Reflections Ngā whakaaroaro - Inside this issue - CCS Disability Action
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NATIONAL NEWSLETTER WINTER 2019 Reflections Ngā whakaaroaro Inside this issue 4 Money 10 In the 18 The dream talks driver’s seat team
You can make a
difference in one
person’s life
We have children, young people and adults who need a
safe, stable and nurturing home away from home.
If you are interested in making that difference either on a short or
long term basis, give us a call to find out more about Contract Board
and Foster/Shared Care with CCS Disability Action.
Put yourself in the picture.
Contact us today.
Free call 0800 227 2255
@ info@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
www.facebook.com/ccsDisabilityAction
www.twitter.com/ccsDisabilityA
www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
Shaping our vision
Tēnā koutou.
AS A NATIONAL board, we often talk and
think about our role in shaping attitudes. We
not only have a role in helping shape national
conversations, but also ensuring the choices
we make best serve the needs of disabled
people and their whānau, both now and
in the future.
This year we have reviewed the organisation’s
strategic priorities for the years 2019-2022.
We have done so in consultation with local
governance and staff groups to ensure we
continue to focus on organisational work that
meets the needs of disabled people.
We have focussed on a shorter period.
Usually we plan five years ahead however,
due to the current system transformation and
with many big picture details to be decided,
it seems sensible to continue to monitor our
relevance to the people we support. our commitment to honour the diversity of
We have also reviewed Te Puāwaitanga, disabled people we serve.
Our Vision. My view is that Te Puāwaitanga E koekoe te tūi, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū
depicts the complex and interwoven nature te kererū.
of our work. The reality is that to fulfil this
vision will require the continued collaboration The tui chatters, the parrot gabbles, the wood
of disabled people and our communities to pigeon coos.
achieve the meaningful inclusion that sits While we are all different, it’s our shared
at its heart. humanity that makes this world such a
Both documents will be available later in the beautiful place.
year via our website and I encourage you to Ngā mihi nui.
check them out. They form a useful reminder
that while our work will look different for each Dairne Kirton
person we support, we remain guided by National Board President
Join the conversation
CCS Disability Action is on Facebook and
Twitter. If you’re interested in up-to-date
news, views and information from us,
like and follow our pages.
www.Facebook.com/ccsDisabilityAction
www.Twitter.com/ccsDisabilityA
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 3
Money talks
David Matthews – Chief Executive – CCS Disability Action
B
y the time you read this article, the
Coalition Government will have
delivered its long awaited “Wellbeing
Budget” and we should all be more
knowledgeable about what this means, who is
included and who have missed out. As always
there are many competing interests, groups
and needs across New Zealand who feel they
deserve to be recognised and supported in
this budget. As always some will be happy,
some will feel ok and some will feel ignored
and angry. As a country we never have
enough money to meet every need.
The disability sector has been prominent in
the news over the last few months in outlining
its historical under-funding issue. The math
which supports this issue is very simple. Many
contracts have had their prices increased
each year by a nominal amount but the actual
increase in costs which impact on these
contracts e.g. wages, transport etc. have
usually been twice the level of this increase.
For CCS Disability Action this means that we
have experienced an average price increase
of around 1.5% per year but our costs have
gone up by around 3% which means over the equivalent services are funded – it really is
last 10 years we have lost around 15% of the chalk and cheese!
total income required for us to break-even. What is more disturbing is to learn that one
The sector as a whole is under-funded by
funder (Ministry of Health) has over-spent
around $159 million.
and had asked Needs Assessment and
What this means is that our ability to do more Service Coordination Services (NASC) to find
than just what the contract provides (which ways to save money. The various solutions
is often not enough) is becoming more and identified to do this were totally unacceptable
more difficult and we have to use our precious and included reduced showering times and
charitable and independent income to non-support for young autistic children. This
subsidise government contracts. This is totally clearly shows us that disabled people and
unacceptable especially when compared to families were being penalised for a failure on
the way that some government provided and the part of the government to cover known
The sector as a whole is under-funded around $159 million.
4 CCS DISABILITY ACTION
Will the “Wellbeing
Budget” live up to
people’s expectations?
costs. Fortunately government stepped in and
halted such draconian cost savings. Despite
being informed that these cuts were not We are still seeing reductions
going ahead, we are still seeing reductions in in disabled people’s
disabled people’s supports as programmes
come up for review.
supports as programmes
come up for review.
