Helen Tufui launches Hit Kit® as concussion claims top 33,000 annually
Former All Blacks captain Sam Cane has become the official ambassador for Hit Kit®, a rapid response concussion kit, developed by leading New Zealand concussion expert and founder of The Headache Clinic, Helen Tufui.
Designed to provide immediate support in the crucial moments following a head injury, Hit Kit® is an all-in-one concussion response solution created to help athletes, parents, coaches, schools, workplaces and community organisations respond quickly and confidently after a knock to the head.
The announcement comes amid growing concern about concussion rates both in New Zealand and internationally.
According to ACC, there were approximately 33,000 mild traumatic brain injuries in 2023 and more than 12,000 sports-related concussion claims were accepted in 2024, costing more than $81 million in recovery support. Rugby union accounted for the highest number of concussion claims (3,316), followed by football (1,218), rugby league (624), hockey (428) and basketball (418). ACC also estimates that around 30% of sports-related concussions go unreported, highlighting the need for greater awareness and faster recognition of head injuries.
Globally, concussion awareness has become a major focus for sporting bodies, with FIFA and the World Health Organisation launching international campaigns to improve education and response protocols across all levels of sport.
Having experienced the physical demands and realities of elite rugby throughout his career, Cane says he wants to help ensure more New Zealanders understand the importance of recognising and responding to concussion early.
"Concussion is something every player, coach and parent needs to take seriously. Throughout my career I've seen firsthand how important it is to recognise the signs early and make the right decisions. Having practical tools and clear guidance available immediately after a head knock can make a real difference, which is why I'm proud to support Hit Kit® and the work Helen is doing to improve concussion awareness and recovery," says Cane.
Developed by Tufui in collaboration with naturopathic sleep specialist and SleepDrops® founder Kirsten Taylor, Hit Kit® provides practical tools and expert guidance for the critical first 72 hours following a suspected concussion.
Tufui says early intervention can have a significant impact on recovery outcomes. "Concussion is a brain injury, and how it's managed in the first few hours and days matters enormously. Hit Kit® aims to bridge the critical gap between injury and treatment when every minute counts," says Tufui.
"Too often people are left wondering what to do next after a head knock. The reality is that delayed intervention can prolong recovery and increase the risk of ongoing symptoms. We created Hit Kit® to give people immediate access to evidence-based guidance and practical tools while they seek professional medical care."
Each Hit Kit® is portable and contains:
- A step-by-step recovery guide for days one to three
- A concussion red-flag checklist outlining when urgent medical attention is required
- An instant ice pack for immediate swelling and pain management
- A rapid absorption supplement containing NAC and magnesium to support wellbeing during recovery
- A mini wound-care first aid pack
Tufui's expertise in concussion management stems not only from her professional qualifications but also from her own lived experience. After suffering a concussion herself and enduring ongoing headaches and neurological symptoms, she began searching for solutions that addressed the underlying cause rather than simply masking symptoms.
That journey led her to train with the Watson Headache Institute in Australia before opening New Zealand's first dedicated headache and concussion clinic in Invercargill in 2014.
Today, The Headache Clinic operates clinics across New Zealand and has become one of the country's leading providers of concussion, migraine and headache treatment.
A Bachelor of Physiotherapy graduate, Tufui is a Certified Watson Headache Practitioner, Certified Complete Concussion Management Clinician and co-author of research examining manual therapy as a treatment for migraine with aura. She has accumulated more than 15,000 hours of clinical experience in headache, migraine and concussion management and has been invited to speak nationally and internationally on the subject.
Her expertise has also seen her become a trusted provider to elite athletes including the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Black Sticks, Silver Ferns, New Zealand Rugby League, NZ Ski and international cyclists.
Most recently, Tufui shared her entrepreneurial and healthcare journey on stage at Mega Success in Los Angeles alongside global business and media personalities including Kris Jenner.
"Our goal is simple: to ensure nobody feels lost after a concussion. Whether you're an elite athlete, a child playing weekend sport or someone who has fallen at work or at home, the first few hours matter. We want every New Zealander to feel prepared and supported if a concussion happens," says Tufui.
Tufui believes Hit Kit® fills a significant gap in concussion care by providing immediate support before a patient can access professional assessment and treatment.
Hit Kit® is available to order now from hitkit.nz and www.headacheclinic.co.nz and retails for $40.00.
