Against a blue backdrop, Soph and Indy sit, dressed up in disco costumes. Indy is holding a guitar. Placed on the floor in front of them is a disco ball.

This Is Wheel Life

14m

This series digs into the wild, raw lives of Soph, a 20-something quadriplegic, and her choice-as cousin Indy, her carer and ally.

S1: Made with the support of NZ On Air | S2: Made possible with funding from RNZ

Series details.

Credits

Rachale Davies
Creator & Producer
Alexis Smith
S2 - Producer & Director
Parehuia Mackay & Rachale Davies
S1 - Directors
Sophia Malthus & Indy Henman
Key Talent
Megan Whelan
RNZ Head of Content
Harrison Pali
S2 - TAHI
Evie Orpe & Liam Brown
S1 - TAHI
Tim Burnell
RNZ Commissioning
Jodhi Hoani
S1 - RNZ Commissioning

Season 2:

Your twenties are already a chaotic cocktail of existential dread, student loans, and figuring out how to boil an egg. But for Sophia Malthus, things got a little extra when a horse-riding accident at 19 left her a quadriplegic. Enter Indy, her cousin—flat broke, and clinging to her acting dreams—who stepped in as Soph’s carer. It was a match made in mildly dysfunctional heaven.

Fast forward two years and, apart from longer hair and slightly deeper emotional scars, not much has changed… or has it? In series two, Soph is on the brink of becoming a real-life lawyer (yes, objections and all), and Indy has ditched the stage for the whiteboard, pursuing a career in teaching.

But before they dive into adulthood with matching tote bags and professional burnout, they're still in their final study stretch, still flatting, still bickering, and still proving that disability doesn't get in the way of a big life... Just add more snacks, sarcasm, and sideways glances to the mix.

Together, Soph and Indy dive into these conversations head-on, meeting with experts and exploring how to make life in your twenties more accessible, empowering, and a little bit easier for people like Soph.

This digital series is made by an award-winning production team, including New Zealand’s Rachale Davies (Producer), and Alexis Smith (Director/Producer).

Season 1:

As if navigating your 20s isn’t hard enough, Sophia Malthus became a quadriplegic at age 19 after a horse-riding accident. Finding carers to help her 24 hours a day is no easy task. Luckily for Soph, her broke cousin Indy was on the hunt for a job to pay the bills while she pursued a career in acting.

As far as Soph and Indy are concerned, Soph’s disability doesn’t get in the way of a fulfilling life -- it just keeps things interesting. However, it is undeniable there are many challenges for a disabled person living in a world made for the non-disabled. Accessibility is incredibly limiting not only in public spaces, but even in Soph’s own home. Navigating sex and relationships is a whole new ball game. How does one even look after a body that is 87% paralysed?

Soph and Indy explore all of these topics and more as they meet with experts to find new ways to make the typical 20s a little more accessible for people like Soph.

This digital series is made by an award-winning production team, including New Zealand’s Rachale Davies (Producer), Hunter Crouchley (Director of Photography), and Parehuia MacKay (Director).

Produced by

Boxed Media partner logo for use on dark background

Produced for

TAHI

S1 - Made with the support of

Partner Logo for NZ on Air for use on dark background

S2 - Made possible with funding from

RNZ

Get in touch

More like this

  • Back to Timor

    Back to Timor follows the journey of four Kiwi military veterans who return to East Timor 25 years after serving as peacekeepers there. The big question for them: did they make a difference?
    Back to Timor/Film
    43m

  • Full Concert

    Toiere (meaning to sing) unites beloved operatic arias, duets, and ensembles in their original languages and te reo Māori, celebrating voice, language, and identity while honouring Aotearoa New Zealand's rich cultural landscape and opera's universal emotions. Experience the beauty, drama, and emotion of these operatic treasures reimagined through the lends of Aotearoa's rich cultural tapestry. Starring some of NZ's hottest operatic talent, including Kawiti Waetford, Robert Wiremu, Pānia Papa, Juan Kim, Katherine Winitana, Elisha Fa'i-So'oialo, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, and Joel Amosa.
    Toiere/Film
    1h 21m