So the conclusion from all this is that the
system is truly broken and needs re-building
and re-funding. System transformation is
part of the solution but not the whole part. response of using “natural” (unpaid) supports
Giving disabled people choice and control in appears attractive but is not always realistic.
a restricted financial environment is basically Perhaps it is time to question the real motives
shifting responsibility under the guise of the behind the bureaucrats’ enthusiasm for
Enabling Good Lives principles. We have Sector Transformation?
seen from overseas experiences how much
easier it is to reduce individual budgets than
to reduce funding which is more visible to
the sector and community. The default
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 5
Disability allowances failing children
Sam Murray – National Policy Coordinator – CCS Disability Action
DISABLED CHILDREN AND their families
in the United Kingdom are at far less risk of
income poverty than in New Zealand.
In 2018, the median payment rate for
disability allowances for children in the
United Kingdom was 3.2 times higher than
in New Zealand. The higher United Kingdom
allowances largely close the income poverty
gap between families with and without
disabled children. So why are the United
Kingdom allowances higher?
The United Kingdom has a long history of
producing disability data, including on poverty
and extra costs. Data showing widespread
poverty spurred the first disability-related
allowances in the 1970s.
In New Zealand, we created disability
allowances in the 1970s. But we never
created the same evidence informed process
to review and update them. As a result, our
disability allowances remain inadequate
and outdated. As a result, less than 9% of children getting
the Child Disability Allowance also get the
Without robust poverty data, the New Zealand Disability Allowance (as of June 2018). This is
Government has focused on containing despite 33% of the carers of children on the
costs. For example, the Government made Child Disability Allowance being on a main
administrative changes in 2007 to reduce benefit or superannuation, which means they
the number of children receiving the Child qualify for the Disability Allowance.
Disability Allowance. This caused an almost
20% drop in uptake. Some low income employed carers would
also qualify, especially sole parents.
A 1997 law change made the Disability
Allowance only cover ongoing disability- An immediate fix for disabled children is
related costs. Before this change, the a doubling or tripling of the Child Disability
Disability Allowance could technically be for Allowance. This would significantly
one-off costs too. reduce poverty.
The two New Zealand allowances are We also need reforms to the Disability
completely inconsistent with each other. Allowance. The rate should be adjusted until
The Disability Allowance is means tested; disabled people are at no more risk of income
the Child Disability Allowance is not. The poverty and material hardship than non-
Disability Allowance is paid at a variable rate, disabled people.
up to a maximum rate and the Child Disability
For more, read Sam’s full blog on:
Allowance is a flat rate. There are also
different eligibility criteria. www.IncludingAllPeople.org.nz
6 CCS DISABILITY ACTION
Footpaths are for pedestrians
CCS DISABILITY ACTION has joined the
‘Accessible streets – footpaths for pedestrians’
coalition, run by Living Streets Aotearoa.
Living Streets Aotearoa’s purpose is to lobby
for improved pedestrian access on footpaths,
including for people who use mobility devices.
Recently the coalition has turned their
attention to new forms of ‘micro-mobility’,
such as e-scooters.
Raewyn Hailes, Access & Community
Development Manager for CCS Disability
Action believes e-scooters are “the thin end of
the wedge for many disabled people.” Wellington woman, and regular walker, Liz
Perno has first-hand experience of these
“It’s important to realise that e-scooters are issues. “I have a hearing disability and I am
travelling quickly, they’re silent and they’re unable to hear the scooters. Not only do I not
very heavy. You can see how they can hear them approaching, which puts my safety
create a real hazard for people with vision at risk, but I get a fright when they pass me. I
impairment, who are deaf or have other think pedestrians have a right to remain safe
access issues.” and unthreatened from e-scooters.”
Countdown is on board with
Access Aware
COUNTDOWN IS NOW trialling the CCS
Disability Action mobility parking abuse
smartphone app, Access Aware. The trial
is taking place in all four of Countdown’s
Dunedin stores. The app gives Countdown
customers an opportunity to act on abuse
and ensure customers have mobility parking
available when they need it most.
The Access Aware app enables passers-by to
upload a photo of any car parked in a mobility
park which isn’t displaying a valid permit. The
app will then alert the relevant store, which
will then ask the driver to remove their car Access Aware is also being used by a
from the mobility car park. number of councils to stop abuse in
public parking spaces. These are;
Download the app today: Christchurch, Lower Hutt, Tauranga
www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz/ and Wellington.
AccessAware
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 7
Creating a cultural connection
HELD EVERY TWO years, Te Matatini
performing arts festival is one of the
most highly anticipated events for Māori
performers, their whānau and passionate
kapa haka fans throughout the world.
The 2019 event was held at Westpac Stadium
in Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington). CCS
Disability Action shared an information stall
at the event with Te Pou o te Whakaaro
Nui, a national centre for workforce
development for the mental health, addiction
and disability sectors.
Recenia Kaka is keen to build the cultural
The stall was a collaboration between confidence of CCS Disability Action staff.
branches from across the country and
organised by Recenia Kaka, National Māori concepts that were most important to them.
