Reflections Ngā whakaaroaroWinter Issue 2021

CCS Disability Action National Newsletter Word Version

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Farewell to a friendDairne Kirton – National Board President – CCS Disability ActionTēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa.

Me rangatira he hoa matenga mōu kia kore ai koe e whakarērea.Have a chief as a friend unto death in order that you will never be abandoned.

It is with great sadness that I acknowledge David’s stepping down from the role of Chief Executive. David, you have truly been this loyal chiefly friend to us in your 21 years of service and in the past 10 years as Chief Executive.

David’s contribution during this time has been of great significance. I would like to thank and acknowledge David for his sound, solid and innovative leadership of our organisation through a time of rapid challenges and changes.

David is passionate about disabled people having equity, equality and access to supports so that they are able to have genuine choice and control in their lives. His advocacy at government levels and within the sector has made a difference – even though David will be the first to agree that there is still a considerable way to go.

On behalf of the CCS Disability Action National Board, I would also like to thank David’s wife Helen, his children; Jonathan, Liz and Andrew and grandchildren; Lucy and Ben, for sharing so much of him with CCS Disability Action. It is with sincere gratitude that we thank you for your sacrifice made as a whānau and wish you, along with David, all the very best for the future.

Looking to the future, I am delighted to be able to officially welcome Mel Smith to her new role as Chief Executive. Mel has a long history with our organisation

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and has a passion for working with people and enjoys the challenges of creating workplacesand building teams in which people can grow and shine. Her commitment to disabled people and their families is unquestionable and over the last eleven years, she has demonstrated a specific interest and ability in the field of employment. Mel will be tasked to provide effective leadership across the whole organisation and will, I am sure, continue to work hard to ensure that the vision and values of the organisation are upheld.

On behalf of the CCS Disability Action National Board, we look forward to workingwith you Mel.

Always remember, that we are stronger together.Ngā mihi maioha. Thank you with much appreciation.Noho ora mai. Stay well, look after yourself, good-bye for now.Standing on firm foundationsMelissa Smith – Chief Executive – CCS Disability Action

Titiro Whakamuri kia Anga WhakamuaTo move forward into the future, we must firstlook to the past

Kia ora koutou.

I am priviledged in my first written act as the incoming Chief Executive for CCS Disability Action to be able to take this opportunity to recognise the work of our outgoing Chief Executive, David Matthews.

At a recent New Zealand Disability Support Network forum, I was reminded that David is not only part of the rich history of

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CCS Disability Action, but also a respected colleague and ally of many in the disability support sector. It is important at these times of transition that we take the opportunity to reflect widely and remember the contributions we have valued over the years.

David has worked tirelessly over the past decade as Chief Executive and for a decade prior to that as Regional Manager. Above all else, these roles require leadership and vision. This applies to the teams he has led and the organisation, as well as the sector itself. David has developed valuable, enduring relationships within the sector and CCS Disability Action that will continue far longer than any tenure within our organisation. These relationships have developed through the sharing of passion, understanding and perspectives and the bravery to have many honest, and not always easy, conversations.

David will be remembered for the focus he has brought to issues of importance and his tenacity in remaining on message about his concerns and perspective until his voice was effectively heard. Whether this involved internal work to develop a suite of business systems to support the operations of the organisation into the future or working with disabled people and sector employees to co-design a transformed disability support system, his focus and determination have always been very evident.

It is also important to note that this is only the end of David’s tenure as Chief Executive with CCS Disability Action and not the end of his active involvement within the business community or the disability sector. As an organisation, we will follow his next steps as keenly as he will follow ours and we take this opportunity to thank David for his energy, vision, determination and passion over the many years he has provided us with leadership. We stand in the place we are today on the shoulders of the focus he has held to get us here and we acknowledge that as we move into what comes next.

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Bringing EGL to lifeDebbie Ward – National Disability Leadership Coordinator – CCS Disability Action

Over the past year, CCS Disability Action has been delivering a series of workshops called ‘Tēnei au. This is me, here I am’ across New Zealand.

The purpose of ‘Tēnei au. This is me, here I am’ is to support disabled people, whānau and service providers to understand the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles and approach, and to explore ways to make the most of opportunities that the EGL principles and approach offer.

In our ‘post-COVID’ world (if such a thing exists), it’s an ideal time for disability communities to strengthen their voices, and to explore better and more flexible ways of thinking and working together.

The EGL approach is underpinned by the following principles:• Self-determination• Beginning early• Person-centred• Ordinary life outcomes• Mainstream first• Mana enhancing• Easy to use• Relationship building

The standout for me from these workshops is that these principles apply to disabled people’s lives regardless of how the disability support system looks in practice or what services are currently available. The potential to bring these principles to life is possible now, across Aotearoa. Having attended several workshops in person, it has been amazing to watch the ‘aha’ moment attendees have had, when they come to this realisation.

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‘Tēnei au. This is me, here I am’ is also intended to connect and support communities to have these conversations, strengthen voices and create change. We are beginning to see the fruits of this, with new community groups beginning to form to keep the momentum gained from the workshops alive in their local area.

I believe if disabled people and their whānau can apply EGL principles to their own lives, they will be better equipped to navigate their lives. I hope that the seeds planted by ‘Tēnei au. This is me, here I am’ will continue to bear fruit in the years to come.

Honouring a partnershipJonathan Tautari – Pou Ārahi – CCS Disability Action

Waitangi Day this year marked the 181st year since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document and, as a rights-based organisation, is a core document of CCS Disability Action.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi represents many things to different people. In some cases, the Treaty is simply a static, quaint document to be referenced only in history or social studies projects at school. For others, it represents contention, struggle, anger, guilt, fear and a myriad of other human emotions.

Every year, for 181 years, people have made the journey to a beautiful place in the Bay of Islands called Waitangi. In going to Waitangi this year to commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi we, like thousands of others, demonstrated that the Treaty and the partnership it founded, is still living today. Our conversation at the Treaty grounds about having accessible Marae was woven into the fabric of many

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conversations about honouring the rights of others to be included.