  • Documentary

    After Indira Gandhi's assassination, the 1984 Sikh Massacre unfolded, with thousands of Sikhs violently killed over three days. Many sought asylum. 1984 follows their journey to find home in Aotearoa after enormous tragedy.
    1984/Film
    1h 4m

  • Documentary

    I Am a Dark River is a playful and experimental documentary focused on the story of New Zealand modernist printer and publisher Bob Lowry, through the eyes of his granddaughter Tess.
    I Am a Dark River/Film
    1h 10m

  • Fly Like a Moa

    Kauri isn't allowed to go rock-climbing with Lani. Kauri meets a moa and learns that everyone has different strengths.
    What Will I Be Today?/Season 1/Episode 1
    5m

  • The Rise and Fall

    Isabella Moore’s career soared with body positivity, but fashion’s return to thinness now threatens everything she’s fought for as a Samoan-Kiwi curve model.
    Cutting the Curve/Episode 1
    10m

  • Documentary

    Joy, Full & Fearless follows the trauma and triumph of Joy Cowley's astonishing life as New Zealand's prolific, widely published and celebrated author of children's fiction. Available in NZ, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
    Joy, Full & Fearless (New)/Film
    56m

  • How MMP changed politics

    New Zealand’s MMP voting system promised fairness and diversity — but has it delivered? In this episode of Context, Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann look back at how MMP came to be, from a slip-up by David Lange in the 1980s to Winston Peters’ rise as kingmaker, and now Christopher Luxon’s challenge of managing a three-party government.
    Context (New)/Season 1/Episode 8
    41m

  • Melissa Chan-Green | Til Death

    Content warning: discusses death and loss, and sexual assault. After his bride’s death just hours after their wedding, a devastated groom struggles to process his grief. Five years later, he turns to Melissa Chan-Green to tell his heart-wrenching story for the first time.
    re_covering/Season 5/Episode 8
    57m

  • Flight Night

    Rumour has it that every Halloween, the tiny humans transform into hideous monsters—including something so unspeakably awful, even grown-ups have nightmares about it.
    Bird's Eye View (New Season)/Season 2/Episode 1
    5m

  • A Dress and a Cardigan for Mele

    In Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Tongan grandmother Liliani and her daughter Kesaia find that even though they talk every day on the phone (and have for 17 years), they have more in common than they thought.
    Conversations With My Immigrant Parents/Season 1/Episode 1
    3m

  • Cook's Legacy

    The government has poured millions of dollars into commemorating Captain Cook's arrival, but why? Many Pākehā are unhappy with this celebration of colonisation, and demand we start taking responsibility.
    Land of the Long White Cloud/Episode 1
    6m

  • Kareem

    Originally from Egypt, Kareem shows us his absolute love of tennis as a way to connect with the community.
    This Is Us/Episode 1
    2m

  • Tangata Whenua

    The first episode tackles the settlement of Aotearoa. From Polynesian travelers, right through to British and European settlers.
    The Citizen's Handbook/Season 1/Episode 1
    11m

  • Edward Osei-Nketia

    At 19, Eddie Osei-Nketia is the fastest person in Australasia, and is looking to break the New Zealand 100m record.
    The Outliers/Episode 1
    7m

  • Simonne Butler

    In 2003, Simonne Butler survived a horrific attack at the hands of her abusive partner. In this episode, Simonne shares her story and insights into how to identify and survive domestic abuse.
    Breaking Silence/Season 1/Episode 1
    9m

  • Josh Davies

    Josh has 15% vision in his good eye. City life with four senses sounds easy!
    Inside Outside/Episode 1
    7m

  • The Announcement

    Blindspott’s Marcus Powell gathers Crescendo Trust’s most promising emerging artists and offers them the biggest opportunity of their lives. Will they overcome their demons to pull it off?
    The Collective/Episode 1
    16m

  • Fine Arts

    We meet three fine artists whose work transcends gallery walls: sculptor Yona Lee, interdisciplinary artist Yuki Kihara, and painter Simon Kaan.
    ASIA: Art Stories in Aotearoa/Episode 1
    22m

