Meet Makuini Johnson and Spencer Kirk, two Bay of Plenty locals pursuing goals that matter to them.
Momenta is proud to announce Makuini Johnson and Spencer Kirk as the recipients of the 2026 Live the Life You Love Award.
The award supports disabled people across the Bay of Plenty to pursue ambitious, meaningful goals that build on their strengths, interests, and aspirations. From competing on the world stage to sharing creativity through photography, this year's recipients are showing what can happen when people are supported to follow what they love.
The award funding is held in trust as a long-term endowment through the Acorn Foundation, helping ensure opportunities like these continue to make a difference for years to come.
This year’s recipients represent two very different, yet equally powerful journeys; one on the world stage of elite sport, and the other through creative expression and connection in the community.
Makuini Johnson, a Tauranga-based whaikaha Māori athlete with connections to Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi, has been awarded funding to support her campaign to compete at the 2026 IVF Vaʻa World Sprint Elite Championships in Singapore.
An elite para Waka Ama athlete and current world champion, Makuini is the only VL2 classified athlete competing in Waka Ama in New Zealand. A reality that makes her journey both groundbreaking and deeply personal.
For Makuini, Waka Ama is about far more than competition.
“When I am in a waka, I am free. Free from a restricted lower body. Free from other people’s limitations and expectations… In those moments on the water, I am simply allowed to be me.”
Her campaign is not only about performance, but about representation, leadership, and creating pathways for others.
“I want my story to show that disability does not remove ambition, excellence, or the ability to represent your country at the highest level.”
Funding from Momenta will help cover essential costs including travel, adaptive equipment, and athlete support. These resources are critical for her to compete safely at an elite level.
Spencer Kirk, a 29-year-old Tauranga local with Down syndrome, has been recognised for his Sunrise Spence Photography project. A creative initiative focused on developing his photography skills while building independence and community connection.
Spencer has developed a passion for capturing sunrise and sunset landscapes, with a natural eye for light, composition, and atmosphere.
Photography provides Spencer with a meaningful way to express himself, build confidence, and connect with the community through something he genuinely enjoys.
Through the project, Spencer will work alongside a support person to build practical skills in photography, editing, planning, and sharing his work. All while increasing independence and confidence in community environments.
A key goal is to create and share his work publicly through an online portfolio and social media presence, opening opportunities for connection and future creative pathways.
In time, Spencer hopes to develop a small photography-based social enterprise, including an annual calendar showcasing his work.
Momenta Chief Executive Shelley Blakey says this year’s recipients reflect the heart of the award; people who are pursuing goals that are both personally meaningful and impactful for others.
“Each year, we see incredible courage in the applications. People dreaming big and stepping into opportunities that truly matter to them. Makuini and Spencer represent what this award is all about. They are each following their own path, building on their strengths, and showing what’s possible when people are supported to pursue a life they love.”
Now in its second year, the Live the Life You Love Award continues to support disabled people across the Bay of Plenty to take meaningful steps toward their goals. Whether on the world stage, in the community, or anywhere in between.
For both Makuini and Spencer, the award represents more than funding; it is an investment in their aspirations, their growth, and the impact they hope to create.