Development Coordinator – Kaiarahi. She The options were; accessible marae, Te
felt it was an important opportunity to connect Reo Māori, kapa haka, cultural connection,
with whānau hauā (disabled Māori). financial support, advocacy and employment.
We received over three thousand submissions
“It’s such a significant event for whānau, in total, with ‘Te Reo Māori’ and ‘cultural
both culturally and in terms of its scale. It connection’ being the top priorities for the
was a great opportunity to share our work people who visited us,” says Recenia.
with whānau, who often miss out on essential
supports and services,” she explains. It was also a revealing opportunity to reflect
on the way CCS Disability Action engages
Most importantly it was a chance to engage with tangata whenua. “The top lesson for me
and listen. “We ran a feedback exercise is that if we can get cultural connection tika
where we asked people to choose the two (on the right track), everything else will follow.”
8 CCS DISABILITY ACTION
Top award for Lifemark
LIFEMARK TOOK OUT the top Universal “This award shows that we can provide some
Design honour at the Australasian real leadership in New Zealand and Lifemark
Enablement Awards. The Enablement awards is ready to provide the necessary support to
celebrate the top performers in the Disability industry to make that happen,” explains Geoff.
Care, Housing and Services sector. Lifemark
was recognised as the “Most Outstanding
Universal Design Innovator in Australasia”
in 2018.
Lifemark advocates for and provides
universal design guidelines to improve the
accessibility of New Zealand housing.
“It was a great honour to be recognised for
the strength of the work we’re doing in New
Zealand,” says Geoff Penrose, General
Manager Lifemark.
Lifemark is a commercial division of CCS
Disability Action and works alongside Geoff Penrose (left) and A’asa Sanerivi, CCS
designers and builders to offer advice on how Disability Action Board member (right) in Melbourne
to make best use of space in a home, based to receive the “Most Outstanding Universal Design
on the principles of Universal Design. Innovator in Australasia” award.
Lifemark welcomes new social
media specialist
GEORGE HEWITT HAS, in his own words,
“come a long way” since a childhood spent
helping his folks on the family farm in the
small Manawatu township of Pahiatua. Far
from his farming roots, George recently took
over the social media reins at Lifemark, work
he is passionate about.
As well as a Marketing degree from Massey
University, George brings his own blogging
and writing experience to the role. George
has lived experience of Cerebral Palsy and
he feels this gives him a particular insight into
the importance of the organisation’s work. You can find Lifemark on Twitter,
“Having a disability has never slowed me Facebook, Pinterest and at:
down. I have attended university and pushed
myself out of my comfort zone during an www.lifemark.co.nz
adventurous solo trip to South America.”
“For me, the opportunity to spread the
Universal Design message is amazing.”
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 9
In the
driver’s seat
C
hristchurch born and raised Roald
Phillips can’t remember a time when
cars weren’t his thing.
“It’s just something I’ve always been into. I
love how they work. I love how they’re put
together and I love that each one is different.”
After finishing high school, the decision to
move into some form of automotive training
was an obvious choice.
The 21 year old lives at home with his mum
Nadine. He finds concentrating on what he
describes as “paperwork” a real challenge
but is completely in his element with anything
hands-on. CCS Disability Action has been
supporting Roald since he was 16.
“I like to keep busy with practical jobs. Pulling
car engines apart and putting them back
together comes really naturally to me.”
Roald completed a certificate in fabrication,
panel and paint at the Canterbury Polytech
Institute of Technology and followed this with
a certificate of automotive engineering at the
Southern Institute of Technology. Lisa and Roald have proven a great team
when it comes to turning Roald’s ambitions
He did have some part-time work to his into reality (and Scooby the dog is always on
name which he secured with the support of hand for moral support!).
Lisa Wall, Service Coordinator – Supported
Employment for CCS Disability Action. But, my study and I still didn’t have a job. It was
like many young people trying to find their hard,” he explains.
first job, he found it challenging to find an
employer who was happy to take him on. But he wasn’t prepared to give up. “What
stood out about Roald was his enthusiasm
“It is quite a tough industry to get into as there and motivation to get a job. If it had a
are more trained people than jobs. It had connection with cars Roald was prepared
been a couple of months since I’d completed to give anything a go,” says Lisa.
It was really great to get that first job. It’s great to feel like
I can keep up with what my friends are doing.
10 CCS DISABILITY ACTIONRoald lives at home with
him mum Nadine, who has been a
constant and much loved presence in
his life. ”I would describe my mum as
lovely, caring and understanding.”
