My Story
Ko Taranaki, Piraunui, Ruapehu me Tauhara tōku maunga
Ko Waitotara, Whanganui me Mangamutu tōku Awa
Ko Waipapa, Takirau, Rakato, Kaiwhaiki me Pakira tōku marae
Ko Ngāti Pourua, Ngā Paerangi me Tutemohuta tōku hapū
Ko Aotea me Te Arawa tōku waka
Ko Ngā Rauru Kiitahi, Te-Ati-Haunui-ā-Paparangi, Ngai Tahu me Ngati Tuwharetoa tōku iwi
Ko Cheryl Nemani ahau, ko Shenaragh Nemani taku tamāhine
Shenaragh and I are mother and daughter, born, raised and based in Whanganui. As the mother of a daughter with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, her diagnosis gave me a new purpose. Since that day, I have been committed to helping her live the fullest life possible, surrounded by determination, opportunity and unconditional love.
Over her 31 years, Shenaragh, a proud wāhine of Māori and Tongan heritage, has transformed from having no voice to communicating through eye-gaze technology. She has become a World Salsa Gold Medallist in Miami, studied Te Reo Māori at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and is believed to be the first person with high support needs to complete a Diploma in Rākau Rongoā.
Together, we created Kitea meaning "To Be Seen." Through vibrant wheel covers, we celebrate individuality, accessibility and belonging while challenging people to see the person before the disability. A wheelchair is more than a mobility aid. It is something a person wears every day, just as others wear their favourite shoes or clothing. If we celebrate personal style in fashion, why shouldn't we celebrate personal style in mobility?
Our hope is to spark conversations, challenge stereotypes, and help create communities where everyone feels seen, valued and included. Together, we hope to inspire a more inclusive future for generations to come.
Nga Mihi
Taku Haerenga - My Journey
The idea for Kitea was born as I prepared for the World Salsa Championships. Like every competitor, I wanted to feel proud of how I presented myself. My wheelchair is part of who I am, yet there was nothing available to make it feel special. My whānau decorated it with tinsel, and while it brought a smile, I couldn't help but think I deserved something that truly reflected me. I wanted my wheelchair to celebrate my identity, my creativity and my pride in being Māori. That simple moment became the inspiration behind Kitea and our mission to help others be seen with pride.
