Toyota New Zealand drives inclusivity with 'Seeing is Believing' education programme

Toyota New Zealand is proud to announce its support of the new Paralympics New Zealand ‘Seeing is Believing’ school programme, helping shift the dial on perceptions of disability by championing inclusivity in primary schools across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The national rollout of Seeing is Believing was announced today with a special gathering at Scott Point School in Auckland, featuring Toyota New Zealand’s newest Brand Guardian, Paralympic swimmer and Wheel Black Cameron Leslie.

‘Seeing is Believing’ harnesses the power of Paralympians, Para athletes, and the Paralympic Movement to reshape the way we perceive disability. It is based on the existing global I’mPOSSIBLE platform.

Paralympics New Zealand CEO Greg Warnecke is delighted that with Toyota’s backing, Seeing is Believing will change perceptions of disability with our youngest learners across the motu:

“The programme connects with both disabled and non-disabled tamariki, their teachers and kaiako, through schools. It was tailored specifically for the New Zealand curriculum through the Health and Physical Education framework and integrates Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. The 20 schools which have piloted the programme for us have seen a phenomenal impact on attitudes and behaviours around inclusivity. I encourage primary schools to give it a look.”

 The pilot programme was launched for primary school students in 20 schools across Aotearoa in October 2022, and Toyota New Zealand is committed to making this transformative initiative available to every primary school nationwide.

Andrew Davis, Vice President of Marketing, Toyota New Zealand, says the partnership is a natural fit for Toyota.

"Toyota's commitment to mobility for all is exemplified through 'Seeing is Believing’,” he says. “We believe that inclusivity knows no boundaries and are 100% behind the Paralympic Movement both locally and globally.”

“Supporting the launch of this next phase of ‘Seeing is Believing’ marks a significant milestone for our shared goals to foster diversity and live by the Paralympic values of inspiration, courage, determination, and equality.

“We’re thrilled to work with Paralympics New Zealand to amplify the potential impact of this exciting school resource for our next generation.”

Toyota New Zealand is proud to have been a major partner and official vehicle supplier of Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) since 2017. Globally, Toyota has partnered with the international Paralympic committee as the Worldwide official Mobility Partner since 2015.

For more information, visit Paralympics New Zealand | Spirit of Gold.