed to lowering our features for the new-generation transmission efficiency in lower overall CO2 emissions by offering more Corolla hatch are drive start control, gear ratios where belt efficiency is hybrid electric variants,” says Neeraj. secondary collision brake and active often poor. The transmission system “The current Corolla has been our best- cornering assist. Blind spot monitor utilises a gear drive when starting selling hybrid. We expect sales to grow is added to the mid-range SX and from a full stop, resulting in powerful even more with the new Corolla available top-of-the-range ZR variants. acceleration while at the same time with two hybrid electric variants.” “Buyers will welcome the fresh new sharpening throttle response. The new Corolla brings unprecedented design and roomier tech-forward A smooth and comfortable launch levels of advanced safety technology interior with great new features,” performance is realised. When to the small car class, with an array says Neeraj. switching from gear drive to belt of active driver assistance and The longer and wider centre console drive, the transmission system passive protection features. within the hatch has an 8-inch multi-media touchscreen for audio THE NEW COROLL A IS A controls, satellite navigation, SUNA ST YLISH, BRAND-NEW CAR traffic channel and vehicle settings, with the climate controls immediately new design, powertrain, safety and technology features. At the top of the range, the ZR is equipped with a large colour head- WITH THE SAME COROLL A SOUL below it. The new Mobile Assistant It is also equipped with an 8-inch up display, 18-inch alloy wheels, feature uses Siri or Google Assistant touchscreen display, 4.2-inch multi- leather and suede-accented voice commands to perform simple information display, air-conditioning, sports front seats, eight-speaker tasks such as sending a text message, heated exterior mirrors, rear privacy premium JBL audio system, 7-inch setting a reminder, or checking the glass, 16-inch alloy wheels and a colour multi-information display, weather at your destination. six-speaker audio system with satellite ambient illumination, automatic An all-new instrument cluster navigation and SUNA traffic channel. dimming rear-view mirror and includes a 4.2-inch colour multi- The GX hybrid gains extra equipment high-grade bi-LED headlamps. information display in the GX and SX, over the petrol variant with dual-zone “With its athletic design, and a 7-inch display in the ZR with the climate control, keyless smart entry increased safety, new petrol ability to change from an analogue to and push-button start. engine and transmission, latest digital central display. Moving up to the SX grade, dual- hybrid technology and larger Front-seat hip points are lower to zone climate control, keyless smart interior with more features, provide a more natural body posture entry and push-button start are also Corolla is still the leading relevant and positioning for access to the included. Other additions are a wireless cost-efficient hatch for 2019 and multi-functional steering wheel and device charger, LED front fog lamps, beyond,” says Neeraj. pedals. paddle shifters, leather steering wheel “The new Corolla hatch is a The hatch range starts with the and shift lever, and an additional USB stylish, brand-new car with the 2.0-litre GX, which picks up all the port for device charging. same Corolla soul.” Believe 17
Nothing’s changed except everything.
1st Generation - 1966 4th Generation - 1979 • Launched in a stylish 2 door design • Memorable, straight-lined, rectangular design that was bigger inside and out 3rd Generation - 1974 5th Generation - 1983 • Larger body size makes it an even better family car • Introduced front-wheel drive layout
7th Generation - 1991 • Electronic fuel injection for 1.6L engine 12th Generation Corolla Hatch - 2018 • 2.0L petrol engine or 1.8L Hybrid Synergy Drive. • Pedestrian and cyclist detection system. • Lane Tracing Assist technology. • Road Sign Assist technology. • Touch screen multimedia system with Sat Nav and SUNA* traffic alerts. • Voice recognition technology including mobile assistant. 10th Generation - 2006 • Corolla Hatch re-engineered for the 21st century See what’s new at corolla.co.nz *SUNA traffic alerts only available in certain locations.
