I’ve been in a wheelchair for nearly 40 years now.I’m a C4–5 tetraplegic. Looking back, one of the most important things I got right — eventually — was taking control of my own care. Employing my own caregivers. Setting up a routine. Yes, a boring routine. But routine gives you freedom. It gives structure to the day, makes things possible, and helps you get out into the world — to work, to participate, to live. When you’re on ACC, you can choose to manage your own care package. You can advertise locally, through places like Trade Me or community boards, and build a team that works for you. Over time, you learn who fits. Some carers bring practical experience. Others you train yourself. You learn — sometimes the hard way — how to choose the right people. My caregivers work in shifts: mornings, afternoons, nights. Twenty-four hours a day. Because life doesn’t stop at 5pm. Once you have the right people around you, something important happens. They become your arms and legs — but you still hold the power. You still decide what your day looks like. Whether that’s going down to the beach for a coffee or an ice cream, heading to the pub, or simply being out in the community — being seen, and seeing others — it all matters. Independence isn’t about doing everything yourself.It’s about having the support that lets you live your life on your terms.