In this heartfelt episode we pay tribute to Norman – a nurse, performer, Viking axe-throwing instructor and occasional Santa Claus impersonator from Auckland – after his life-altering vaccine injury.
With 35 years in healthcare, Norman refused the experimental COVID-19 vaccine rollout based on his virology knowledge and concerns over rushed trials. But New Zealand’s 2021 mandates forced his hand: lose his job in a mental health respite unit, face exclusion from gyms, libraries, and society – or get the shot.
“I’m not anti-vax. I’ve been a nurse for years, and I’ve probably got more vaccinations than most people. But I didn’t want any of this experimental nonsense put into me.”
A key theme in Norman’s story is the lack of informed consent amid coercive pressures. He confronted his general manager at work, pointing out the New Zealand’s patient’s Code of Rights, arguing that the mandates are a violation of these as well as fundamental human rights and bodily autonomy.
“I remember reading out the ten points of the Patient’s Code of Rights, point by point. They’re your rights. It’s not a questionable contract between two people or two groups. It’s your fundamental human rights.”
Despite his research on Pfizer’s own website highlighting contraindications like prior pericarditis or myocarditis, his attempts to raise these concerns were repeatedly dismissed.
“I spoke to my GP who knew that I have had viral pericarditis. He should be getting me an exemption.”
He was told that exemptions from Ashley Bloomfield or Chris Hipkins were unavailable. His GP encouraged him to proceed, promising to support him for any ‘aftermath.’
At the vaccination center, he again alerted the vaccinator to the contraindication, emphasizing that she should advise against it, but also received poor advice.
Norman felt his arm was “twisted behind his back.”
“I’m being kicked out of my society. I’m not going to be allowed to work. I’m not going to be allowed to go to the gym. I’m not going to be allowed to go swimming, go to the library for books.”
Reluctantly taking one Pfizer dose to audition for a Santa ad, he woke that night with excruciating chest pain – mirroring his experience with viral pericarditis in 2012. Daily recurring episodes followed for 18 months; as well as other symptoms such as breathlessness and an inability to exercise.
Scans later revealed a large pericardial cyst (5x5x2.5 cm) had formed on his right atrium. Medical consultations have been frustrating, with specialists unwilling to link it directly to the vaccine despite the obvious timing and his history.
Norman discusses the emotional toll, both positive and negative: job loss, family/friend estrangement followed by joining the Wellington protest convoy, where he found a new community and support among Māori friends.
“I was embraced by my Māori brothers and sisters. They went “welcome to our world, hello!” Now I’ve been living with them off and on for the past few years, and I have nothing but love and joy and peace and happiness. I’ve got some beautiful friends.”
He also discusses a profound shift toward living thoughtfully in the present — focusing on gratitude. He emphasises treading softly through life, and chooses to continue to hold a shield and axe for others as he bears witness to issues of human rights, oppression and government overreach.
Norman’s health is slowly improving, and he is now able to attend the gym every day. Although his heart is not better as he awaits another MRI to look at his heart tissue.
“It has been nearly a year since my last cardio appointment. Patience is a virtue, so I practice that every day.”
Watch Norman’s full 20-minute episode now on YouTube or Spotify
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