EXCITEMENT IS STARTING TO BUILD FOR THE 2019 HILUX NEW ZEALAND RURAL GAMES IN PALMERSTON NORTH NEXT MARCH. THE EVENT, WHICH DREW MORE THAN 30,000 PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR, CELEBRATES RURAL ATHLETES AND RURAL LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND. The Games are free and feature the programme for 2019 is Kidz the prestigious Norwood New crowd pleasers such as speed Kartz, an initiative to teach Zealand Rural Sports Awards. The shearing, speed tree climbing, wood children the basics of trotting, 2018 awards featured competitive chopping and sheepdog trials, as using miniature horses. As well shearers, fencers, tree climbers, well as speed milking, wine barrel as learning about the mechanics wood choppers, endurance riders rolling and olive pit spitting. of harness racing, children and gumboot riders throwers. and gumboot throwers. Events range from trans-Tasman learn to care for the animals Andrew says Toyota is proud to and international championships involved as while developing again to support again supportthethe Toyota ToyotaLifetime to open entry and special have- teamwork and sportsmanship. Legacy Award. Lifetime Legacy Award. a-go programmes for children “Every year this event goes from “The 2018 award recipient, Paul throughout the weekend. strength to strength. We’re now van Beers, is a truly inspirational and Toyota New Zealand General the largest event between Mystery high-achieving competitive fencer. Manager Marketing Andrew Creek and Wellington,” says Steve. Although he no longer competes, Davis says that 2019 will be The Games will kick off with The he is still heavily involved in driving the fifth annual Games that Running of the Wools on Friday competitive fencing in New Zealand Toyota has supported. 8 March. In 2019 this event will and has since been appointed to the “The Games are all about move to The Square in the centre Rural the Sports Rural Awards' Sports judging Awards’ panel,” judging celebrating rural sports that helped of Palmerston North, bringing says Andrew. panel,” “He will“He says Andrew. be awill hardbeact a build our nation, and bringing the spectacle of sheep to the city. to follow, hard act tosofollow, I’m excited so I’mto see who excited to is country and city kids together to The sheep run will be followed by nominated see who willthis year. be nominated this year. help close the rural-urban divide.” a series of community races and “The Awards night was made all Games founder Steve Hollander events such the Man and Mutt race the more special as the amazing says an exciting and the Wool Fadge team of Ray Davies, Simon van THE SPORTS THAT BUILT new addition to competition. Velthooven, Guy Endean and Sean That evening Regan from Emirates Team New New Zealand’s Zealand were there to talk about top rural athletes their inspiring endeavours.” and rural sports You can find out more about the administrators Hilux New Zealand Rural Games by will gather for visiting www.ruralgames.co.nz. 24 Believe Believe 25
PROJECT BLAID Short for Blind-aid, Blaide is a possible solution for indoor navigation for people THE I-ROAD with visual impairments. I-Road is an ultra-compact and The robotics group began eco-friendly concept that combines the thinking of ways to potential of both cars and motorcycles assist blind people with – the agility of a motorcycle with the independent travel, and safety and comfort of a car – based on people are already testing the future of urban transport. It’s just the Blaide. 870mm wide, EV powered – ZEV. The future of The future of mobility is not just about developing THE TOYOTA CONCEPT-I products in more cars, but about human And finally, a concept with four wheels but anything but a traditional car – the TOYOTA movement and mobility for all. the new era Our global mission is to ‘help give Concept-i. Designed at the Calty design While this provides a recap, all people the freedom to move’. of mobility is The idea of using robots in our studio in California through two new companies we’ve and revealed at CES created, TOYOTA Connected, exciting as Toyota lives is still the stuff of science fiction. However, it is not that far last year, it’s our best TRI and Artificial Intelligence effort in developing Ventures will help Toyota to transforms from away from reality – the incredible our vision for the grow our understanding of e-palette concept introduced at CES being a traditional this year will be operating in Japan THE TOYOTA I-BOT car of the future, and inspiring a emerging technologies. Toyota Connected’s goal is to collect data. car company to a in 2020 for the Olympic Games. In the past few issues of Believe Toyota has partnered with Dean whole new design and technology philosophy. The