Halberg is proud to celebrate of it’s newest Youth Council members, Toby, who was recently awarded the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust Disabled Athlete of the Year at the Hutt Valley Sports Awards. The award recognises not just Toby’s sporting achievements, but also the dedication and resilience he has shown throughout his journey. While humbled by the honour, Toby admits it came as a surprise. For him, being nominated alone felt like a huge accomplishment – and winning marked a special moment after years of hard work and training.

A passionate and determined para athlete, Toby has overcome significant challenges to compete at the highest level. As someone who is legally blind, he has faced more than just the physical demands of sport – he’s had to challenge perceptions, shift attitudes, and constantly advocate for inclusion. With the support of his family and local community, Toby has built a sporting journey that is both impressive and inspiring.

Toby’s involvement in sport began at a young age and grew from his natural love of movement. From the time he could walk, he was running along the beaches of Taranaki. Over the years, he’s participated in a wide range of sports – including gymnastics, swimming, sailing, rock climbing, triathlon, and goalball. Today, his focus lies in cross-country running and rowing.

His introduction to running with a guide tether came through the support of a dedicated teacher and a Halberg Advisor visit while he was at primary school. Rowing became part of his journey later. Although he didn’t enjoy it the first time he tried, he returned to it through a Rowing NZ para-athlete programme and discovered a new passion. The timing, he says, was everything.

While sport has always been a natural part of his life, Toby has encountered barriers, particularly around people’s assumptions about what he can and cannot do. He credits his mum with spending years helping others understand that he was safe and capable, and challenging the idea that participation in sport was beyond his reach. Despite these challenges, Toby has continued to push forward, achieving remarkable milestones along the way.

Earlier this year, he became the first para athlete in New Zealand to compete at the Coastal Rowing Nationals. He also set five world indoor rowing records just before his 17th birthday – a feat made even more impressive by the fact that he completed them over two evenings, with very little time to spare.

Support from those around him also played a huge role in his journey. His dad is a regular training partner who keeps him focused. His close friends, including a long-time friend and training mate Mitchell, offer positivity and encouragement. Toby is also inspired by people like Sir Edmund Hillary and Robbie Williams – individuals who were once doubted but went on to achieve incredible things.

One of the standout moments in his sporting jour et came when he found himself talking on the beach at the Coastal Rowing Nationals with Olympic rower Emma Twigg – a moment that highlighted just how far his journey had taken him, and the inclusive potential of sport when opportunities are made available.

Joining the Halberg Youth Council was a natural next step. After years of advocating for inclusion on his own, Toby saw the council as a platform to amplify his voice and work alongside others to create lasting change. He hopes to use his experience to help make the path smoother for the next generation of young disabled Kiwis.

While he is currently focused on competitive sport, Toby is passionate about inclusive recreation more broadly. He’s tried everything from skydiving and rafting to tramping and zip lining, and believes that every young person – regardless of ability – should have the chance to experience adventure and movement in ways that suit them.

His ultimate goal is the one day compete at the Paralympics. Until then, he’s committed to training hard, advocating for others, and continuing to explore new opportunities. Outside of sport, Toby plays the piano and enjoys time with his classical music-loving friends. He’s also passionate about sustainability and is actively involved in learning and discussion around environmental issues.

Toby’s journey so far has been filled with highs and lows – exciting achievements, powerful moments of connection, and the persistent challenge of breaking down barriers. His message to others is simple: believe in yourself, take one step at a time, and surround yourself with people who believe in you too. Because with support, determination, and a bit of creativity, anything is possible.

We’re incredibly proud to have Toby on the Halberg Youth Council – a passionate athlete, a fierce advocate for inclusion, and a role model for young people across Aotearoa.

Also, if you want to check out Toby taking part in the 2025 Rowing NZ Beach Sprints Championships, click here.