After 181 years we, as an organisation, might look at the Treaty in a new and different light. If we allow it, it may talk to us about partnership and the absolute importance of having an ongoing dialogue with each other to keep that partnership healthy and alive. If that was the only message that those that drafted and signed the Treaty wanted us, 181 years later, to understand – that would be powerful.

In the context of our work, we strive daily to ensure that we work in partnership with individuals, families and/or whānau. Our work is based on building relationships through respecting the rights of others. It is about honouring an individual’s dignity by ensuring that they fully direct the manner that we provide our support to them. Without dialogue, conversation and allowing a space to negotiate and renegotiate new understandings, our partnerships will remain stagnant, unable to support the transformational change in a person’s life.

People often ask when the issues around Te Tiriti of Waitangi will finally be resolved. Full and final settlement of issues/grievances can seem elusive, sitting far beyond the horizon. However, for me, the time it takes to reach that destination is less important than reaching that destination together, with a shared vision, in true partnership.Budget 2021Phoebe Grace Eden-Mann – National Policy Analyst – CCS Disability ActionAt the time of writing this article, the 2021 Budget had just been announced.

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As was expected, a significant focus of the Budget is COVID-19. In our submissions to Government, we urged them to look past the pandemic and address some of the systemic issues that New Zealand has been facing for decades. We argued that reducing disabilityrelated inequality is central to achieving the priority areas, and we strongly believe that the Government will be restricting the effectiveness of its initiatives if it does not improve wellbeing for disabled people and their whānau.

The top four things we were hoping to see in the 2021 Budget were:

1. Increasing the disability and child disability allowances.2. Improving poor outcomes for Māori and Pasifika disabled people.3. Ensuring disabled people have a safe, warm, accessible and affordable home that suits their needs.4. Addressing the health and mental wellbeing issues faced by disabled people.

Of all the issues faced by disabled people, I would argue that the first and most important port of call would be drastically increasing the disability and child disability allowances. Unfortunately, we did not see increases in either in this year’s budget, despite clear evidence there has been no shift in the level of material hardship in these groups.

Currently we are lagging very far behind many countries in the world when it comes to disability-related allowances. In particular, the UK has successfully reduced the rate of income poverty amongst disabled children through allowances that are almost three times higher than what we have here. We also have significant ethnic disparities, with Māori and Pasifika disabled people having a lower level of disability support, compared to pākehā disabled people. On average, both Māori and Pasifika disabled people receive lower payments from the

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disability allowance than pākehā people. This is due to the barriers they experience when navigating access to the various aspects of the allowance:

• Māori median weekly rate $12.50.• Pākehā median weekly rate $19.65.• Pasifika people’s median weekly rate $6.40.

This data is especially concerning given that disabled Māori and Pasifika people are more likely to have lower levels of health and wellbeing, which would put them at increased risks of adverse outcomes if they contracted COVID-19.

There are many things that I would have liked to see come out of the 2021 Budget come 20th May, but increasing the disability allowance and child disability allowance should not be up for debate. Increasing the allowances will go a long way towards addressing some of the systemic issues that disabled people face, including ensuring they have a safe, warm, accessible and affordable home, as well as improving the health and mental wellbeing of disabled people.

‘O Captain! My Captain!’At the end of June 2021, David Matthews steps down as Chief Executive of CCS Disability Action. He has served the organisation tirelessly for over 20 years. In the words of poet Walt Whitman in his poem “O Captain! My Captain!”, ‘the anchored ship is safe and sound’.

David Matthews began with CCS Disability Action in 2000 as a Regional Manager for the Upper South region, which then covered the South Canterbury and Canterbury West Coast branches.

He came to the organisation from Special Education Services, now part of the Ministry of Education, where he worked as a District Manager, then National Manager.

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From the beginning of his tenure, he demonstrated a determination to apply ‘creative’ solutions to cut through the barriers of bureaucracy imposed by contracts and funding models.

Jeanette Oliver, who is employed as a Support Worker on the West Coast, remembers David as a dogged advocate for people living in more remote communities. “David and the team at CCS Disability Action offered marvellous support for my grandson Bradley, at a time when our options as a family were very limited. From Bradley’s earliest days when he first received a medical diagnosis, the team at CCS Disability Action surrounded our family with love, practical support and pursued all avenues to assist Bradley with his mobility and schooling,” she explains.

David was also instrumental in helping the Oliver family mobilise community support to create what would become ‘Bradley House’ a popular accessible holiday home in Paroa, near Greymouth. Seeing CCS Disability Action’s service offering expand into communities that would otherwise be left without local support was a key achievement in his 11-year tenure in the Regional Manager’s role. During this period, David oversaw an expansion of the branch network, with the Nelson/Marlborough branch coming into the Upper South region, as well as putting in additional staff in newly established sub-branches. Seeing CCS Disability Action’s service offering expand into communities that would otherwise be left without local support was a key achievement in his 11-year tenure in the Regional Manager’s role.

During this period, David oversaw an expansion of the branch network, with the Nelson/Marlborough branch coming into the Upper South region, as well as putting in additional staff in newly established sub-branches.

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“David has been a valued mentor and has taught me a lot and has provided me with sound advice and guidance on many occasions. He has supported me through all my challenges both professionally and personally and I will miss the aroha and support that he has shown me. David, you are a strong advocate for disabled people and the organisation. Your legacy will live on. Go well David. I wish you nothing but the best in all your future endeavours you will be missed by many!Ngā mihi aroha ki a koe.

Janine Hoete-Thornton, General Manager Central region, CCS Disability Action.”

As Regional Manager, David was faced with ensuring adequate and sustainable funding models were available to the region’s branches and helping break societal barriers at odds with his vision of seeing disabled people enjoy the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers. “There is, and probably always will be, the ongoing challenge of working with communities that will struggle to understand what an inclusive community is and looks like. The attitudinal barriers to the full participation by disabled people are often more challenging than the obvious physical barriers such as a lack of accessible public transport or ramped access to buildings,” he explained in a Widening Horizons newsletter column.

