John Forbes

My involvement with CCS Disability Action Waikato branch began when my life was severely interrupted at the age of four years old. This was during the last major Polio epidemic outbreak in New Zealand in 1955, when my younger sister and I both contracted the Polio virus, affecting my lower limbs and my sister’s upper limbs.

We both became members of the Waikato branch as child survivors of Polio. I started my work life as Owner/Manager of a large sheep and cattle station in the King Country region with my younger brother at a noticeably early age. Having been thrusted into this role grounded me for things that followed. I have been a national board member for Polio New Zealand and was the chairperson for their Waikato branch for several years. I have been a director, chairperson and a member for several boards and have been involved in several organisations, such as the Lions Foundation, school committees, sports clubs and many others.

Although I have stepped back from most of these roles, I am now enjoying being the chairperson of the Waikato CCS Disability Action LAC committee.

Nga mihi,

John Forbes