Crash: A memoir

by Sally Wenley

In 1987 Sally Wenley was the driven, fun-loving and at times naughty sports prefect of her Hawke's Bay school with everything to live for. When a bus crashed on a school trip, five people were killed and she became a paraplegic, her sporting dreams in tatters. Now an award-winning radio reporter, in this engaging, uplifting and at times hilarious memoir she looks back at the angry, defiant, risk-taking younger self who used alcohol and arrogance to mask physical pain and trauma. And, for the first time in 40 years, she also looks squarely at the accident. As she explores what happened, and acknowledges that the bus crash also devastated other lives, she comes to understand why she was so driven to escape the confines of her wheelchair and she counts her blessings.

220 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2026

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Havelock North yet had never heard of the Woodford House bus crash that happened a few years before I was born, in which the driver, two teachers and two students died. Sally Wenley, then a sporty 16-year-old, suffered head injuries and became paraplegic as a result of the crash, and now writes her memoir of that incident and its impact on her life.

As you would expect for an award-winning journalist, it's a well-written and engaging account. Wenley doesn't come to the crash itself until late in the book, and it's clear it took courage to confront and write about what she remembers of the day that changed her life so drastically. You're left with the impression of an incredibly capable and resilient woman who was dealt a very difficult hand.

Would recommend to anyone who enjoys good memoirs, especially for its insights into trauma and physical & mental recovery. (And thank goodness we know more now than we did in the 1980s - the "stiff upper lip" mentality would have made recovery so much harder...!)

[Lorna1984 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like commenting on memoirs, as they are just so personal. But I read this in less than 24 hours, and really didnt want to put it down, but I had to still parent! Highly recommend you read this.

[Hope Burmeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, quick read. I enjoyed Sally’s honesty and humour. I also liked how she didn’t go in depth about the crash until later in the book when she discovered more for herself. What an intense experience to go through, yet she really proved that you do anything even with a disability. She really did everything! Even journalism is not an easy feat. I would know as I did internships at newsrooms and it’s a lot of running around. I do wish Sally talked a bit more sexual abuse, as she mentioned her experience but never addressed it again. I would have liked to see her get justice for what happened to her. Overall, her story is incredible and I really liked the images throughout. Definitely worth a read.

[CB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no recollection of this event as we were in the UK. What a baring of the soul .. although I am sure it was worse really! I have always heard Sally’s byline on RNZ. I didn’t realize she was a paraplegic.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Raw and honest.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read - you are a brave lady Sally Wenley. Thank you for sharing your difficult journey in this emotional read.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The structure of this book worked really well and its an appropriate length.