Staying sun-smart under his umbrella is Danny Te-Teira.
ConneXu's choice of a farm scene on the side of its float in this year's Te Awamutu Christmas Parade probably wouldn't be an obvious one for most people.
"However, the paintings illustrate the fact that people ConneXu support are proud of being part of the community, and that many of
them have jobs helping to care for the local environment," says ConneXu chief executive Fern Ryan.
"Having a disability has not held them back from being able to help make Te Awamutu a place rich in both agriculture and horticulture and a beautiful place to live.
"We focus on person-centred support, which is where we encourage people with disabilities to make their own decisions on what they want to do in life.
"Often their goals include being more independent, to have a job, and a desire to be a part of their local community.