“These challenges can be viewed as risks or threats. I prefer to see them as opportunities, out of which may emerge new and exciting possibilities.”

But it was his handling of the Christchurch earthquakes, in particular the devastating February 2011 event, where his local legacy will be most gratefully remembered.

“David’s response on the day [of the February 2011 earthquake] was immediate. He was so supportive of everyone, checking in with the Team Leaders as to who was where,

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staying late to ensure that all the team were safe and been contacted.

After the earthquake, David’s support for the staff, all staff, was exemplary. He made himself available to everyone. He wanted to hear what was happening to everyone, at all times.

In the following days he showed true leadership and was a pillar of strength as he pulled together the team to ensure that support was sustainable. This included mobile phones for everyone, flexible work hours, setting up supportive team meeting venues in cafes or meetings in his own home.

Lyn Frazer remembers, “He was always asking: ‘How do we do this?’ ‘How do we ensure that the people we support are getting what they need?’ ‘What do staff need to support people well?’ David showed huge concern for staff and for support workers. We recognised later that he was going through the same grief, shock and despair that we were all going through, but outwardly he was strong, calm, concerned and caring.”

Lyn Frazer, former Team Leader, Canterbury West Coast, CCS Disability Action.

As a result, the post-quake period, for all its trauma, is remembered as a time that demonstrated a true spirit of togetherness.The hard-fought resilience of disabled people and their families also shone through during this period.

David was appointed Chief Executive of CCS Disability Action in 2011, taking over the position in September of that year. In a farewell acknowledgement, Julie Fosbender, Service Manager South Canterbury, summarised his commitment to the region as: “Hard-working, loyal with a tireless focus on developing a better place for disabled children and their families.”

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As incoming Chief Executive, he quickly established the organisation as a leading voice on inclusion and participation – raising the bar on a national conversation on disabled people’s desires to be genuinely included in their community in all facets of life.

David has always been a strong advocate for the human rights of disabled children in education.

He supported the development of major research projects such as ‘Family Choices’, which revealed the heart-breaking difficulty many parents of disabled children face in enrolling their children at their local school.

He argued publicly that all children, with the right support, can and should attend their local school and led the organisation’s advocacy against residential special schools in favour of intensive, community-based wraparound support. In this regard he was swimming against the tide of popular opinion.

“Thank you for taking a chance on me all those years ago and I loved that I could talk with you about anything to do with any of our services or support and you instantly had a reply or suggestion. You will really be missed. ”

Lee Tua, CCS Disability Action staff member.

“We need to develop more ways to include severyone in their local schools with their peers. This is the only way to create lasting solutions that enable everyone to become valued individuals in their community in later life,” David said in a media release at the time.

He also began publicly pushing for increased government support via additional funding and flexibility to address what he saw as a growing gap between demand for services, the

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sector’s ability to meet these needs and the lack of choice and control disabled people and their families faced.

David’s early years in the role also saw the launch of a new vision for CCS Disability Action called Te Puāwaitanga, as well as the launch of a major research project called ‘Article 19 – I am here’, which highlighted the experiences and systematic challenges New Zealanders with high support needs face.

He also embarked on wide ranging systems and infrastructure projects within the organisation, aimed at bolstering the organisation’s ability to act with national consistency, strengthen its financial sustainability and increase CCS Disability Action’s accountability and responsiveness to disabled people.

David describes himself as a “New Zealander born in England” and jokes that his ‘waka’ was a 747 aeroplane. David’s commitment to te ao Māori, te reo Māori and to creating an environment where whānau hauā (disabled Māori) have equitable opportunities to flourish has been evident throughout his time with the organisation.

“Ki te kahore he whakakitengaka ngaro te iwiWithout foresight or vision the people will be lost.

From the very first time I met David in 2010, his desire to incorporate Māori cultural practice in the workplace was evident when the CCS Disability Action National Board was welcomed with a pōwhiri into the Christchurch branch. At that time David was the Regional Manager.

Since then, I have been fortunate and very privileged to have the chief beside me at various Māori hui, as well as our strategic conversations that supported the important mahi

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(work) within CCS Disability Action’s Māori Disability Framework.

A lasting memory for me will be when we went to the tangi of Life Member, the late Monty Daniels. Te Manahau (Scotty) Morrison, a well know television presenter was on the pae kaikōrero and I had asked if there was an opportunity for David to acknowledge his friend and mentor after proper kawa (protocol) had been completed. Te Manahau agreed and recited a karakia to clear the way for David to talk.

So, our chief then gets up to start his whaikōrero in Māori as usual but this time his whaikōrero had a mauri that resonated within the wharenui. There was a strong presence of mana and aroha. While David was in the middle of his kōrero, much to Te Manahau’s surprise and my delight, Te Manahau turns to his mate and said: “I didn’t know this fullah was going to kōrero Māori!” Proud moment for our organisation right there.

David will be sorely missed by his Māori whānau within CCS Disability Action and his legacy will live in the hearts and minds of those of us who he supported.

Tuu tonu koe i roto i toou ake mana motuhake rangatira”.

Ike Rakena Mangai to the CCS Disability Action National Board.

David is described by people close to him as down-to-earth. He famously demonstrated this by regularly taking the bus to the airport for the trip home from Wellington to Christchurch, even after incredibly long days of meetings and engagements.

“Actions speak louder than words at times and David never asked someone to do something that he wasn’t prepared to do,” explains Executive Assistant Irene Wilson “We have

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shared many occasions in the kitchen, catering, doing the dishes and tidying up.”

She goes on to say: “I have learnt so much from David about the importance of conversations, the power of words and leading by example. He is a fantastic mentor and is very encouraging, approachable, and fair.”

Drawing on his knowledge and interest in counselling, community and capacity development, David created an environment where learning, research and critical thinking were encouraged and valued, with a view to preparing the organisation for a new way of delivering services that is truly flexible and centred on a person’s needs and wants.