He attended a two-day Employment Skills in the short and long term. Not surprisingly,
Workshop run at the CCS Disability Action cars feature in both. Not content with his
Christchurch office. With a freshly updated current ride, a new car is on the wish list. “I
CV and cover letter, he and Lisa hit the online want something with a bigger engine, so I’m
vacancies and made several cold calls to saving for a Subaru Legacy.”
businesses that might benefit from Roald’s
skills. His efforts and attitude were rewarded Further down the track he’d like to go out on
when, as the result of one of the cold calls, his own and open a car dealership. “That’s
Roald interviewed for and was offered a full- the dream,” he says.
time job at Bridgestone Tyre Centre.
It was a hugely satisfying moment. “It was
really great to get that first job. It’s great to
feel like I can keep up with what my friends
are doing and to go from having no money to
having a good wage coming in.”
And now a year down the track, he is going
strong and is working as a tyre technician at a
different branch of Bridgestone.
“It can be very technical work, especially
with the more modern vehicles which have
detailed electrics and sensors.”
It’s also allowed Roald to begin to plan and Roald at Bridgestone where he
envisage what his future might look like, both works as a tyre technician.
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 11Opening up Maggie’s world
REEFTON-BASED MEL and Steve Briggs support of CCS Disability Action’s Service
have always been used to doing things for Coordinator for Westport, Bev Bade.
themselves. The pair are parents to four
girls; Tracey (27), Sara (18), Maggie (16) and “The Briggs are an absolutely lovely, very tight
Stevie (14) and moved to Reefton from the knit, family,” says Bev. “When I first met them,
isolated township of Whataroa to make life they were paying for all of Maggie’s support
easier for Maggie, who is supported by CCS themselves and organising everything. I
Disability Action. simply tapped into some of the support
and funding that was available to them and
“I was raised on the idea that, if you need gave them a hand advocating alongside
something, you do it yourself. It did make it Maggie at school and with some of the other
very hard to ask for help when you need it,” professionals in Maggie’s life.”
explains Mel.
It’s been a welcome change in the family’s
The family have faced a tough few years life. “Bev is a wonderful lady, she’s absolutely
with health challenges, losing beloved brilliant,” says Mel. “I no longer worry about
family members and the difficulty of finding asking for help. If we have a challenge we
employment in a small town. Things are need to face, I just ring Bev and I can trust
now starting to look up, in part thanks to the that she’ll work with us to find a solution.”
One such issue was Maggie’s relative
isolation in a community where, generally
speaking, everyone knows everyone. Maggie
was struggling to walk even short distances,
so Bev tapped into her local fundraising
knowledge to source a new trike that would
give Maggie mobility that met her needs.
She applied to the Robert Burns Lodge. Its
members, along with the Greymouth Lodge
and Masonic Charitable Trusts rallied together
to provide Maggie with a life-changing set
of wheels.
Everyday family activities, like walking to
school or to the shops are now possible. Most
importantly, it gives Maggie the chance to get
out, be seen and chat to people while she’s
Photo: Greymouth Star.
out and about.
“Honestly, their generosity blew me away. Not
only did they fund, source and assemble a
really high-quality trike, they provided a new
helmet, jacket, vest and gloves. It’s given us
Maggie Briggs surrounded by family and such a boost and for Maggie, it’s opened up a
supporters from the Robert Burns Lodge. whole new world,” says Mel.
Maggie was struggling to walk even short distances, so Bev
tapped into her local fundraising knowledge to source a new trike.
12 CCS DISABILITY ACTIONGetting a foot in the door
KRYSTAL ROOPER IS finally in her element.
CCS Disability Action Service Coordinator
Brooke Jury has been working tirelessly
for the past year to get Krystal a foot in the
door working in early childhood education,
confident that Krystal would win over
employers once they could see her in action.
Their work together has paid off, with Krystal
recently taking on regular voluntary work
with Conductive Education Taranaki, working
alongside disabled children in their classroom.
It’s work she’s passionate about. “I’ve Krystal Rooper (left) with Renata Toth
always wanted to work with kids. When I (right) working with a student
was younger, I didn’t feel good about being at Conductive Education Taranaki.
a disabled person. It took me a long time to
come to terms with my disability. I think I can Renata Toth, Director of the Conductive
be a good role model by showing people Education team, values Krystal’s contribution
– especially disabled children – that as a and sees her lived experience of disability
disabled person I’m getting out there, living my as a real asset. “She’s a real role model.”
life and achieving things. It feels good to be
working again,” she says.
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 13What’s happening in our branches
Northern Region:
Day of Mourning
ON 1ST MARCH 2019 the Auckland branch
marked the international Day of Mourning.
This is a day where disabled people who
have died at the hands of their family member
or caregiver are remembered. This is the
third year the Auckland branch have hosted
a remembrance service and this year it was
held in the Dig It! Royal Oak Community
Gardens. It was led by Rev. Vicki Terrell,
Auckland’s Disability Chaplin. It was a Chaplain and CCS Disability Action Local
Advisory Committee Member Vicki Terrell
beautiful service attended by CCS Disability
and Debbie Ward, Disability Leadership
Action staff and people from the community.