Concept-i takes engagement between you and a piece It does this by leveraging the power of the internet and creating Kamen (inventor of the Segway) mobility company. magazine we have highlighted and this is what’s been developed of technology to a completely new level, and revolves around a trust and loyalty a platform that can process the some of the products that have – a serious mobility solution for the relationship. The Concept-i comes to life through Yui; like Siri, she’s the concierge huge amount of data generated been developed, and we thought disabled community. The I-Bot could between you, your passengers and your car. Yui, with the support of artificial from people, the environment and we’d take this opportunity to easily climb up and down stairs; it’s intelligence, anticipates your needs so the car can consider and execute the next the vehicle. The collection of data again showcase some products we agility is incredible – you’d need action. Like the Amazon Alexa, the Concept-i is an intelligent piece of technology will allow us to connect cars and could be selling in our showrooms a specialist in the showroom for that has the ability to learn, so just keeps getting smarter by getting to know you provide services like we’ve never in the not too distant future. delivering this. and your needs. imagined... including autonomy. 26 Believe Believe 27
O n 27 June in New Zealand and routine; the difference was their victories long into the night in a way only 26 June in Bermuda nearly 18 deep-seated belief in having a faster Kiwis would understand. Bombs off the months ago, Emirates Team New boat, better sailors and a better team dock, kids’ cricket on the forecourt and a Zealand overwhelmingly wrenched than their nemesis Oracle across the traditional Emirates Team New Zealand the America’s Cup from Oracle water. No bravado needed, just each end-of-regatta eating competition of a Team USA’s iron grip on the tropical other, the support of the nation and pie, a lamington and a bottle of Steinlager turquoise waters of Bermuda’s Great another strong start from helmsman off the saddle of the cyclors’ beloved Sound. It was a world away from the Peter Burling to put Emirates Team Wattbikes. deep, dark winter in New Zealand. New Zealand in a position to once again The hazy next morning and the pounce on Oracle and land the knockout realisation that, like a desert oasis, the Millions of Kiwis were waking up in the blow. 78 seconds into the race it came. finish line of the 35th America’s Cup had cold early hours, putting their kettles Oracle leading around mark one, just transitioned to the start gun of the on and settling in on the edge of their heading downwind and getting set to 36th America’s Cup. No rules, no roadmap, seats in nervous anticipation that the lead the gybe into mark 2. They looked just a challenge and a trophy and an 35th America’s Cup would be over back; Emirates Team New Zealand opportunity to make the 36th America’s before sunrise. Uneasy feelings had already gybed without signal. A Cup in New Zealand the best in the race’s of déjà vu from San Francisco no-look gybe practised tirelessly in the long and colourful history. four years prior were actively seclusion of Auckland months prior Reflecting on New Zealand’s win in suppressed. left the Americans aghast. The all too Bermuda coincided with Toyota New Back in Bermuda, the day familiar sight of the Emirates Team New Zealand’s announcement of its continuing seemed like any other day for Zealand transom their view once more. support for Emirates Team New Zealand Emirates Team New Zealand, Meanwhile, on board the Emirates Team for the 36th America’s Cup. The 2021 Cup going about their collective New Zealand chase boats and back in defence in Auckland will be the eighth QUICK- the base, finger nails were long gone America’s Cup campaign that Toyota New and shoulders still tensed. Zealand has been involved in, making this A clean rounding of the longest continuous sports sponsorship the final reach mark, in the country. before thoughts “We’ve been proud and honoured to stick dared to think the with the team through thick and thin,” says 14-year endeavour to reclaim Andrew Davis, the General Manager of the Auld Mug, was imminently over. As Marketing for Toyota New Zealand. Glenn Ashby, Peter Burling and the now “The team’s philosophy of imagination, infamous cyclors flew ‘Aotearoa’ across experimentation and innovation was the finish line, an overwhelming sense the winning ingredient in Bermuda last of pure relief descended on a team not year and represents what we stand for renowned for its emotion. as a company and a country. Last year’s SILVER The vibrations and ringtones successful challenge for the America’s Cup orchestrated