“David has always been generous when it came to sharing learning opportunities with both staff and governance members. The pursuit of ongoing professional and personal development and sharing newfound knowledge was important. It wasn’t enough to just attend a conference or workshop, David would pose two to three reflective questions and expected the team member to share their thoughts widely. He encouraged staff and governance members to not only attend workshops and conferences, but believed they had something important to share with the wider sector. All of this helped shape our organisation into a place where learning was encouraged to ensure we stayed on the cusp of innovation,” explains Moira Geerkens, National Training Coordinator.

“I remember David facilitated a leadership course at our Royal Oak office in Auckland which was well attended by staff and governance. The course focused on what it meant to be a leader. This was when I had just started as the Chair of the Auckland Local Advisory Committee. He taught me that one could lead by supporting others to become leaders – which was an idea that I found really inspiring.”

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Allyson Hamblett, Local Advisory Committee Chair Auckland, CCS Disability Action.

“CCS Disability Action has been truly blessed to have had David’s leadership both as Regional Manager for Upper South and as Chief Executive.”Pru McLaren, CCS Disability Action National Board Member.

“My path first crossed David’s early in his position as Regional Manager of [what was then known as] the Upper South Region. In fact, it was David who was instrumental in having me appointed to the South Canterbury Local Executive Committee (LEC) – but that’s another story! Now, as a recently retired member of our LEC and latterly as chair of our Local Committee, I can reflect on David’s achievements in both the roles of Regional Manager and Chief Executive of CCS Disability Action.

Early in his time as Regional Manager, the Mackenzie District Council required us, along with several other bodies, to move our Lake Tekapo holiday homes to make way for Council development. David was largely responsible for successfully negotiating a very satisfactory arrangement with the Council whereby we were able to build two magnificent and popular holiday homes on freehold land in what is rapidly becoming a major South Island tourist destination. These enjoy a high occupancy rate and contribute significantly to our income.

Later, recognising the inadequacy of the then branch building to provide for the evolving role of the organisation, it was his initiative which led to the sale of the original building and some other holdings and the designing and construction of the present office building. These two actions alone ensure David has left a legacy with the South Canterbury branch.

With the passage of time and my deepening involvement in the organisation, I have had the privilege of attending many

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national governance and finance gatherings during David’s tenure as Chief Executive. This has given me plenty of opportunity to see at first hand, and in a small way contribute to, the enormous changes the organisation has undergone largely due to his foresight and guidance.

CCS Disability Action is now firmly established on a professional base, is a leader in the disability sector, has an authoritative national voice when disability issues are in focus and is well placed to face the undoubted challenges which lie ahead. For this David should be justly proud and is due considerable credit.

Geoff Clarke, former Local Committee Chair, South Canterbury.

This desire to extend the thought leadership within the organisation was set within a wider context of increasingly vocal calls for widespread change in the disability support sector.

In 2011, a group – led by disabled people, whānau and allies – presented a vision and principles called Enabling Good Lives (EGL) to the government.

The vision is based on disabled people having greater choice and control. The principles of how disabled people would like to live their lives include self-determination, with the system investing early, being person-centred, being easy to use, supporting disabled people to live an everyday life like others at similar stages, able to access mainstream services, being mana enhancing, and building and strengthening relationships between disabled people, their whānau and community.

In 2017 David was invited to be part of a small team made up of ministry officials, disabled people, whānau, disabled people’s organisations and support providers with a brief to take this

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vision and create a high-level design of how a transformed disability support system could work.

David’s inclusion in this group – and in earlier high-level consultation on the Disability Strategy review – was recognition of his personal and professional commitment to help create a disability support system that will work for all disabled people and their families,especially those who struggle to have their voices heard.

“I am passionate about social justice and encouraging social change which will bring about a more inclusive world. I fully support the principles and values of the changes occurring in the disability sector in New Zealand,” he explains on the Enabling Good Lives website.

After an intensive co-design process, the group presented a cabinet paper to government, which later was to form the basis of an official system transformation prototype, rolled out in the MidCentral region in late 2018. While the pace of national progress is proving frustratingly slow for disabled people, David’s involvement in establishing this framework leaves a legacy where disabled people will undoubtedly have a brighter future.

As head of one of New Zealand’s largest disability support providers, in his later years David joined the New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) and others to lobby against the unsustainability of disability support funding. Describing the sector as reaching ‘near crisis’ he highlighted the unacceptable impacts on the range and level of support available – becoming a ‘go to’ for media comment on behalf of the sector as a result.

He also spearheaded the organisation’s lobbying efforts on welfare reform for many years, arguing for “radical change” to

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address the unacceptably high levels of inequality disabled people and their families face.

Throughout his career with CCS Disability Action, David has been a passionate supporter and advocate for access within the built and urban environment. In recent years, the organisation has moved to both innovate and consolidate programmes in this area, providing a firm foundation for future development.

“David and I started with CCS Disability Action within months of each other some 21 years ago. From day one it was obvious that there was going to be change however it was the manner of the change that displayed the leadership qualities he has. He encouraged his staff, by his own example, to provide the best outcomes we possibly can for those we support. David always acknowledged the work that his staff carried out and encouraged us to take responsibility for what we were doing.

From the first time I showed an interest in learning about, and advocating for, an accessible environment, David was always supportive. Through his support, leadership, and vision, we now have an amazing group of access advocates.

These include our Regional Access Coordinators, the Mobility Parking Hub team, and our branch administrators. We have also seen Lifemark and Barrier Free NZ integrate into the CCS Disability Action Team and huge innovation in the form of the Access Aware app.

David will be the first to acknowledge that all of this was a team effort, however it takes a special type of leader to bring it all together. I believe David should look back at his 21 years with CCS Disability Action with justifiable pride and satisfaction.”

BJ Clark QSM, National Manager Access and Infrastructure, CCS Disability Action.

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In 2019 David signalled his intention to the CCS Disability Action National Board to retire the following year. But a global pandemic threw any thoughts of a quiet retirement into flux.

The board asked him to extend his term to guide the organisation through and beyond a crisis that had the potential to disproportionately hit disabled people. Just as Christchurch-based staff saw during the earthquakes, the organisation rose to the considerable challenges faced by COVID-19.

