The story of Tutekawa Wyllie’s injury history and long-awaited diagnosis is one that the Rugby Foundation is privileged to be a part of.  

Supported by his wife Margaret, who is now his recognised full-time carer, Tu is the first rugby player in Aotearoa to have a diagnosis of probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) publicly acknowledged and accepted for funding by ACC. (A fuller account of Tu’s journey was published earlier this year in The Spinoff.) 

As many of our VIPs and other injured Kiwis can testify, the journey to proper funded care by our government agencies can sometimes be a rocky pathway. While it was established to support New Zealanders who were injured, the Accident Compensation Corporation (or ACC)’s process to accept compensation claims is often described by those who need it as bureaucratic at best; obstructive and soul-destroying at worst.  

A rocky path, with added hurdles 

For Tu and Margaret, who were already living with the growing impact of Tu’s rugby concussions, the many hurdles often seemed insurmountable. Starting back in 2010, when Tu was still in his mid-50s, his memory lapses and unexpected moods steadily gave way to more serious incapacity. When his mobility was impacted, it was Margaret who built an access ramp at their house in Gisborne.

With CTE still under research worldwide, ACC was resistant to approving coverage for Tu’s steadily worsening symptoms against his initial claim in 1982. Margaret and Tu were paying out of pocket for expensive diagnostic scans and specialists, in order to prove the origin of Tu’s condition.  

It added insult to injury for Margaret, who was watching her husband of 40 years’ rapid decline while his peers were still active and working.  

A PET scan for amyloid in Tu’s brain would finally eliminate Alzheimer’s disease as the root cause, and Tu’s claim was awarded full coverage for care and necessary resources. 

Supporting the supporters  

It was around 2018 that their lawyer, Brittany Peck, first mentioned the Rugby Foundation. With its support, Margaret was able to pursue the case with ACC.  Brittany fought tenaciously for Tu’s cause. “The financial support from the Rugby Foundation was a huge help,” says Margaret. “It was vital to our success with ACC.” 

Margaret also speaks fondly of Chief Executive Lisa Kingi-Bon. “Lisa would listen to me when I needed to be heard. She’s been an advocate for us with key people.” 

Once again, it is the Foundation’s honour to support Tu and Margaret and share in their hard-won recognition. The case is a landmark — and potentially a shift in the way that our sports people are supported and cared for in our community. 

Article added: Monday 19 February 2024