Appendix 1 – The Reference Group

Members of the New Zealand Disability Strategy Reference Group.

Colleen Brown MNZM, from Auckland, brings a families perspective.

Robbie Francis, from Hamilton, brings the perspective of young people and lived experience of disability.

Lance Girling-Butcher QSM, from New Plymouth is a nominated Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) representative. Lance became blind as an adult.

Peggy Koopman-Boyden CNZM, from Hamilton brings an older person’s perspective from research and personal experience.

Clive Lansink, from Auckland, is a nominated DPOs representative. Clive is blind and is a strong advocate for disabled people speaking for themselves.

Victoria Manning (Co-Chair) MNZM, from Wellington is also the Chair of the NZSL Board. Victoria is Deaf and also brings 20 years’ experience in disability policy.

David Matthews, from Christchurch and Wellington, brings a service provider’s perspective.

Papaalii Seiuli Johnny Siaosi, from Auckland, brings a perspective from mental health and addictions consumers, their families and Pasefika communities.

Dr Martin Sullivan QSO, from Palmerston North, brings his perspective as a disabled person.

Hamish Taverner, from Palmerston North, speaks up for the rights of people with learning disabilities. He brings the perspective of lived experience of this disability.

Jonny Wilkinson, from Whangarei, brings the perspective of a person with lived experience of disability.

Gary Williams MNZM, from Christchurch, is a self-employed disability consultant bringing over 40 years of expertise in the disability sector. Gary also brings a perspective of a Māori disabled person.

Government agencies had two representatives on the group. During the development of the Strategy, these representatives were Brian Coffey (Ministry of Education), Kathy Brightwell (Ministry of Health) and Sacha O’Dea (Ministry of Social Development).

Paul Brown from the Office of the Ombudsman was an observer.

Megan McCoy, Director of the Office for Disability Issues, Co-Chaired the reference group meetings.