FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 April 2013

Hui an opportunity for Northland Māori with a disability to have their say

CCS Disability Action’s Northern Region is running two community hui for Māori with a disability to provide a forum for voices that are often marginalised. It’s hoped that the hui, dubbed Karanga Maha, Many Voices, will attract Māori from iwi and hapu across Northland and lead to stronger guidance and presence in disability support services.

The hui are being held from 10am-3pm on Tuesday 7 May and Thursday 9 May at Te Puna o Te Matauranga, Northtec Marae, Raumanga Valley Road, Whangarei. They follow consultation held in Auckland earlier this month.

Jonathan Tautari, head of CCS Disability Action’s Social Policy and Advocacy team, believes the hui are essential to gain stronger insight into the distinct needs of the Northland population.

“Northland has its own distinct set of advantages and challenges for whānau haua Māori. Our smaller communities hold a lot of potential for true community and cultural engagement. There’s a real opportunity for disabled people to take leadership both in their communities, their whānau and in their own lives. But the rural nature of Northland combined with poor infrastructure and a struggling local economy create significant and distinct barriers,” he says.

“For example we had feedback from someone who was late for an appointment with a doctor in Whangarei because of flooding. Despite having travelled some distance at great personal cost they were simply told to make another appointment. For many people it’s not as simple as popping in their car to get to the doctors, especially when the have to attend regular appointments at various agencies. This is just one small example of systems that need to be more flexible and understanding of the challenges people with access issues face,” he says.

The hui are an acknowledgment that the Māori demographic is typically underrepresented in formal disability support and as a result their needs of are often not being fully met by providers, perhaps because their voice is absent.

Recenia Kaka is keen to bridge these cultural barriers but believes the organisation can only do so with guidance from people with direct experience.

“We want to create a space where we can hear the voice of our people and shift the power away from ‘professionals’ and back to the person. I’m hoping whānau will take the time to attend so that we can have a chance to hear their aspirations for their own life. Where are the gaps for them? What’s working well? What would they change? Our aim is to ensure supports are delivered in a way that enhances mana and supports people’s wairua (spirit),” says Mrs Kaka.

The event is open to all and the organisation hopes it will attract people who are currently supported by agencies as well as people who receive no support at all. Support with travel is available. To register or for more information email Recenia.Kaka@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz or phone 09 955 1826 for more information.

ends

© Scoop Media