Despite Air New Zealand apologising to the Wellington Saints chairman for making it difficult for him to board a flight, it's unlikely Justin Toebes will be able to see his beloved Saints play in the National Basketball League finals in Invercargill this weekend.
Toebes, who's two metres tall, has motor neurone disease and is confined to a wheelchair.
Saints General Manager, Fran Scholey, told Newshub the problem is trying to get him into a plane.
"Air New Zealand used to fly larger planes into Invercargill, but now only operate the smaller turbo-props. They could hoist him into the door, but the trouble is getting him from the door into a seat."
Toebes says he was put off flying Air New Zealand after being told he wouldn't be allowed onto a flight from Auckland to Wellington because carrying him into the plane was a health and safety issue. Eventually, two members of the crew decided to carry him on anyway.
Air New Zealand has apologised and is offering to do everything possible to help with the journey if Toebes decides to travel.
Scholey says while the first semi isn't until 6pm on Friday and travelling by ferry and road isn't really an option because sitting in a wheelchair in a van for 14 or so hours is just too long.
The Saints considered chartering a plane but it's too expensive.
Toebes, 61, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease three years ago.
Scholey says his condition has deteriorated in the last six months and this was likely to be his last chance to see the Saints in Invercargill.
Newshub.