  • Wedding Vows

    From Shakespeare to sitcoms, this week the Whakamāori crew take on the ultimate declaration of love: wedding vows. Join our trio of translators—Chey Milne, Tākuta Anaha Hiini, & Manaia Ward—as they breathe new life into the heartfelt promises of Monica & Chandler (Friends), the tragic poetry of Romeo and Juliet, and the awkward brilliance of Amy & Sheldon (The Big Bang Theory). What happens when you blend the language of love with the beauty of te reo Māori? Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a language nerd, or just here for the Shakespearean drama, this one's for you.
    Whakamāori (New Episodes)/Season 3/Episode 3
    44m

  • Chinese

    We meet the Chinese community in Dunedin and learn about one of Aotearoa’s most established migrant communities
    GIANTS/Episode 1
    26m

  • Misty Frequency

    Drag icon Misty Frequency kaupapa is to celebrate autistic and Takatāpui excellence. They are looking to storm the stage at the Drag Wars competition with a cash prize up for grabs.
    What's the Disabili-Tea/Episode 1
    8m

  • Shareef

    Drugs, lies and regret became a reality for Shareef after an encounter with some local gang affiliates, but growing up in the North has shaped this proud takatāpui into who he is today.
    The Barber Shop/Episode 1
    6m

  • Kōtiro

    Jess sits down with Māori-Jewish talent Ana Chaya Scotney to discuss her thrilling debut album, dawn ocean swimming, and how she creates her singular “high lonesome sound."
    Amplified/Episode 1
    15m

  • Episode 1

    Clothing expression is important to Wairua. Mia connects with her culture by spending time away. Lavi talks about cultural expectations. Theia feels welcomed by her own and judged by others.
    Duality/Episode 1
    21m

  • Episode 1

    Piripi takes us on a tour of his kingdom, introducing his girlfriend Luxy and showcasing his many talents, which include cleaning the whare and doing the lawns... NOT!
    The Adventures of Piripi Kaiwaru AKA Phillip! /Season 1/Episode 1
    9m

  • Te Pāti Māori on their plan to change the govt and steady their waka

    In an extended interview, co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi discuss their plan to change the government, their priority policies, and how they will steady their waka after one of the most turbulent periods in the party’s history.
    MATA with Mihingarangi Forbes/Season 3/Episode 20
    40m

  • Te Hekenga

    As the Native Land Court reshapes Aotearoa, Hector’s world unravels. Bound by whakapapa, he fights to protect his son’s future—while Māori sovereignty slips through Crown hands.
    Stolen Lands/Season 2/Episode 5
    21m

  • Mohi

    Mohi Allen weaves smokey jazz, pop and te reo Māori together to create a unique and smooth sound, reminding us of decades past.
    Imposter/Episode 1
    9m

  • The Driving Lesson

    When Trish, a spirited mother, decides to give her son Mana a driving lesson, what was intended to be a simple rite of passage quickly escalates into a chaotic encounter.
    A Place Called Te Awamutu/Episode 1
    5m

  • Jason

    Summer at Penguin Place can be hectic, as Jason juggles hoiho (yellow-eyed-penguin) rescues, daily feeding sessions, tour groups, and bird releases - all in a day’s work!
    The Turning Point/Episode 1
    13m

  • Tyrell

    Tyrell Taylor found a like-minded community of BMX riders, where rangatahi are given a chance to expand their skill set, be mentored, and be seen as equals. He reminds us not to forget what makes you happy.
    No Limits/Episode 1
    11m

  • IllumiNGĀTI

    Sibling vocalists Raiha, Hōrihi, & Hāne lead IllumiNgāti, a reggae band from Kawakawa covering Dave Para’s "You’re Magic" & debuting their bilingual single, "Illusion."
    The Barber Shop Sessions/Episode 1
    6m

  • Our Aotearoa

    Our Aotearoa is an animated documentary that speaks to immigrants’ personal experiences living in Aotearoa, exploring themes of racism, discrimination, loss, loneliness, and maintaining cultural ties while living in another country.
    Our Aotearoa/Film
    10m