Coordinator – Northern Region led the Day
During the service people were given the of Mourning commemoration.
opportunity to light a candle and share their
own stories and experiences.
Midland Region:
Celebrating Children’s Day
THE HAMILTON BRANCH of CCS Disability
Action came prepared for ‘wheely’ good fun at
the Hamilton City Council’s annual Children’s
Day celebrations. And the jam-packed event
didn’t disappoint.
The event was held on the 3rd March 2019
in Garden Place, located in the heart of
Hamilton’s CBD. CCS Disability Action ran
a stall packed with ride-along toys from the
branch’s Toy Library.
The stall was organised by Toy Librarian
Jane Martindale with support from staff The Waikato team use the Children’s Day
and volunteers from the Hamilton branch event to connect with local families.
and the Toy Library. With an estimated
400-500 kids enjoying the ride-along toys playing we can talk to parents and caregivers
provided throughout the day it was a fantastic about what we do and how we work. We
opportunity to share CCS Disability Action’s often meet people who aren’t aware of us
work with the local community. as an organisation and we usually get a few
referrals out of the day and new memberships
“It’s a really well–attended, busy day and for the Toy Library, so it’s really worthwhile
the kids have a lot of fun. While the kids are being there,” explains Jane.
14 CCS DISABILITY ACTIONSouthern Region:
New premises for
Greymouth branch
Photo: West Coast Messenger.
THE GREYMOUTH BRANCH of CCS
Disability Action has a new home. On 15th
March 2019 around twenty guests including
Mayor of Grey Tony Kokshoorn and CCS
Disability Action Chief Executive David
Matthews attended the opening of the new
premises at 90 Tainui Street, Greymouth.
West Coast Committee Chair Pat Beck
For Robert Miedema, Service Coordinator and CCS Disability Action Chief Executive
for Grey and Westland, it’s a welcome David Matthews.
development. “The old property wasn’t up to
earthquake code. Not only is this new building by CCS Disability Action, rather than rented,
safe, it’s sunnier, it’s nice and centrally is a signal of the organisation’s commitment
located on one of the main streets in town to the area.
and it’s a lovely place to work.”
“Our team do such fantastic work connecting
Abby McCormack, Service Manager for people with support and services. It’s
Family and Youth and West Coast Services important that we maintain a presence in
says the fact the accessible building is owned communities like Greymouth,” she says.
Central Region:
Many voices in Taranaki
TARANAKI PLAYED HOST to a series of hui
(meetings) for whānau hauā (disabled Māori)
at Aotearoa Marae in Okaiawa. The hui were
part of CCS Disability Action’s Karanga Maha
project, a name that loosely translated means
‘Many Voices’.
The gatherings provided a space for whānau
to connect and express what is important
for them. This proved to be an exciting new The series of hui provided a wonderful opportunity
journey of learning, knowledge, sharing and for Taranaki residents, such as Puhi Nuku (above),
coming together for many attendees. It was a to connect with their culture.
really wonderful experience, explains Senior
Service Coordinator Paparina Burgoyne. It’s part of ongoing work that’s a priority
“We had one parent who talked about how for the Taranaki team. “We are committed
empowering the space was, compared to building and developing relationships
to other settings, which had proved really with local Kaumatua, Kuia and local Iwi
difficult. It was an opportunity for this family organisations to support our cultural
to reconnect to their whakapapa, spirituality, development, which in turn will serve our
their tipuna and to marae through the gentle whānau. It’s an exciting journey to be on,”
guidance from Kaumatua.” says Paparina.
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 15Northern Region:
International Women’s Day
EVEN A TROPICAL cyclone couldn’t
dampen the spirits of the 72 attendees who
turned out for International Women’s Day on
8th March 2019. The event was marked in
style, with Auckland’s Disabled Women’s
forum and CCS Disability Action’s Auckland
branch coming together to organise a 1950’s
themed high tea.
The event was held in the Dig It! Royal
Oak Community Gardens (under a much-
needed marquee!). Eight disabled women
from diverse walks of life were guest
panellists. Lorri Mackness facilitated the panel
The International Women’s Day event discussion where each guest shared aspects
was streamed live on Facebook. of their leadership journeys.
Southern Region:
Creating inclusive spaces
for youth
BRIDGING THE GAP between mainstream
youth providers and disabled youth was
the aim of a Christchurch-based workshop,
hosted by CCS Disability Action in March.