Under David’s leadership, CCS Disability Action remained a steady and valued presence in the lives of the people they supported, in many cases filling gaps where people were left without even the most basic support.

“I’ve always appreciated David’s comments around various issues. He takes time to reflect and the response is then a considered one. His comments during the various COVID-19 lockdowns have been calm, rational and based on facts thus inspiring a sense of confidence at a very difficult time.”

CCS Disability Action staff member.

“I was around when David Matthews started his journey with CCS Disability Action and lived in the region when he took over as Regional Manager. I was on the panel to employ his services as Chief Executive, worked with him during my time as a board member and now I see his journey about to change again. It has been a real journey!

I particularly remember the challenges David faced during the Canterbury earthquakes. His endeavours to work in extreme conditions was incredible, and he always put his staff first and foremost in his mind. Despite the devastation of the branch itself and rebuilding challenges, he was always upbeat and

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maintained working to the highest standards which was a tremendous achievement.

David has often challenged my thinking and he has taught me a great number of useful life lessons. He taught me to build the capacity to engage strongly and mindfully in the “conversations that matter,” while remaining open to emerging dynamic outcomes.

I want to acknowledge your support David and the difference you have made to our organisation, the relationships you have made and the successes of your continued work. I am sure you will be a great governance leader in the future.”

Wendy Coutts, Past President, and current National Board Member, CCS Disability Action.

At the 2020 national AGM – his last as Chief Executive – in the presence of family, friends and colleagues David was surprised with two special acknowledgements.

Life Membership (of the national organisation)

David has worked tirelessly for the organisation over 20 years in his role firstly as Regional Manager for the Upper South region (2000-2011), and then as Chief Executive from 2011. The organisation has been led by David through enormous change during this time, resulting in the organisation being much closer to the ideal of being truly one organisation. David’s leadership has put

CCS Disability Action on the front foot with the Sector Transformation – both nationally and internationally. This has prepared CCS Disability Action well for the changes in the sector that lie ahead.

Honorary Membership

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Honorary Membership was presented to David Matthews at the AGM in recognition of valuable contributions to the Mauri of CCS Disability Action through 20 years of positive leadership, advocacy and connections with the wider national and international disability sector. David was acknowledged for his visionary approach to the role and for his contribution to making a real difference in the lives of disabled people through his passionate leadership.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Strength in Love, 1963.

David has demonstrated true commitment to making a positive difference for disabled people during his time at CCS Disability Action – particularly during times of challenge and controversy – and for that he will be sincerely missed.

Mapping out a new directionAaron Ussher and his CCS Disability Action Coordinator Tania Bissett make an excellent team. Both have lived experience of disability, and, as Tania explains, she gets a lot out of their time together.

“He has taught me so much about how we are the experts in our own lives. That it is essential to be confident in yourself and your choices. I find that people can make assumptions about me – what I’m interested in and what I’m capable of doing. I’ve learnt the importance of telling people what it is I want and, more importantly, what I do not want, from Aaron.” Aaron is 22 and lives in Awanui, in the far north of New Zealand. He lives with his mum Tui, dad Gavin and two laid back dogs named Zeus and Gromit. “My family is what’s most important to me,” says Aaron. “My two

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sisters are expecting babies this year, and I am looking forward to being a new uncle again! I love being an uncle.”

Aaron has a particular interest in quiz shows and a skill for maps: “If you give me a destination, I bet I can tell you how to get there and how long it would take,” he says. Aaron is friendly, kind and funny – Tania describes him as “hilarious and resourceful” – but with the reoccurring COVID-19 rahui, found it hard to try new things.

After working alongside coordinator Brenda Williams and, more recently, Tania, Aaron is now setting a new, more adventurous course for his life. “I have watched him grow from being reluctant to try anything new, to now directing me on how things will be.

A recent highlight was the ‘Ruakaka Surf Day’ event run by Tiaho Trust, which Tania suggested he might like to attend.

Aaron uses a powerchair for mobility so accessibility can sometimes be a real barrier. Still, once Aaron felt keen enough to try it, together, he and Tania planned how to make the event a reality.“I asked Tania if she would give it a go with me as I didn’t think I could do it all by myself. She immediately said ‘of course,” explains Aaron. “I didn’t feel confident enough to get in the water just yet, so registered as both a volunteer and participant.” Gavin, Tui and Aaron travelled down to Ruakaka the night before the event. They awoke to beautiful weather – perfect for a day in the surf.

Aaron initially worked as a volunteer, handing out rash tops to other participants. This was important work as

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the tops were donated so Aaron took this responsibility very seriously.

Eventually, he decided he didn’t want to miss out on the action and asked if Tania – who had travelled to the event for the day – could take on. (The pair note that this was the first year in the event’s history that all shirts were returned, too!).

“I went out in the beach wheelchair with mum. At first, I wasn’t too sure, but it was too late to turn back as they were pushing me towards the water! The lifeguard, Shaz from Parafed Northland, and my mum helped me to give it a go. I ended up having heaps of fun. My sister, partner, nieces, and even Brenda from CCS Disability Action and her son came out to watch me. That was a cool surprise.”

Not only has the experience got Aaron thinking about his next adventures – including surfing a little closer to home – but he’s also interested in seeing increased opportunities for other disabled people to participate in the local community. “Me being there helped show everyone how they could make things more accessible. It had been a long time since our family had done stuff together, so I would like it if things were more accessible in future so other people who use a wheelchair can get the chance to go and have fun as I did.”

He appreciates having Tania by his side when he needs her. “Even if Tania has never done things before, she will give it a go with me if I say I’m keen – even if it’s scary for both of us! Tania treats me like everyone else. We joke a lot. Because she uses a wheelchair, that

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helps me feel okay because I don’t always have to explain why I feel a certain way.”

Aaron is interested in trying some new activities in the community so he can meet new people. He’s keen to attend a CCS Disability Action Karanga Maha hui and to put his orienteering skills to good use with some geocaching. He’d also like to build his skills with more volunteering.

