A year ago Jarard Pearce thought he would be bedridden for the rest of his life.
Next weekend, he's going pig hunting.
So what has changed for the 26-year-old Reporoa fitter and welder?
He decided to focus on what he could do - rather than what he couldn't do - after a
Broadlands car crash on April 8 last year left him a paraplegic.
That means he still hunts pigs. On June 1, 2 and 3, he'll compete in the Woolshed Tavern and Reporoa Community Pig Hunting Competition.
Mr Pearce straps himself to a quad bike most weekends and heads into the bush with his mate Stuart Smith and dogs Storm and Six.
"I like being out in the bush and the outdoors with my dogs," he said.
However, it hasn't been without its risks.
On his first trip back into Kaingaroa Forest after his accident, his favourite pig dog was run over and killed.
"I felt like giving up then. It was a pretty hard blow.
"I thought everything was against me but everyone kept calling in to take me out for a hunt."
Strapped to the bike and riding on rugged terrain also has its challenges.
"One time I rolled the bike. Lucky my mate wasn't far behind me and he helped me get back on.
"I really enjoy hunting and I've got just as much chance as everyone else of catching a pig," he said.
Mr Pearce said when he was told he had lost the use of his legs he honestly believed his life had ended.
"I had some major doubts.
"I thought I was going to be in bed for the rest of my life," he said.
With family, friends and partner Emma Smith's encouragement, it wasn't long before he was back to his old self, he said.
"I had to learn how to adjust so I could do things. I try to find things I can do."
The Woolshed Tavern and Reporoa Community Pig Hunting Competition offers numerous cash prizes. Children can enter the contest free with prizes for the heaviest rabbit, hare, possum and eel.
