Shanae is up to the challenge

By Melanie Louden

Don’t ever tell Shanae Yates she can’t do something. Because she’ll find a way.

Shanae, 29, is known for making things happen and for making her dreams come true.

The Blenheim woman who lives with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi, had a dream of becoming a personal trainer. So, she studied hard, she found ways around the challenges, and qualified.

Shanae spent two years working as a personal trainer at a Nelson gym only giving it up to move back to Blenheim to be near family in 2022.

Three years ago she became a proud mum to her son Lukah and is conquering the challenges that come with being a solo mum.

“I want to get back into work, but I’m taking time out as its only me with Lukah so I want to take six years and really soak them up.”

When the time is right to return to work Shanae wants to combine her skills as a personal trainer with advocacy work – she wants to raise awareness about what people with disabilities can achieve.

“Yeah, we have a disability but that doesn’t stop us from going towards what we want. I want to make people aware that yes we are different, but who are you to tell us when we can’t or won’t.

“People put us down before actually getting to know us.”

Shanae says it’s important for young people living with a disability to “do what makes you happy” and find someone they can look up to, who can encourage them. 

She goes to the gym 4-5 times a week, saying it’s great for her mental health as well as her body.

“Years ago I couldn’t really control my body. But since working out I’ve gotten more control in my muscles.

“Some days I don’t feel like going but I push myself because I know what the [outcome] is if I do go and if I don’t.”

Shanae says Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi affects her speech, the way she moves, and sometimes she has random muscle spasms.

“My biggest thing in life is people see me and hear me and think I’m not [capable]. So getting a job is the hardest thing.”

Shanae is a proud mum to her son Lukah.

Shanae says parenting when you have Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi is a challenge, but she has used the same approach she has used in other areas of her life. 

“If I can’t do something the way I’d like to, I find another way around the task.

“To be honest, I feel like if I had a partner I would have let them do it all. But I had to do it all on my own.”

Having family and a good support group has helped.

Shanae says Lukah is “definitely a character”.

“He definitely has my attitude. He knows what he wants and that’s good… sometimes.”

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This article was originally published in the September 2025 edition of The Review magazine.

 

For more information:
Melanie Louden
Communications Manager
melanie@cpsociety.org.nz
Mobile: 022 087 819