Inspiration born of adversity

INSPIRATION: Tony Makiha and protege Shylin Mokoraka (Waima), who has been carving the slab of pine under Tony's guidance.

Tony Makiha has had more than his share of health issues over recent years, and is not yet entirely out of the woods, but that hasn't slowed him down.

Northland Age staffer Debbie Beadle discovered that the other day while she was filling in time in Kaikohe waiting for her car to be repaired.

"I could hear a tapping noise and as I got closer to the Memorial Hall I saw a big sign out front with 'Tupuna Matauranga' on it, and a man and two youths chiselling away," she said.

"The kitchen and foyer were filled with carvings, some finished and others still works in progress, and art works from masks to paintings, all from local schools and all on display for the public to come and have a look at."

It was head carver Tony Makiha's story that truly inspired her however.

"Tony Makiha is still a young man who loves his art, carving, rugby, touch and children," Debbie said.

"He was working as a probation officer when his life changed radically about five years ago. He was out in the Waima ranges with a friend, checking out an area for Waima School to visit and go camping, when he was struck by an immense pain in his chest. He was having trouble breathing, out of cellphone range and miles from anywhere, so there was no choice but to head back down the valley.

"Neither Tony nor is friend knew that he was having a heart attack so, as any good friend would do, his mate spurred him on the whole way down, pushing him at times, to get him home. By the time they got to the bottom of the valley Tony's chest pain was worse and his breathing was extremely shallow.

Unable to take another step, his friend threw him across the horse he was leading, "like a sack of spuds".

Two and a half hours later they reached a home a home, an ambulance was called and Tony was taken to hospital.

In 2012, still on the road to recovery, and against his better judgement, Tony decided to take up league and netball. He reckons he has some talent for both codes, though he kept telling himself that he shouldn't be playing either. Then, in 2012, while he was alone, his legs began shaking. He remembered banging on the wall to summons help, and the next thing he remembers was waking up in hospital.

"Tony had had a seizure," Debbie said. "He was rushed to hospital where he was subjected to all sorts of tests, and finally a CT scan that revealed swelling under his skull. Part of his skull was removed, and remained removed for three months, to let the swelling down.

"So far he's had four operations, and at one stage it was very much touch and go. There was even talk of turning off his life support."

He had suffered his most recent seizure in April, but had since changed his medication. He had also had to learn how to talk again. He knew what he wanted to say, but turning thoughts into words wasn't always easy. He still has difficulty from time to time, but he has always had the support of family and friends, and he has found inspiration in working with the children at Waima School, where he teaches kapa haka, league and art.

He also runs a carving workshop on Tuesdays, where everyone is welcome, in the Greenworld health shop building.