from within the pockets aligns even more closely with our brand of all the team and its supporters values of continuous improvement and in Bermuda as family and friends in the past four years this focus has led to back home rang through to be part some exciting innovations and culminated of the celebration. The ringtones in victory.” continued into the Winner Press “We are really proud to have Toyota back Conference as CEO Grant Dalton on board with the team,” says Emirates jokingly says he would “call Team New Zealand CEO, Grant Dalton. Russell back”. Peter Burling “They have been a staunch supporter of assured the international press the team for over 25 years now since the that the team would certainly 1992 campaign. We have grown together be celebrating the sweetest of and Toyota is very much part of our DNA.” A FLEET HISTORY FOUNDED NZL 32 NZL 84 NZL 92 1992 2000 2007 CAMPER 2017 TEAM NEW STILL NEW EMIRATES TEAM 2011-12 35TH AMERICA'S ZEALAND LIMITED ZEALAND'S CUP NEW ZEALAND VOLVO OCEAN CUP WAS ESTABLISHED NZL 82 RACE 2003 NZL 92 2009 NZL 5 Toyota New Zealand first joined an America’s Cup campaign in 1992 and LOYAL NZL 32 LOUIS VUITTON 2013 was involved in Black Magic’s victory in 1995 and successful defence in 2000. 1995 PACIFIC SERIES AMERICA'S CUP It also stood behind the team when the trophy went to Switzerland in 2003 and BLACK MAGIC SAN FRANCISCO the challenges in 2007 and 2013. Toyota’s support of Team New Zealand since 1992 is one of the most successful sport sponsorships in the country’s history, says Andrew. New Zealand is the second most successful country in the 167-year history of the America’s Cup (after America) and is the only country to successfully challenge for the ‘Auld Mug’ on more than one occasion. “The team has achieved a remarkable success in a short time and it is the people who have gone the extra mile to deliver great results,” says Andrew. Believe 29
thankyou is a social enterprise TM that commits 100 per cent of its profit to help end global poverty. Its mission is to empower humanity to choose a world without poverty. Prompted by almost one billion “We grew to millions of people people living in extreme poverty, purchasing everyday products to raise thankyou’s motivation has been millions of dollars to help end global amplified by the fact that consumers poverty,” says Daniel. spend hundreds of millions, even Between years three and five, the trio billions, daily on everyday products. developed a whole range of thankyou The idea started in 2008 with three products, but had one big problem. For university students, Daniel Flynn, five years the two biggest supermarkets Justine Flynn and Jarryd Burns, who in Australia, Coles and Woolworths, says were prompted by their belief that the no to their products. Through another system should and could change, and viral online petition, people posting their used global poverty as their impetus support and even two helicopters flying to do something about it. As a result, above the head offices of thankyou was born. Coles and Woolworths (with After three years of setbacks and the pilots flying for free) knockbacks from major retailers in it became an unstoppable Australia, the trio launched an ambush movement. Coles and marketing campaign asking people to Woolworths says “yes” upload a post to 7-Eleven Australia’s in industry-record Facebook page to say that if it stocked time and products hit thankyou water people would buy shelves equally fast! it. Within hours it had gone viral, as Now some products people uploaded videos of themselves are outselling those singing and dancing and rapping. of the world’s largest 7-Eleven says “Yes” and after three multinationals, such as tough years thankyou had its first their top-ranking hand national retailer. wash range. 30 Believe Believe 31
We believe that every person has equal value and the right to a life free from poverty #ichoosethankyou • @thankyounz The thankyou team believed deep use in your future by directing your funds of the profits committed to helping end down that this idea could not stop in to ‘pay what you want’ for Chapter One.” global poverty. They fund projects that WHY TWO? BECAUSE IF... Australia and launched a pay-what-you- New Zealand is the first country help get safe water, toilets, hygiene want book titled ‘Chapter One’, with 100 to launch thankyou outside training, safe births and healthcare to per cent of the profits crowdfunding Australia – but as Daniel says, it’s 14 empower people in need. PEOPLE a launch in New Zealand (and more). not intended to be the last. Daniel says, “We’re a social enterprise. Within hours, it raised hundreds of thankyou took a different approach We operate like any for-profit business, thousands and, within a