Walter Neilands

 

Walter Neilands is an upbeat entertainer who has been hosting, writing and producing media content for over a decade. He’s renowned for his high-energy creative activity on shows such as the hugely popular youth show Sticky TV and TV3’s Cadbury Dream Factory. A true all-rounder, he is also adept at compering and hosting live performances and emceeing.

 

Currently he is the executive producer of his own company Screengrab, an online video production company focused on marketing advertising.

In 2019, Walter brought his joyful spirit to Dancing with the Stars supporting Kidney Kids as his chosen charity. He wowed the nation and the judges by back flipping off the judges’ table! He’s proud to be a Kidney Kids ambassador, loves hanging out with our families and getting involved in our fundraising activities and events.

 

With his infectious energy and huge grin, Walter inspires our kids to be the best they can despite the challenges along the way.

Shaz Dagg

 

Shaz Dagg is a New Zealand para-athlete whose resilience and determination has made her an inspiration to many. Shaz has always been passionate about fitness and sport, especially running and cycling. After a farming accident in 2016, Shaz was left with a life changing decision – to amputate her arm and navigate life without it. Despite this huge challenge and major life adjustment, Shaz believes it is the best thing to ever happen to her.

 

“I would never, ever turn the clock back. These have been the best years of my life.”

 

Post accident, Shaz has taken her passion for fitness to a whole new level, having competed in numerous triathlons and sporting events including the Coast to Coast. She was selected to be part of the New Zealand Paralympic triathlon team to compete in Tokyo, 2020.

 

Shaz’s life with one missing limb is not her only challenge. Much like many of our Kidney Kids, Shaz only has one kidney. It makes her a very relatable inspiration and hero to our Kidney Kids.

 

Shaz lives her life to the fullest, facing new challenges everyday as she continues to adapt to her new ‘limb-it-less life’ proving determination and motivation is the key to success.

Katherine Paton

 

Katherine Paton, once a Kidney Kid herself, is a New Zealand gymnast with end stage renal failure caused by a genetic mutation.

 

Diagnosed in 2008, Katherine was on peritoneal dialysis for seven months before receiving a transplant from her mother.

 

She was lucky enough to have her mother’s kidney for six wonderful years. It allowed her to continue living a normal life. She travelled to France in 2010 and took part in the World Winter Transplant Games. In 2012, she travelled to France and Bulgaria to compete and train in rhythmic gymnastics, and early in 2014, went to America to compete in two more competitions. She was able to finish high school, get a vet nursing degree and start a full-time job.

 

Unfortunately, in December 2014, she was told her kidney was failing and in June 2015 it was removed. She went back onto haemodialysis for five months then back onto peritoneal dialysis.

 

Despite this, she went back to gymnastics in 2016. In 2017 she represented New Zealand in Level 10 at the Australian Gymnastics Nationals. The following year she travelled to Europe to compete in two World Cups and a World Championship.

 

She did all of this while still on dialysis as a true inspiration to our Kidney Kids.

 

In 2022, Katherine underwent another kidney transplant. Now at 30, she is living an active life, staying fit and healthy and still setting goals.

 

Katherine’s journey has been tough at times, but this has only made her more resilient and stronger, making her a relatable ambassador with a real-life story for everyone to admire.