Meet Tony Shaw: Giving Back, One Journey at a Time

Three years ago, Tony Shaw was enjoying a round of golf when a conversation changed the direction of his retirement. 

Long-time Wheels to Dunstan driver Derek Valentine asked whether Tony might consider becoming involved with the volunteer transport service. 

At the time, Tony says he knew very little about the service. 

"Derek explained what the service did, and it just sounded like such a worthwhile thing to be part of." 

Three years later, Tony is now Chair of the Wheels to Dunstan Trust. 

The role may have been unexpected, but community service is not. Before moving permanently to Wānaka from Timaru, Tony spent 45 years practising as a lawyer while also dedicating much of his time to community organisations. 

His involvement with IHC New Zealand spans four decades, including 20 years on the board and several years as chair, helping oversee an organisation delivering services, housing and support to people with intellectual disabilities. 

Despite that experience, Tony was initially surprised to be asked to chair Wheels to Dunstan. 

"There are trustees who have been involved for many years, so I wasn't expecting it," he says. "But it's been a privilege." 

Since taking on the role, he's gained a strong appreciation for the dedicated volunteers who keep the service operating. 

"The drivers are extraordinary. People often don't realise how many volunteers are involved or how much coordination happens behind the scenes." 

Tony says the journeys themselves can become an unexpected highlight for both drivers and passengers. 

"You meet people you might never otherwise cross paths with," he says. "There are often good conversations and occasionally some healthy debates when people have different views. It's all part of the experience." 

For many volunteers, the social connection is one of the most rewarding parts of the role. 

Having owned a holiday home in Wānaka for many years before moving here full-time, Tony says he and his wife are loving being part of the community. 

For him, volunteering is simply an extension of a lifelong belief in giving back. 

"I've always been fortunate to work with organisations that valued community involvement. It's important that people contribute where they can." 

That's a belief he continues to put into practice through Wheels to Dunstan, helping ensure local people can access the care they need. 

"That's what community is all about."