Siua Togapuna Support & Rehabilitation

Si suffered another severe stroke at home on the afternoon of Sunday 15th April.

He was in a critical condition in Auckland Hospital for a number of days and has now transferred to their rehabilitation unit. Si has been getting the very best care and attention from an amazing group of health professionals. However, he has a long road ahead of him both physically and mentally. Si is currently unable to work and may not be able to go back to work for a considerable period of time.

Many people close to Si and Kate have been asking how they can help. So this page is about providing a practical way for people to give support to a whānau that really needs it. They are a humble and proud family and would never ask for handouts but we think that even the smallest contributions can add up to make a massive difference to them.

Si is a Head Mechanist and Rigger for Auckland Live; he has worked professionally in NZ's entertainment and arts industry for more than 30 years. As such he is a highly valuable and respected senior technician. Si possesses vast knowledge and expertise which has seen him give a lot to many, many shows over the years. Si's job, the job he loves, is physically demanding and work hours can be long with over night shifts also a regular feature of show business.

If you have watched or worked on a show at the mighty Civic Theatre or the Aotea Centre where major set pieces, performers, scenic back-drops and theatre curtains seamlessly fly in and out - Si has probably been the key man behind the scenes making this magic happen. Most importantly, he will have been helping to ensure that everyone back stage is safe!

Si’s partner Kate is also a professional contractor in the arts industry. She is a leading Production Manager, specialist lighting technician and all-round wonder woman. An ultimate tag-team, Kate and Si are dedicated full time parents who somehow manage to juggle their busy work schedules to make it all work. You couldn't find more humble and genuine people, generous to a fault in all aspects of their lives.

Work in the arts does not pay the big bucks so getting through the unforeseen journey ahead will be a big financial challenge for these guys. Especially as there is no timeline for when Si might make a full recovery or his capacity to return to regular duties at work. School costs for the kids, weekly bills and unexpected expenses – it all helps to reduce additional pressures at a stressful time.