Tairāwhiti group a voice for disabled people in Gisborne

The Tairāwhiti Voice and Action Group for disabled people in the community is up and running, and held its inaugural hui recently. Photo / Anne-Marie De Bruin

A group of Tairāwhiti people with disabilities, along with whānau and supporters, have started holding hui to share their perspectives on issues affecting them.

Tairāwhiti Voice and Action Group held its first hui recently at Lawson Field Theatre and more are in the works, according to Erica Rutherford, service manager for CCS Disability Action.

Among the issues discussed were Gisborne District Council’s proposed Urban Plan Change 6, streets, footpaths, seating and crossings.

Urban Plan Change 6 is a proposed update to Gisborne’s building zones and urban planning rules. It proposes rezoning most residential properties in the city and introducing new residential zones to allow a wider range of housing types.

Rutherford said the main aims of the Tairāwhiti group were to share local disability perspectives and community needs, amplify the voices of disabled people in the region and drive meaningful action on issues that directly impact the disability community.

The CCS Disability Action website says voice and action groups are part of the organisation’s “commitment to ensuring disabled people have real influence in decisions that affect their lives”.

“These local gatherings are about turning lived experience into community action, while building strong and supportive connections along the way.

“Each voice and action group has the opportunity to share local insights, raise issues and apply for project funding through the CCS Disability Action Head Trust – ensuring their influence shapes our organisation and the wider disability landscape across Aotearoa New Zealand."

Rutherford said future Tairāwhiti group hui would be promoted ahead of time through community networks and the CCS Disability Action Facebook page.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

For more information phone (06)8671249 or 08002272255 or email Tairāwhiti@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz.

Gisborne’s CCS office is at 7 Kahutia St.