Antonia Rosedale

Recovery Partner, ACC
Bachelor of Health Science in Case Management with a minor in Interpreting

It’s a privilege to be there for everyday New Zealanders when they’re at their most vulnerable, says Antonia Rosedale who studied case management and now works at ACC.

“I work within the Serious Injury team at ACC, supporting New Zealanders with spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. I’m filled with a sense of purpose and humbled by the bravery and strength of my clients who have suffered life-changing injuries. For our Serious Injury clients, ACC partners one-on-one case management with multi-disciplinary rehabilitation teams, often accompanied by a period of intensive inpatient rehabilitation at either the Spinal Cord Unit or ABI Rehabilitation. We take a whole of person approach in kiritakis’ rehabilitation by understanding their injury, whānau and their rehabilitation goals; then providing them with the right programmes or assessments at the right time to maximise their independence in day-to-day life.

“There are so many things I enjoy about my work; it’s both challenging and rewarding, there’s always something new to learn and I love that curious questions are welcomed in my workplace. ACC’s values of tika, pono and aroha (integrity, respect and compassion) are deeply woven into how we interact with our kiritaki (clients) and our kaimahi (colleagues). We work hard and hold ourselves to a high standard. Our leadership teams are incredibly supportive and genuinely care about staff wellbeing and development.”

Since starting at ACC in January 2024 in an entry-level role, Antonia has quickly progressed in her career so far.

“My first team leader actually tapped me on the shoulder to apply for a role I thought there was no way I was ready for, but she saw my potential. She knew I had the credentials – my AUT degree – and she knew where I wanted to be because of our coaching sessions; all I had to do was take a step forward and apply. It’s a testament to the very real career progression available at ACC from day one. When I last updated my AUT profile I was planning my next move within the company and working with my then team leader to develop the skills I needed to move into the role I’m in now. He endorsed my application, helped me prepare and practice for the interview and here I am; in the position I wanted!”

Feeling supported
Antonia says she discovered her passion for case management in her first year of university.

“Originally, I was enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine, but then realised that case management was more in line with my career goals, previous work experience and a desire to be involved in a person’s journey from start to finish. It was like I found my place in the world – where I fit in, what drives me and gives me purpose. Everything I learned during my degree only fed into that and I was so excited to start my career and find out what it was like to really work in this field.”

The culture at AUT was one of the highlights of her studies.

“Everyone was willing to help each other succeed. It was so easy to make friends in class, smile at someone and have a chat, then get together to work on assignments and put in the mahi to get good grades. The teaching staff were readily available, provided so much guidance and wanted to see their students do well. I felt especially supported during the COVID lockdowns, and I couldn’t have studied, worked part-time and been a single parent without the flexibility and incredible support AUT provided. You aren’t just a number at AUT – the lecturers actually connect with their students.

“Because of the mentorship I received during my studies I was also offered the opportunity to work as a research assistant for AUT on a scoping review right after I graduated. The chance to have that kind of exposure – working on an academic paper fresh out the gate of finishing my degree, and to have my name listed in an international journal – is a big deal for me. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without the mentorship of my head of department, Dr Caroline Stretton, which is something I’ll treasure for the rest of my career.”

Advice for other students
Antonia, who graduated from AUT in 2023, has some great advice for other students.

“Whāia e koe te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei. Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain.”

Dare to dream, she adds.

“When I was a student, my goal was to work for ACC, and here I am. Sure, I didn’t start out in the position I hoped I would, but I always put 100% into whatever work I was doing. Now I’m further than I thought I’d be, working within and living out my purpose. There were times I doubted whether my degree was going to be worth it, but studying gave me a strong foundational knowledge in my field and revealed what I was passionate about.

“Completing a degree was my first exposure to setting a goal that would take a number of years to accomplish; that’s an invaluable lesson when you look to set new goals, and then achieve them in your life. Dream big and never forget every step takes you closer to the top of the mountain.”