The event was organised by Matt Whiting, the
Regional Disability Leadership Coordinator
and was co-facilitated by Abby McCormack,
Service Manager for Family and Youth and Abby McCormack, Service Manager
West Coast Services. and Matt Whiting, Regional Disability
Leadership Coordinator.
Connecting with Christchurch youth agencies
was a response to feedback from young
He was thrilled with the willingness of those
people, who felt segregated from their
present to do things differently. “We found
non-disabled peers.
that mostly people were just scared to get it
“We asked disabled youth what made them ‘wrong’. When we broke it down the issues
feel excluded from ‘traditional’ youth spaces,” they identified were pretty simple to work
explains Matt. “Some felt a fear of being through,” he says.
judged or excluded. Some experienced issues
Matt and Abby have now been invited to
relating to physical access and a lot identified
share information with others. “It’s about
the attitudes of the agencies.”
giving disabled youth real choices, so it’s
Matt invited youth workers and advocates cool to be able to further these existing
to work through some of these challenges. relationships and continue to build new ones,
Representatives from Aviva, Youthtown and in order to make that a reality.”
Girl Guiding New Zealand attended.
16 CCS DISABILITY ACTIONFighting for their future
A LITTLE OVER a year ago single mum of
two Alice Monaghan was at breaking point.
Mother to William (10) and Bella-Rose (6), her
son’s complex support needs were simply not
being met and it was taking a huge toll.
“I’d hit rock bottom. He has multiple
diagnoses, including intellectual disability,
autism, ADHD, anxiety and other mental
health issues. We weren’t receiving anywhere
near the support we needed and I found the
system just wasn’t geared up to giving us
good information and support.”
William’s increased confidence saw him
“In the end I went to the media anonymously take part in the Southland’s ‘Hug a Rig day’.
with our story. And that’s when we were Seen here riding in a big rig.
referred to CCS Disability Action,” she explains.
While there are still some major ups and
downs, she has appreciated having another
person on her ‘team’. That person is Service
Coordinator, Carla Kupe.
“She’s a fantastic advocate. It’s great to
be able to pick up the phone, regardless of
what’s going on and to have someone to talk
to. If I need support, I know she’ll be there,”
says Alice.
After spending some time building up a
rapport with William, Carla’s partnered him up
with a buddy who joins him in the ‘adventure’
activities he loves. “They go bush walking,
fishing and get outdoors. With his Dad out
of the picture, I think it’s nice for him to have
some ‘boy time’,” says Alice.
While William’s mental health issues continue
to be a major challenge for the family, Alice
remains focussed on the needs of her kids.
“William is an intelligent, handsome, gorgeous
boy who I love very much. My children are
my top priority, so at the moment that’s what William loves Mustangs, so Carla arranged for
I need to focus on.” And now Alice no longer William and his Support Worker to be picked up
needs to go it alone. by a local classic car enthusiast and be taken
on a tour of the Southland province.
William is an intelligent, handsome, gorgeous boy
who I love very much.
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 17The dream
team
I
n many ways, life in the sleepy, Taranaki each morning a real challenge, so this ‘win’
community of Patea sounds idyllic. Single allows Susan to focus on a positive routine
mum Susan and her son Marley (10) live that sets Marley up to be ready to learn.
on a peaceful rural property with a dog, a goat,
sheep and plenty of chickens for company. Marley attends his local primary school, St
Joseph’s. It’s a small, sole-charge school
“Marley’s always out with the animals, or on the of 18 students. Susan sits on the Board of
tramp. He’s a really active kid.” says Susan. Trustees and is proud of its inclusive values.
“Our school is really great at embracing
The connection with animals and the outdoors diversity. The reality is that many of our
is an important one for Marley who has students need additional support in one way
impairments which affect his ability to process or another. Our Principal does an amazing
the world around him. job of creating an adaptable environment to
The family have been supported by CCS support the kids’ learning.”
Disability Action for around six years, with At school Marley is accepted as one of the
Community Service Coordinator Sandy Nuku gang. “The other kids are really friendly. We
being the family’s go-to for additional support haven’t experienced any kind of bullying
for the majority of this time. or exclusion just because Marley is a bit
As well as organising occasional respite care different. They seem really focussed on
so that Susan can recharge, Sandy supported enjoying the things they do have in common
the family to access their full transport subsidy – like playing hockey – rather than worrying
to get Marley to and from school – something about why they shouldn’t play together.”
they were originally denied. Marley finds the Susan was looking for something else that
pressure of getting out the door for school could build her son’s social life. Heading
along to Riding for the Disabled (NZRDA)
was something Marley really wanted to try so
Sandy completed the paperwork necessary to
make it happen.
From the moment he entered the grounds
with the horses, he hasn’t looked back.
“From that very first session he was very
keen and confident,” says Jenny Curflake,
a volunteer at the Hawera NZRDA. “We
Susan loves Marley’s take on life,
describing him as ‘hilarious’.