“I don’t see any challenges in my life. I can do anything if I want to, as long as it’s my cup of tea. If I don’t want to do something, it doesn’t mean I can’t do it. I just maybe don’t feel like it. And I know that’s my choice, so it’s okay.” he says.Learning the art of hospitalityLaree Bates has an exceptional outlook on life. The 28-year-old has experienced more than her fair share of knock backs but now, thanks to a new role, feels confident that her future is bright.

Laree recently began regular work experience at CBK, a popular eatery in Tauranga’s CBD. Laree has joined the front of house team, and is responsible for greeting customers, taking and serving orders and clearing tables. It’s a role that builds on previous work experience and is well suited to her outgoing personality.

“I describe myself as a positive person. I like to live life to the fullest and enjoy new adventures. If I set a goal, I will achieve it.”

“I have wanted to work in hospitality for a really long time. I have good people skills and, when I come to work, I like to get stuck in and work hard! I feel really stoked to have this job. I love it!”

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Laree has been supported by Service Coordinator Gareth Griffiths for two years with a view to building her work readiness and securing her a job. Over this time, he has worked to secure and support her on placements at a local primary school, where she read to students, and later at the YMCA assisting with the delivery of their afterschool programmes.

Gareth feels the opportunity at CBK – while voluntary – will give her the opportunity to really shine. “Laree has an infectious energy and enthusiasm and she’s extremely dedicated and determined. I know she will excel in this role.” He hopes it will lead to a paid role position once Laree has had the chance to demonstrate her capabilities. “In the past, we have been so close to paid work, but it fell through which was a bit of a blow for Laree,” he explains. But Gareth was determined to find somewhere that would meet Laree’s goal of working in hospitality, despite the economic issues created by COVID.

“It has been challenging to find somewhere that will give Laree a go, especially as the industry has been hit hard. I was looking for somewhere that had a strong customer base – but wasn’t too hectic – as I knew that Laree would excel in an environment that valued great customer service. I spoke with the Manager, Billy, and he said he was looking for someone who was warm and friendly. I knew immediately that Laree would be the perfect fit and they agreed to take her on,” he says.

Laree felt welcomed and supported at CBK from the get-go, with the person responsible for her on-the-job training giving her a clear sense of what it would take for her to do well. “They were really nice. There was a lot to learn – like all the dishes on the menu and how they like things to be done. They made it fun but made sure I felt confident at the same time. That really helped and it felt great to know that I was ready to do a good job,” Laree says.

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She has made a positive impression, in a short time. “We are really pleased with Laree, she is awesome. She is doing fantastically well and we like having her here,” explains Billy.

She is also appreciative of the encouragement of her beloved and “incredibly supportive” mum Ann who has been her lifelong champion. She also appreciates the work

Gareth has done behind-the-scenes to bring her closer to meeting her goals. “It is really awesome having people who believe in you and keep saying: ‘You can do it! It means a lot to me.” she explains.

It is still early days, but Laree is, unsurprisingly perhaps, feeling great about what’s ahead. “The future for me is going to be really bright.”

Shout Outs

Tina Syme – General Manager NorthernSharleen Tongalea, or Shar as she is known, is based in our Auckland branch. She started with CCS Disability Action as a Coordinator in 2014 and became a Senior Coordinator in our Youth and Adults team in August 2017.

Shar leads our mahi (work) with the Deaf plus community and as proudly disabled woman is an active member of our disabled staff group the Disability Action Advisors. This work involves developing content and delivering training to support staff and the community to increase their understanding of disability and disability leadership.

In addition to this, in the last 11 months she stepped up to cover parental leave for our Regional Disability Leadership Coordinator role and has capably stepped into this position as well as juggling her own work. Shar does all of this and more with dedication, humility, and good humour. We are very lucky to have her in our region.

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Thank you Shar!

Colene Herbert – General Manager MidlandWe would like to acknowledge one of our Support Workers, Jean Masters, who has been with the Waikato branch for 14 years. Jean is deaf herself and provides direct support and advocacy to other deaf and Deaf plus people. She is also an active contributor to the disabled community in Waikato.

Jean is easy going, optimistic and engaging, and fosters positive relationships with people she supports. She is a key member of the Health and Safety committee and adds the vital perspective of Support Workers as well as a voice for the specific needs of deaf people, to our discussions.

Jean has a passion for making a difference and worked tirelessly and creatively through the COVID-19 lockdown to ensure disabled people had access to essential information ina format that worked for them. She used fax, text, email, video conferencing, home visits and produced many videos to get information out.

We value her dedication to her work both for the branch and within the wider deaf community.

Janine Hoete-Thornton – General Manager CentralI would like to take this opportunity to send a huge shout out to Raewyn Hailes, the Central region Access Coordinator. Raewyn not only supports the access needs of the region, but also nationally.

Raewyn’s ability to build strong relationships and connections has delivered significant benefits to our organisation and the people we support. She has built an incredible reputation and is well respected in all areas of her work. She uses great initiative in all aspects of her role and is not shy to take on anything large or small, always achieving great outcomes in the process.

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I have appreciated her willingness to do ‘over and above’, including supporting otherprojects that the region is involved with. For this and more we thank you for your valued contribution and support to the work we do Raewyn. It has not gone unnoticed.

Ngā mihi maioha kia koe!

Melissa Smith – General Manager SouthernEarlier in the year, the Southern region farewelled Sue Connor from her role as Regional Quality and Training Coordinator as well as Health and Safety support. Sue has held several positions within CCS Disability Action in the Southern region and nationally. During her farewell, the impact Sue has had on people and teams around the South Island and across New Zealand was made clear. Sue is a person that pushes for consistency but does so in a way that supports people to get onboard with the ideas and changes she is proposing, and this is a gift and one that the Southern region has valued highly.

Her most important legacy to us however is the support she has shown for learning and development. Sue is the strongest advocate for personal and professional development and has supported people to see their potential and gain their confidence as learners. The difference that having one person believe in you can make was made clear in the speeches of those that attended her farewell and is evident in the way people hold their heads high and recognise their own potential.

