Every movement needs some pathfinders to lead the charge

We need radicalism and Northland's disabled community needs a Tame Iti of their own, says Jonny Wilkinson.

More and more, I feel I need to take more of a stand. IT'S your core values and belief in the power of your own mind that matter in the end. And I believe that the radicals in our society are critical to pushing forward positive change.

The recent headline in the Northern Advocate: 'Protesters turn up the heat on Statoil' grabbed my attention. Protesters Mike Smith and hapu members upended tables at the hui between Statoil (a multi-national Norwegian oil company) and Te Rarawa rununga.

When I read this I couldn't help myself but admire the passion the protesters had about their principles.

I know this behaviour makes people uncomfortable, but there is a place for a radical element in society to take actions further than normal behaviour and make their stance heard. My mind goes back to the '80s, to John Minto who was vilified by much of the New Zealand population. Nowadays we look back on the Springbok tour protest and realise the important role he played in world history and how he contributed to the fight to end apartheid in South Africa.

On Wednesday night, the Police Commissioner gave a heartfelt and emotional apology to the Tuhoe iwi. Tame Iti, another veteran activist, who in years gone by may have stirred up a knee-jerk negative reaction in most Kiwis, is now being admired for his good grace and principled stand in bringing the New Zealand Police to account for the way they abused their power that fateful morning at Urewera.

It's these "radical" people, who stand by their convictions and push the boundaries, who make real social change.

Sometimes I wish that the disability community in New Zealand had some Tame Itis of their own. We seem to be rather passive and leave it to able bodied-led organisations to drive the change on our behalf, which can lead to a focus on fulfilment of their own personal agendas of empire building.

Some readers may ask, "Well, Jonny, why don't you take your own advice?" And quite rightly so. More and more, I feel I need to take more of a stand. That's what we endeavour to do at Tiaho Trust -- strive for social change and promote equality and the value that disabled people bring to our Northland community.

This week I'm sure we were all quite shocked when we heard about Robin Williams ending his own life.

He was arguably the best comic actor of our time and definitely a radical in his perspective on life. He shared this radical outlook with a generosity of spirit.

All the material wealth and fame that went with his talent in the end meant little. Whether for good or bad, it's the power of your own mind that matters most in the end.

What a pity Robin Williams wasn't able to utilise his gifts to uplift his own spirit at the very end. Yet the legacy of the radical remains: nanu nanu.

Jonny Wilkinson is the CEO of Tiaho Trust -- Empowering Communities. A Whangarei-based disability advocacy organisation.