  • Kāinga

    Kāinga navigates the thorny terrain of home in Aotearoa New Zealand from the perspectives of 8 Pan-Asian women.
    Kāinga/Film
    1h 27m

  • Serenade

    Mac helps a Palagi boy win over an island girl with an original song.
    I Got You/Season 1/Episode 1
    4mvertical

  • Meet and Greet

    It's the highly anticipated first day of the netball season, aka Jim's send-off. Will Kate be able to assemble her team of misfits in time?
    Here If You Need/Episode 1
    9m

  • Part 1 (2024)

    Ruamata captures the journey of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata's rise to the top of hockey in Aotearoa as they become the first Māori immersion school in a century to compete in the prestigious Rankin Cup.
    Ruamata: It's More Than Hockey/Film
    1h 0m

  • Kenneth Roth

    Do Israel’s actions amount to genocide? Kenneth Roth has spent decades documenting human rights violations. He explains how genocide is defined—and whether it’s happening in Gaza. Plus, is Trump's power on the wane?
    30 with Guyon Espiner/Season 3/Episode 13
    32m

  • Gloss Finish

    A person with sweaty hands searches for a dance partner who, like them, bears the clammy burden of a gloss finish.
    Day One Shorts (New Collection)/Season 2/Episode 1
    13m

  • Kia Tupato (Be Careful)

    With tensions rising between the new government and tangata whenua, Wayne and his traffic-management crew brace for the biggest Waitangi Day celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand's history.
    Hi-Vis/Episode 1
    6m

  • Not Her Destiny: Former church member asks, "Did I not deserve to be protected?"

    For years, Destiny Church shaped every part of Lynia Morseu-Tol's life: her faith, her family, and her identity. As a takatāpui wahine Māori, its teachings left her feeling ashamed, conflicted, and alone—all while she endured years of abuse at home. 16 years after leaving the church, Lynia speaks out about its leaders, whom she believes failed to protect her, and condemns Ngāti Uenuku - Rainbow Community. This is Lynia's story of reckoning with faith, identity, and whānau.
    MATA Reports (New Report)/Season 2/Episode 2
    28m

  • Out There

    Zoologist-turned-filmmaker Alexis Smith joins a mysterious network in New Zealand dedicated to communicating with extraterrestrials.
    Loading Docs/Season 10/Episode 1
    13m

  • The Political "Cost" - Tim Costley

    In the final episode of Ngā Porokate, we head back to the ahi and sit down with National MP for Kāpiti, Tim Costley. Our kōrero dives into his whakaaro on the coalition government, the cost of living, co-governance, and whether he'll be standing again in the 2026 election. A straight-up, no-frills conversation on politics, perspectives, and the future direction of our communities.
    Hori on a Hīkoi/Episode 10
    25m

  • James McKenzie

    The outlaw who committed the most Kiwi of crimes: sheep-stealing. James McKenzie rustled hundreds of sheep and became such a legend that a large part of the South Island still bears his name.
    My Favourite Dead Person (New Season)/Season 3/Episode 1
    9m

  • Lau Yuet Seen

    It was September 1938 when Lau Yuet Seen received word from her husband to leave Fah Dei for Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Japanese troops were close to landing north of Hong Kong.
    Farewell Guangdong/Episode 1
    22m

  • Overview

    We dive into Te Tiriti o Waitangi—Aotearoa's founding document—and how it's shaped Aotearoa. Kara Rickards sits down with treaty experts, educators, and lawyers to delve deeper into the historical context.
    Treaty Talks/Episode 1
    46m

  • Inspiration to Write

    Nina Mingya Powles (writer & poet) grew up near Katherine Mansfield's Wellington home. KM ‘loomed’ over her childhood. Powles & graphic artist Sarah Laing make Mansfield a contemporary character.
    Shine On Katherine Mansfield/Episode 1
    7m

  • Mamas Return to Play

    Juggling new motherhood in often-isolated countries and continuing a sports career can have big pressures on Pasifika women.
    Outside the Lines (New)/Episode 1
    9m

  • Main Feature

    From visionary director Katie Wolfe comes an unflinching documentary of a forgotten history retold from every side.
    The Haka Party Incident/Film
    1h 28m

