Differently Abled — The Graeme Axford Story ( reprinted)

This book contains insights that everyone should have, regarding the seemingly impenetrable cloak of invincibility that shrouds and protects the Government, it’s agencies and agents. In his Foreword to this book, Steve Taylor asks, “What happens if a statutory organisation, with overt, unrestrained, and monumental power to intervene in families and society, routinely acts in a way that is beyond the rule of law, and remains free of the consequences of doing so?” Make no mistake — it IS a system, functioning exactly as designed, failing people as it protects itself, and ultimately the Government.

This is Graeme’s story, told as only he can. What is immediately apparent, are Graeme’s extraordinary warmth and humanity. Graeme’s fight is not just in his own, personal interest. He fights for justice for all those that confront the Government, whether through the Justice system, or perhaps ACC. Along the way, he has generously helped literally thousands of others mount their own challenges to “the system.”

Graeme’s conscience, his intelligence and persistence have proven to be his Superpowers in the lifelong fight for justice. Confronted with challenge after challenge, against seemingly insurmountable odds, Graeme has spent most of his adult life campaigning against not just the machinery of Government — the bureaucracy — but successfully fighting to challenge the Government itself.

“Fight” is no exaggeration. This epic battle has cost Graeme personally and professionally, and for context, Graeme is also personally challenged by severe dyslexia. He struggles every day with basic numeracy and literacy, which only serves to make his many achievements all the more remarkable. A qualified social worker, Graeme also has the honour of having served in the New Zealand Territorial Forces. For his community achievements Graeme was awarded the 2012 Kiwibank Local Hero Medal, nominated again in 2019.

A reprint of the first book done in 2020; the covers and a second foreword added are the differences.