Marley goes swimming once a week, something he loves, but Susan was
looking for something else that could build her son’s social life.
18 CCS DISABILITY ACTIONWithin weeks of starting
out at RDA, Marley was
selected to represent
his local club.
generally spend the first session introducing loving and has a big heart. He’s a great kid.
our kids to the horses and showing them Honestly? He makes life awesome.”
how everything works, but he just wanted
to jump on!” With Sandy’s support, Susan is now looking
to the future.
Marley is fiercely competitive and one of the
goals Jenny and the Hawera team are trying “The thing with Sandy is, I make one call
to teach him is that winning is fun, but it’s and she’s there. If I’m unsure of anything, I
giving things a go that’s most important. can check with her. It is really great to have
someone who knows the system so well who
“Marley is outgoing and fun and he really is there for me.”
enjoys the horses. In a session we usually do
a mixture of games and exercises to settle Susan is also considering her future. She’s
the kids, but also to develop their balance and currently pursuing her passion for inclusive
all the other skills that go along with riding a education and is re-training as a Teacher
horse. He tries hard to do the right thing and Aide. “I think there’s important work to be
he’s really determined to get to the done supporting kids in the classroom.”
next stage.” For her part, Sandy loves being part of
A few weeks in to his time at NZRDA, Marley Marley and Susan’s story. “I’ve been at CCS
was included in a team of four to represent Disability Action for 16 years now. It can be
Hawera at the annual regional games. challenging living in a smaller community in
terms of the services available to families,
It was a fabulous experience for Marley but nothing’s ever impossible in my mind.
with his proud family watching on. And most Marley is lucky because Susan is a wonderful
importantly, in Jenny’s view, he demonstrated mother. Working with them reminds me of
some excellent sportsmanship at the event. why I love my job – I like seeing kids smile.”
It’s his zest for life that Susan most Fortunately for Sandy and Susan, Marley has
appreciates about her son. “He is very plenty of those to dish out.
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 19A valued volunteer
SEAN JAMIESON (34) HAS had a passion Gareth Griffiths. Gareth found Sean
for computer technology since his high school voluntary work on the Work Skills program
days in Hamilton. “I really like the operating at the Polytechnic where Sean completed
systems and I’m interested in what they can his diploma.
do. I found something I am good at and that I
can pass on to others.” “One of Sean’s strengths is his kind and
patient nature, a huge asset in a busy
Sean has a Diploma in Computer learning environment. His ability to take the
Communication and IT to his name and over complex world of computers and explain it
the years has applied for dozens of positions. easily and in plain terms is another big plus,”
says Gareth.
After doing it tough on his own for many
years, Sean was referred to CCS Disability Joanna Dawson, staff member at the
Action’s Tauranga Branch to work with Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology, agrees,
the vocational support team. Vocation explaining that Sean is a valuable asset to
Coordinator at the time, Judy Howard, found both staff and students.
a part-time paid placement for Sean tutoring
at Brainwaves Rehabilitation Centre. In addition to this voluntary work, Sean
spends his Friday evenings and Sunday
Sean started a one-to-one computer mornings at Life Zone Christian Church where
programme where he taught students basic he uses his IT skills to create the visuals and
computer skills such as navigating the prepare the music videos for the youth group
internet, emailing and how to use Microsoft and Sunday services.
Office programmes like Word. While the
funding for his position came to an end after “Although I don’t get paid, I feel valued and
two years, Sean continues to offer some happy in both my roles,” he says.
private tutoring. Sean’s vision is to teach people who may not
When this work came to an end, Sean be confident about computers in a welcoming
connected with a new Vocational Coordinator, and non-threatening environment.
“I’d like to set up a training establishment
for people leaving high school and entering
university where they could come and learn
the basics and not feel judged.”
In the meantime he would like build his base
of private clientele to allow him to be more
financially independent and share his passion
with others.
Sean lives in South Whakamaramara and
regularly travels to Tauranga to try and turn his
knowledge and skills into paid employment.
If you live in the Bay of Plenty area and are interested in learning more about
computer tuition from Sean, contact Gareth Griffiths at:
07 578 0063 ext 7500
@ Gareth.Griffiths@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
20 CCS DISABILITY ACTIONGoing from strength to strength
THEO WHITEHEAD ORIGINALLY got into
computers as the result of some friendly family
rivalry. “My uncle had done some IT training
and I thought; ‘You know what? I would love to
be better than you.’ And now he comes to me
for computer advice,” he says with a laugh.
Theo now calls New Plymouth home,
after moving from Nelson to be near to his
grandmother Janet.
The move has proved transformative with
Theo now employed at Portal Computers
after starting in the small business as a
volunteer in 2014.
