When life takes an unexpected turn, it’s not always easy to ask for help - especially when you’re used to being the one offering it. For Sally Ryan, a proud Ngāi Tahu woman from Bluff, a single moment changed everything. After decades of hard work in healthcare and community service, she found herself injured, unable to work, and facing the complex ACC system alone. What she didn’t expect was to find someone who would walk alongside her every step of the way.
My name is Sally Ryan. I’m 61 years old, born and bred in Bluff — a place that’s always felt like the anchor to my life. I’ve lived all over, from the far corners of Aotearoa to across the ditch in Australia, but no matter where I’ve gone, Bluff has always called me home. Through every step of the journey, I’ve stayed grounded in my people and my culture.
I left Bluff when I was 15 to attend Māori Trade Training in Christchurch, then moved up to Levin where I started nurse aiding at Kimberley Hospital. That’s where my passion for health began. I went on to Sydney, lived there for 12 years, and trained as a nurse. After that, I worked in theatre, and eventually moved into dental. I’ve worked in healthcare most of my life - looking after people, supporting whānau, and giving back to my communities.
I’ve always kept my connection to Bluff strong. In 1998, during one of my returns home, I became the very first staff member at Awarua Social and Health Services (now Awarua Whānau Services). I worked there for over 10 years, supporting local families. I was on the original Healthy Homes team as the educator, making sure our whānau had safe, warm places to live.
My most recent years were spent in Perth, working in the mines and then returning to dental as a sterilisation technician. Four years ago, I came home to Bluff to care for my mum, who has dementia. Looking after her was a full-time job, but it was something I was proud to do. When she went into residential care, I found work again in dental, back in the job I loved.
Then, one day, everything changed.
It was something so small - just bringing in the wheelie bin on a typical Bluff day. The wind was strong, as always, and before I knew it, the bin was lifted straight up. I didn’t think to let go. I kept pulling it in, and then I heard a crunch. It was instant. The pain was sharp, deep, and I knew something was seriously wrong.
I tried to carry on but the pain was intense. I went to the doctor on December 8 and started physio. But by the time we reopened at work after the Christmas break, I couldn’t manage. The pain wasn’t going away. The physio put me off work, and on January 30 I was declared unfit for duty. I haven’t been back since - and about three weeks ago, I officially had to leave my job.
It’s been hard. I’ve been diagnosed with bursitis and tendinitis in my shoulder. It’s a slow road. I do dry needling, cupping, and physio regularly. I can’t do repetitive work, I can’t sleep on that side, and even hanging washing or mowing the lawn (with a battery mower and one arm!) is a challenge. I rest constantly. My whole lifestyle has changed. I’ve got a lot of skills, but now I’m limited in what I can do. I find that really hard.
On top of the injury, I found myself dealing with ACC. Something I’ve never had to do before. I was overwhelmed and lost. I found it wasn’t an easy system to understand. At one point, they said it had been six weeks and asked what was happening with my case - but they had my injury recorded as a sprain when it was far more serious.
One day, while I was looking online for a friend - trying to help her find support - I came across the ACC Navigator service through Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu. I wasn’t even looking for myself, but I saw it and thought: maybe they could help me too.
That’s when I met Bob, the ACC Navigator at Ngā Kete.
From the first call, Bob was incredible. Kind, calm, and supportive. I came to him in tears, stressed and unsure of what to do. Bob came with me to meetings, acted as my support person, and helped me to understand everything. He took notes, spoke to my ACC case manager on my behalf (with my permission), and made sure I knew my rights.
He translated everything into plain language and always followed up on my questions. He never made me feel like I was just a number.
Without Bob, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. He helped me understand the process, advocated for me, and gave me peace of mind when everything felt too much. I truly believe the universe brought Bob into my life. I wasn’t looking for him but he was exactly who I needed.
I’m still on ACC now. It’s just been extended another month. I saw the doctor recently to get a referral to a surgeon, because ACC wants me to consider that route. But surgery might not even help and if it does, it could set me back another six months. This isn’t a quick fix. It’s going to take time.
Through it all, I’ve had Bob. He’s been the one constant. He’s thought of everything, and he’s taken so much pressure off me. If anyone deserves a gold star, it’s him. Actually, give him two.
Sally’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change - and how vital the right support can be when it does. Thanks to her strength, her connection to community, and the guidance of an ACC Navigator like Bob, she’s facing the future with hope and dignity.