month, over from its first launch and decided you told who told who told and that happened would know investing in all the things necessary $1 million. It outsold the sales rates that our world and New Zealand 1 person 1 person 1 person 14 times about thankyou TM to create great products and stay of every other book in launch week in don’t need another bottle of water. competitive. The main difference from airport bookstores and was second only So the team made the call to not BUT IF... other for-profit companies is that we to the Harry Potter books. Two Kiwis launch their water in New Zealand. don’t have any private shareholders paid $5,000 each for a copy and the They launched by asking people 16,384 (never have, never will). Instead, we are most paid is now $50,000. to Take Action and Tell Two with the PEOPLE 100 per cent owned by the thankyou Chapter One is a book written by aim of putting thankyou into every Charitable Trust, a registered charitable co-founder Daniel Flynn that tells the bathroom in the country. What sounds you told who told who told and that happened would know entity. We commit 100 per cent of story of thankyou from its beginning in an impossible task is as simple as: 2 people 2 people 2 people 14 times about thankyou TM our profits to the trust, which then 2008. It inspires readers to challenge Buy two thankyou hand washes distributes them to our impact partners their thinking, to dream big and to make Ò give them to two friends (not What’s Even Crazier? If 300 people started this, and they told two people who told to fund sustainable development two people, and that happened 14 times, more than 4.9 million people would be their ideas a reality. one) telling them about thankyou projects that help end reached... that’s more than the entire population of New Zealand. Daniel says, “The cool thing about Ò ask them to do the same. global poverty. Chapter One is that we get to exchange We always have and value for value. You’re giving us your always will exist 100 hard-earned cash to fund our future, so The 2016 stats are impressive, with the impact you are making with the per cent for ending the we want to give you something you can water and personal care products impact partners and communities. effects of global poverty.” having funded water and toilets for thankyou products are available 556,300 people, food products (such now in New Zealand at your local New as muesli bars and cereals) food aid for World, PAK’nSAVE Four Square and 134,791 people and the baby range safe Countdown stores, with 100 per cent Ñ Justine Flynn births and healthcare for 94,477 mums Ñ Jarryd Burns and bubs in need. They have funded Daniel Flynn Ò projects in 20 countries including Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Kenya and Australia. On thankyou’s website, there are many stories from people in remote villages who, through the generosity of people buying thankyou products, now have access to these solutions. There is also a tracking system, ‘Our Track Your Impact’, which lets you track the impact of every single item bought, and as a consumer you can see how you’re affecting others globally by purchasing a thankyou product. It connects you to 32 Believe Believe 33
With less than two years to go until the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the focus for Toyota is shifting towards mobility for all society. Globally, Toyota has offered a US$4 million prize pool to uncover innovative and ground-breaking technology to assist people with lower-limb paralysis. Paralympian Grant Sharman POWER TO TH E Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images for the New Zealand Paralympic Committee 34 Believe
“When I was a kid the prosthetics were pretty basic, with free swinging legs,” Cameron Leslie REBECC A DUBBER C AMERON LESLIE SAR AH ELLINGTON Paralympians in New Zealand She also benefits from an electronic “Life is less tiring in general,” “Mobility is are hoping that the global Toyota smart drive, which clips on to the chair says Cameron. Mobility Unlimited Challenge will aid and provides much of the motive power. While he has seen countless everything. in the discovery of a technological “It’s so much easier to get about,” improvements in wheelchair weights, It gives you breakthrough to improve the sporting explains the 25-year-old Aucklander. when he took to the court with the achievements and quality of life The other technology that makes Wheel Blacks in Sydney last month independence. It of all people with disabilities. Rebecca’s life simpler is a hand control his wheelchair, and those of his would be amazing to drive her car. A simple lever is teammates, was strengthened for the Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Para swimmer Rebecca