Vocational Coordinator Shari Winter was
instrumental in making things happen. “In
Nelson I didn’t have any formal support. When
I arrived in New Plymouth Shari from CCS
Disability Action worked with me to learn the Theo loves his job and feels
bus route and helped me get settled in the he’s developing some strong
city. Then she organised work experience and skills and experience.
later worked with Workbridge to organise a
work subsidy.” helped my communication. I don’t feel shy to
talk to strangers anymore. I’ve got plenty of
The support and the job have seen Theo go support, but it’s great not needing to rely on
from strength-to-strength in all aspects of other people. I feel very independent now.”
his life. “I’ve learnt heaps of new skills, can
deal with challenging situations and it’s really And Theo wouldn’t have it any other way.
New disability rights guides released
IF YOU ARE a disabled New Zealander and
your rights have been abused, you can make
a complaint to the United Nations Disability
Committee. Check out Making complaints
to the United Nations Disability Committee,
to find out how you can use the Optional
Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities.
You can choose from a range of
accessible formats on the Office for the
Ombudsman’s website by searching
for Disability rights guides in the
‘Resources’ section. The disability rights guides aim
to promote and protect the rights of
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz disabled people.
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 21Shout Outs
Tina Syme – General Manager Northern
I WOULD LIKE to give a big shout out to
Esther Owen on behalf of our Children Family
Whānau team.
Esther has been supporting children and
whānau in the Mid to Far North for over
four years now. She has a beautiful way of
working with people. One compliment from
a parent emphasised Esther’s ability to see
their child for who they are and her tireless
approach to putting their best interests first
– without trying to jump in and fix everything
by herself. Esther is a fierce advocate
for the children and has been successful for
removing barriers that do not need
to be there.
She has so much integrity and mana in all
aspects of her work. Esther does everything
she says she will do, and is committed to the
idea that every person is treated with respect.
Ngā mihi Esther.
Colene Herbert – General Manager Midland
WE WOULD LIKE to make a shout out to She has a lovely disposition and carries
Louise Te Ariki who has been a Support herself with poise and elegance whilst
Worker for our organisation for just under maintaining integrity and professionalism
four years. throughout her working day. Thank you
Louise for all that you do.
Louise makes an amazing contribution to
the people we support and CCS Disability
Action in general. She goes over and above
in her role to ensure the people she works
with are participating and contributing
meaningfully in our community in a way that
is important to them.
She has formed positive relationships not
only with the people she supports directly
but also with their families. They absolutely
adore her! Louise is a creative thinker (often
useful in this line of work), a hard worker
and is very intelligent.
22 CCS DISABILITY ACTIONJanine Richards – General Manager Central
MEET OUR BUBBLY, vibrant and one-of-a- cultural values and not afraid to speak her
kind Support Worker, Donnella Waipouri! mind. Donnella loves to interact with her
peers and is never afraid to ask questions
Donnella joined the Wellington branch in or share her views with others creating
2018 and adds an exciting dynamic to the interesting conversations always ending
Wellington team. All those that come into with a good laugh.
contact with Donnella are welcomed with an
infectious smile and a joyful ‘Kia Ora’.
Donnella joined our wonderful team as
one of our many strong advocates for the
people we support. She is always positive
and no matter how difficult the situation
Donnella believes anything is possible
with faith, passion, honesty, commitment
and resilience.
She often shares stories about her whānau
and how proud she is of them. She is a
Mana Wahine in her own right with strong
Melissa Smith – General Manager Southern
OUR BUSINESS SUPPORT teams around this with the same grace as she’s taken
the region have just entered one of the on everything else in her nine years. Thank
busiest times of the financial year. you Wen!
Wen Huang has been with CCS Disability
Action’s Southern region for nine years. She
started in April 2010 working as a Regional
Accounts Administrator and she has provided
ongoing information and assistance to the
region in all things finance and payroll related
ever since.
Wen is an unsung hero, as are many of our
Business Support team, and she doesn’t
hesitate to go above and beyond the call of
duty to ensure that everything gets processed
and everyone gets paid.
Recently, the Business Support teams in
the South Island have combined and former
Regional Financial Accountant Cliff Stephen
moved on to further his study. This has meant
that Wen is now working out of the Dunedin
office whilst the rest of the Business Support
team are in Christchurch. Wen has taken to
INCLUDING ALL PEOPLE 23Get in touch
Whakapā mai
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED in more information or would like to get in touch we would love
to hear from you.
0800 227 2255
Info@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
Level 3 Orbit Systems House, 94 Dixon St, Wellington 6011
PO Box 6349, Wellington 6141
www.facebook.com/ccsDisabilityAction
www.twitter.com/ccsDisabilityA
www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nzYou can also read