Video section home

Browse all
Black and white faces of Helen Clark, Dame Jenny Shipley, Jim Bolger Geoffrey Palmer and Mike Moore, with the words 'The 9th Floor' underneath them. The background of the image is black.
6 people are seated around a long table, four of them are wearing hi-vis tops. On the table there are little traffic cones and signs. There are two flags hanging on the wall behind them, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand and the Maori flag. Orange text reads, "Hi-Vis".
Three figures from different original images have been edited so that they're all standing next to each other and are of varying sizes. All three people are in the midst of performing. The background in a flat bright red colour. Text in the style of graffiti reads, "The Collective". A spray painted illustration of a crown appears above the 'e' in 'Collective'.
The back of someone looking up at a big red firework exploding in the night sky. Text reads, "Giants Giants Giants". The last "Giants" fades into the background.
A woman sitting on a chair next to a desk and coffee table. She's smiling at the camera. Text reads, "Aotearoa's Most Bizarre Conspiracies".
We see a coastline of New Zealand. On the right is the land; on the left is the ocean; above are clouds. Golden text in the middle reads: "STOLEN LANDS A HIGHLANDER'S QUEST."
A man standing with his arms crossed looking at the camera, he has visible tattoos on both forearms. He's highlighted with a blue light. Text reads, "NZ Hip Hop Stand Up" in neon green and pink.
A coastal scene of a land mass with cliffs leading down to a beach and the ocean. Text reads, "My Cyclone Gabrielle, Four Filmmakers Four Views".
The host, Mihingarangi Forbes, smiling at the camera. Text reads, "Mata".
In a black-and-white photograph, a Māori woman speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd. Her fist is raised defiantly in the air. At the top of the image, in small yellow lettering, reads: "THE LAST NEW ZEALAND WAR HAPPENED IN 1979. IT LASTED THREE MINUTES." Below the woman, at the bottom of the image, the text reads in yellow lettering: "THE HAKA PARTY INCIDENT." Below that text is smaller, white text that reads: "A FILM BY KATIE WOLFE."
A sepia toned image of a family photograph depicting a woman holding the hands of two young children. The photo is deteriorating and the child on the left is almost obscured by the damage. The text reads, "Farewell Guangdong" there are also four Chinese characters, or 'Hanzi', above the text.
A portrait of a child looking into the camera. On their head is a collection of blue and green strips of ribbon that intertwine with their long braided hair. They are wearing a blue shirt, a jacket and a bow tie. Text reads, "Loading Docs". Beside the text is a simple graphic circle meant to look like a roll of film.
On a hockey field, four hockey players and their coach stand side-by-side with their hands crossed in front of them. At the bottom of the image, against a blue background, is the text: "Ruamata: It's More Than Hockey 2"
Side profile of a persons face, silhouetted against a setting sun out of frame. Text reads, "Imposter".
Guyon Espiner on a black background, looking at camera with logo behind him
An animated graphic of green trees and leaves in a forest, along with a red flower. The text in front reads "What Will I Be Today?"
A two dimensional Illustration of a screen showing DNA shapes in front a conveyor belt with kākāpō on it. Text reads, "What if...? Genomics in Aotearoa".
A man with their back towards the camera, they're looking on onto an ocean. The image is in grey scale. Text reads, "The Art of War".
In India, a group of people walk down a path in front of a historic building. Above the building in orange reads: "1984"
A white pick-up truck drives up a winding country road, surrounded by dry New Zealand farmland. The text reads "The Turning Point"
Woman looking into the camera, standing side on. She has a staunch expression and Is wearing a bright pink blouse. Text reads, "Breaking Silence". Text and woman stand against a dark, almost black background.
Text reads, "Treaty Talks Aotearoa, Hosted by Kara Rickard". Surrounding the text is an image of a version of the Coat of Arms, the 'Crown' figure is holding a Māori flag.
A multi-media illustration of four different figures in different art styles. Text reads, "Our Aotearoa".
A yellow baroque style wallpaper. A white line drawing of a house is in the bottom right corner. White handwritten text reads, "Kāinga".