We will miss Sue and the role she played in our branches and regional team as well as the way she represented our region in work across the country and we wish her well for her next chapter!

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What’s happening in our branches

Acknowledging our supporters

Southern region: Lion Foundation provides essential supportThe Waitaki branch was the welcome recipient of $2,000 from the Oamaru Licensing Trust. “The Oamaru Licensing Trust through The Lion Foundation is proud to support CCS Disability Action Waitaki,” says Chair Denise McMillan. The grant was for essential operating costs, freeing up revenue for service delivery.

Service Manager Kay Page was delighted with the grant. “The extra funds will make an incredible difference for the people we support in the wider Waitaki area. Every dollar we can save on the everyday costs of running our branch is money we can pour into making disabled people’s lives better. We are so appreciative of the support of the Oamaru Licensing Trust.”

Acknowledging our supportersMainland Foundation support welcomedStaff at the Manawatu Horowhenua branch of CCS Disability Action were the grateful recipients of essential office equipment, thanks to the generosity of the Mainland Foundation.

A grant of $1900 was used to purchase 7 workspace risers – which mean staff can work seated or standing. The grant has not only had a positive impact on the team’s physical wellbeing, but also frees up much needed funds for service delivery in the This has given our team an incredible boost. We are extremely grateful to the Mainland Foundation for their contribution,” explains General Manager, Janine Hoete-Richards.

The Mainland Foundation are long-term supporters of CCS Disability Action. “We are pleased to be able to continue to

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support CCS Disability Action’s work in the community,” says Nick Kouloubrakis, CEO of the Mainland Foundation.

Building project brings a smile to tenants’ dialSteve and Robyn are delighting in the subtle but significant accessibility features of their new rental property. The Mt Manganui couple recently moved into one of eight new Lifemark 4-Star certified homes which apply the principles of Universal Design to the design and build.

Steve is deaf and uses a walker for mobility.The positives start before he even enters the front door. The home has level entry from the street and access throughout which means he can walk unaided in and out of his home – something that gives Steve the independence he has longed for, for many years. “It is very good and makes all the difference” he explains. “We now have a home that allows us to live independently and happily.”

The home also boasts a spacious living area and kitchen and large wet-room style bathroom. Details include wide doorways and hallways, light switches that are level with door handles, lever handles and tapware.

For Dave Orrell, Project Manager for Accessible Properties, universal design is a winning formula. “It was easy for the designers to incorporate universal design into these units, especially when we had already specified a number of the Lifemark requirements into our standard house design plans.”

New Zealand’s first toy library still going strongToday the CCS Disability Action Waikato Toy Library holds over 1,200 toys and activities for children, youth, and adults with a disability. These include sensory, switch adapted toys, as well as a wide range of toys, puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s, books, and games.

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It is a far cry from its humble origins as small number of toys housed in a cupboard and wooden chest within the physiotherapy department of Waikato hospital.

The Toy Library was the brainchild of Miss Gillian Gorick and it was the first in what would become a network of toy libraries across New Zealand.

Miss Gorick worked as the Charge Physiotherapist at the hospital and was also involved with what was then known as a ‘CCS Cases Committee’. She was inspired by a visiting lecturer who shared the English ‘Toy Library’ model.

“All my working life I had used activities, toys and play to help in my work. I used ‘book’ libraries, but I had never thought of a library being devoted to toys,” she explains in a written narrative of the Toy Library’s history.

She lobbied the then Crippled Children’s Society board and the hospital management to fund the toys (a donation of around $500 – a considerable sum at the time). After “much hard work behind the scenes” the toy library officially began its operations in 1972. Miss Gorick’s vision was to make a wide range of toys available to homes who may not otherwise be able to access them. Miss Gorick still has a strong relationship with the Toy Library and leaves an incredible legacy. “I am proud to have started such a movement in New Zealand.”

This vision is kept alive by the current Librarian Jane Martindale.

“The most rewarding part of my work is seeing of life for all of us especially for children. Play develops physical, social, language, cognitive and countless more skills. The best part for me is to see the joy and laughter a fresh new toy can inspire. It feels great to be make these available to families across the Waikato region,” she says.

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The service now runs out of the CCS Disability Action Waikato branch at 17 Claudelands Road and is available to family of disabled children and youth with a small annual membership fee. For families who live outside Hamilton, Jane can post a new bag of loan toys every month, free of charge.

The catalogue is now available digitally, which means members can select and order their preferred toys online, making them even more available to families.

To check out the library’s catalogue go to https://waikatotoylibrary.setls.com

Access Aware app welcomes Wilsons ParkingThe Access Aware app is designed to allow the reporting of mobility parking abuse in real time to enforcement officers so they can monitor the use and respond to abuse of their parks. You can also use the app to see the locations of known mobility park locations on a map in real time to help you find a park when you need it.

Research suggests that around two-thirds of mobility parking abuse occurs in private parking where, unlike public carparks, enforcement is not mandatory. CCS Disability Action is delighted to welcome private parking provider Wilson Parking as a new partner on the Access Aware app.

“We are thrilled to have Wilson Parking on board”, explains Access Aware Coordinator Raewyn Hailes. “They operate and manage a huge number of high-profile carparks across New Zealand, so their involvement could be a game changer for mobility park users. Most importantly, they are passionate about engaging and enforcing reports so we are excited about the difference that their involvement will bring.”

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Access Aware is now being widely used in Christchurch, Hutt City, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Porirua, Rotorua, Tauranga, Upper Hutt and Wellington with the help of those city councils. While it’s exciting to see the app’s reach extend and the platform’s growing use, for Raewyn this is tempered by the frustration that many people still continue to misuse mobility parks.

“We have seen successes in enforcement, signage and education which has been excellent. Unfortunately, these sit alongside stories of abuse and continued ignorance of the importance of mobility carparks being available for those who need them – so there’s still plenty more work to do,” she explains.