Dubber pulled back to accelerate and pushed rough-and-tumble nature of the sport. to see people Images for the New Zealand Paralympic Committee knows from practical experience that forward to brake, and it is linked The chairs, built especially for the walk again. You any innovations in technology can directly to the standard foot controls. sport, are like the proverbial brick help in her everyday life as well as “If innovative technology comes out outhouse and are at least twice the don’t realise how time-trial bike for races against the in competition at the highest level. of the challenge and gives me access weight of an everyday wheelchair. She has seen wheelchair technology to walk down the aisle at my wedding, “If people can come up with cool much you’ve lost clock. Add in the disc wheels, aero helmet and aerodynamic skin suit. improve in the two decades since that would be fantastic,” says Rebecca. ideas for Mobility Unlimited and until you have “Technology isn’t everything in she first had one as a pre-schooler. make them into things that make A bronze medallist at the Rio 2016 Cameron Leslie has been using a difference in people’s lives, that limited mobility.” cycling,” says Sarah, “but you’ve got to have the latest kit to be competitive.” Paralympics, she has just started prosthetic legs since he was two would be great,” says Cameron. Sarah Ellington rebuilding her career after surgery for years old. The triple Paralympic gold Paralympian Grant Sharman has shoulder over-use injuries that she medallist in swimming, from Whāngārei, seen it all. He has been competing in a sustained in years of self-propelling is also a Wheel Black competing in variety of Para sports since 1978 and heavy wheelchairs in her everyday the sport of wheelchair rugby. first played for the Wheel Blacks in mobility. “When I was a kid the prosthetics 1995 leading up to the Sydney 2000 Now they are much lighter, having were pretty basic, with free swinging Paralympics. Between 2003 and 2008 halved in weight in the past three years legs,” says the 28-year-old. “Now the he coached the Wheel Blacks and more to seven kilograms, using a combination prosthetic knees have microprocessor- recently has taken up Para shooting of carbon fibre, titanium and aluminium controlled gyroscopes to mimic with the goal of making the team instead of the previous alloy and steel. the movement of a natural knee. for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. “Every sport now has its own sport-specific wheelchair. When I “If innovative technology comes out of the challenge Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images started we just used what we had. Wheelchair rugby now has different and gives me access to walk down the aisle at my chair types for the different positions.” wedding, that would be fantastic.” Rebecca Dubber Para cyclist Sarah Ellington has Prior to 2015 she had done enough Lightweight and aerodynamic, seen the technology changes, even in cycling on an ordinary bike to compete Para athletics track chairs can the three years since she had a spinal in a Half Ironman. In the past 18 cost more than $10,000, and a set cord injury in 2015, which reduced the months Sarah has been selected for the of carbon-fibre wheels can add power she could generate in her legs. Paralympics New Zealand Para Cycling several thousand dollars more. Given only a two per cent chance of National Development Programme. Paralympians are using the same Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images for the walking again, she started walking Sarah made her international sports science as their able-bodied New Zealand Paralympic Committee with an “off the shelf” plastic splint debut last August and next month counterparts. “It’s all about making to support her right ankle and will compete at her third World marginal gains,” says Grant. extend up her calf muscle. Now she Championships in Italy, having already The winner of the Toyota Mobility has a custom-made carbon fibre won two silver medals at a World Unlimited Challenge will be one that fits “a whole lot better”. Cup meeting in Belgium in May. announced during the Tokyo 2020 “Mobility is everything,” says Sarah. Now Sarah has three bikes that Paralympics, where Toyota is the “It gives you independence. It would are designed for specific tasks – a mobility partner. Locally, Toyota be amazing to see people walk again. track bike for velodrome events, a New Zealand proudly supports both You don’t realise how much you’ve lightweight, carbon-fibre road bike Paralympics New Zealand and the lost until you have limited mobility.” for road racing, and an aerodynamic New Zealand Olympic Committee. 36 Believe Believe 37
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