Find out more about the app at www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz/accessaware

New collaboration helps make Youth Week celebrations more inclusiveYouth week, which is held annually in May, is a nationwide festival of events organised by young New Zealanders to celebrate the talents, passion and success of young people.

This year CCS Disability Action’s national youth steering committee and Deaf Aotearoa collaborated with Ara Taiohi, a national organisation that supports organisations and individuals that work with youth.

The relationship was aimed at supporting youth week event organisers to create events that were accessible and inclusive to the needs for disabled young people. “The youth that we work with want to be able to head to the same events in their community as everyone else – and why wouldn’t they! The team at Ara Taiohi were amazing and they totally bought into our vision of seeing disabled youth included alongside their peers,” explains Tyler Ngatai, Youth Services Coordinator.

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With support from CCS Disability Action’s National Disabled Leadership team, the national youth steering group produced an accessible event guide which focussed on practical event planning tips for ensuring disabled people’s needs were considered. This resource was shared with Ara Taiohi’s members.

The opportunity to have a national impact was welcome. “It was an awesome collaboration, and we are really looking forward to continuing our work with them in future. Watch this space,” says Tyler.

Acknowledging long-service to CCS Disability Action

We would like to congratulate and acknowledge the following staff for achieving 20 (plus) years of service with CCS Disability Action. Our organisation and the sector have changed considerably over this time and we are lucky to have dedicated employees throughout this long period of service.

Vivian Naylor – 37 years (Auckland)Hoi Lee – 32 years (Waikato)John Embleton – 30 years (Otago)Robyn Bonhan – 28 years (Auckland)Myra Duggan – 26 years (Southland)Lyn Anthony – 26 years (Christchurch)Stephen McLennan – 26 years(Christchurch)Lyle Palmer – 25 years (National)Lois Tongs – 24 years (Auckland)Jean Wiseman – 24 years (Otago)Losalio (Losa) Cocker – 23 (Auckland)Robert Miedema – 20 years (Greymouth)Susie Ferguson – 22 years (Southland)Shelley Robinson – 22 years (Bay ofPlenty)

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Julie Fosbender – 21 years (Timaru)Jenny Johns – 21 years (Auckland)Alison Goldby – 20 years (Taranaki)BJ Clark – 20 years (National)Jacqui Main – 20 years (Bay of Plenty)Moira Geerkens – 20 years (National)

Ron Wiberg rememberedThe Waikato branch of CCS Disability Action has installed a commemorative plaque to celebrate the tremendous energy, commitment and generosity of the late Ron Wiberg. Ron passed away in late 2020, aged 82. His service was attended by current and former staff and governance members, who acknowledged Ron as a kind, funny man dedicated to making a difference for disabled people.

Ron demonstrated a long-standing commitment to CCS Disability Action at both a local and national level – volunteering in various roles for over forty years. Ron was elected to what was then known as the ‘CCS National Council’ in 1979. After serving as Vice President and Deputy Chairman of the Council, he went on to become National President in 1984, a position in which he served until 1988.

Under his leadership, the Council was restructured to form a smaller ‘Executive Board’ – a structure that still is in place to this day. During his time as President, Ron proved to be a true visionary, instigating and overseeing significant organisational restructuring, which was aimed at ensuring branches could focus on personalised disability support.

As he explained to attendees of the national society’s AGM in 1986: “This service, if it is to be of real value, must be directed at the personal level.” He went on to explain: “A further significant change… is the moving of resources and solutions directly into the hands of people with disabilities and allowing them to determine solutions to meet their needs.

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Accompanying this trend of a shift in resources is the inevitable shift in power. Power over choices and priorities, previously the prerogative of the centralised organisations like ours, are now options which are available to the client.”

He was also active on the Local Board of the Waikato branch, serving as their local President (from 1976 to 1978), on the Local Executive Committee (1972 to 1976) and later as the branch Patron (1991 to 2019). Ron was the driving force behind the establishment of the Waikato office as it stands today. Ron’s commitment was acknowledged with both Branch Life Membership and National Life Membership. Ron is remembered for his extraordinary dedication and support for our organisation and the people we serve.

Are you a survivor of abuse in state or faith-based care?

Hapaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo nga uri whakatupuFoster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independenceand growth for future generations.

If you are a survivor of abuse in care and you would like to tell your story, the Abuse in Care Royal Commission wants to hear from you in whatever way works best for you. They are committed to giving a voice to disabled people who have experienced abuse and neglect in care. They want to learn why and how disabled people came to be in care, what happened to them while they were in care, and the effects on them and their family’s lives.

The Royal Commission began in 2019, hearing from survivors of abuse and neglect in state and faith-based care. Survivors can share their story of abuse with the Royal Commission in a private session with a Commissioner. Private sessions happen in person or can be completed over Zoom. Survivors also have the option of writing their story in a booklet. This is called a

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written account. If you would like literacy support when writing down your experience, that can be arranged.

The Royal Commission has also held public hearings and will continue to do them throughout the lifetime of the Inquiry. Some survivors and witnesses of abuse may be asked to share their story in a public hearing.

It is completely up to you if you want to do this. The Royal Commission will talk to survivors about wellbeing support and ensuring that any other supports needed, such as meeting assistants, NZSL interpreters and venue accessibility, are available.

The Royal Commission has a Community Engagement team that are focusing on ensuring different communities within New Zealand are aware of the Inquiry and able to participate. Team members Loren Savage and Sue Hobbs are working with the disability community. They work to create internal processes for the Royal Commission, as well as promoting the work of the Inquiry throughout the disability sector to ensure disabled people and their whānau are able to engage with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care in a way that is appropriate and accessible to them.

If you would like to find more about the Royal Commission you can contact Loren on loren.savage@abuseincare.org.nz or you can look at the Royal Commission’s website www.abuseincare.org.nz or call 0800 222 727.

Get 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 2255Info@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz

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Level 3 Orbit Systems House, 94 Dixon St, Wellington 6011PO Box 6349, Wellington 6141

www.facebook.com/ccsDisabilityActionwww.twitter.com/ccsDisabilityAwww.ccsDisabilityAction.org.

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